Australians now owe more on their mortgages than ever before, with the average home loan leaping to $433,000 in June 2014 – a rise of 10% in a year.1 But with just a few easy steps you can take years off your loan and thousands off the interest you pay. If you’re not looking forward…
Gone are the days when you had one job for life – an 18-year old who enters employment this year can expect to have a total of 17 different jobs and five career changes over a working life that spans until age 751. If you’re ready for a career change, here are five things you…
Key points are as follows… · Australian economic growth came in at a stronger than expected 0.9% in the March quarter, but remains subpar on an annual basis at 2.3% and demand remains very weak. · More help is likely required via a lower $A (expect to see $US0.70 by year end) and maybe another…
As the end of financial year approaches, the ATO is once again taking the magnifying glass to our financial affairs, to ensure we’re all paying what we should. With new technology making it easier for the ATO to check data on tax returns against details from banks, employers and government agencies, you need to meet…
Key points are as follows… · In response to pressure from APRA, lenders are starting to tighten lending conditions to property investors. · This is designed to slow property investor lending, particularly into the strong Sydney property market, while at the same time allowing the RBA flexibility to keep interest rates low in order to…
Your self-managed super fund is a powerful investment tool, and a great way of saving for your retirement. But don’t forget that as trustee, with control comes responsibility. And that means it’s up to you to make sure your SMSF is complying with super and tax laws. 1. Give notice If you’re planning to claim…
If you’re looking for a faster way to sort out your tax this end of financial year, there’s good news – technology is taking the headache out of tax time as online options become more accessible. And with the average cost of a tax agent at $371 , it might not just be time you’re…
If you’re looking for ways to boost your retirement income, there’s a simple and smart strategy to get more out of your investments. The returns you’re receiving on your shares could be even higher, by making the most of franking credits. How it works Franking credits are tax credits that a company distributes to its…
Key points are as follows… · The 2015-16 Budget has seen a shift in focus from budget repair towards supporting growth and fairness. · Thanks to another blow to revenue the budget deficit for 2015-16 is now projected to be $35bn (compared to just $17bn in last year’s budget); return to budget balance or surplus…
Key points are as follows… · We have now entered a tougher time of the year for shares & the recent volatility could have further to go. Greece & the Fed are the key risks to keep an eye on. · However, we remain of the view that we are still a long way from…