The National Commission of Audit report (released 1 May 2014) contains 86 recommendations aimed at saving the budget up to $70 billion annually. The key recommendations affecting financial planning strategies are outlined below. Note: these are proposals only and may not be in the Budget or passed into law. Superannuation Superannuation preservation age •• Preservation…
Investing can be scary and confusing at times. But the basic principles of successful investing are timeless and quotes from some experts help illuminate these. This note looks at those at which Dr Shane Oliver finds most insightful. Read More about great investment quotes
Budget Highlights Introducing a Temporary Budget Repair Levy on incomes over $180,000 for the three years from 2014‑15. Requiring young people to be earning, learning or participating in Work for the Dole Tightening the eligibility for Family Tax Benefit Part B (FTB-B). Low income single parents will be assisted with a new allowance of $750…
Oliver’s Insights: Common myths and mistakes of investing Key points are as follows… Investors frequently employ common sense rules of thumb that often turn out to be wrong. Because investment markets are forward looking it often makes sense to turn common sense logic on its head. Download the Report
Key points are as follows… The situation in Ukraine could get worse before it gets better and so it remains a threat for investors to keep an eye on in the short term. Ultimately, it poses a greater threat to the Russian economy than to European and global growth. While uncertainty regarding Ukrainian tensions could…
PROTECTING YOUR INCOME, YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR FUTURE Our society has become used to everything being “quick and easy”. Unfortunately, that can also apply to the process of insuring your income and your financial well being. Many people that have taken insurance via on-line or telephone sales people have unfortunately found that they were not…
Australian Super has increased its premium rates again in 2014. The Total increase in GSC premium in last 2 years is 119%, which is more than double. Also the Death & TPD insurance premium has increased by 85% in last 2 years. From 29 March 2014 the cost of insurance cover for most Australian Super…
Key points are as follows… For periods of time it may pay to back the crowd in investing, eg, when a bull or bear market is developing. But at extremes the crowd is invariably wrong. Eventually everyone who wants to buy will have done so and the only way is down (or vice versa during…
Key points: The rising tide in favour of the $A has well and truly reversed with further downside likely in the years ahead, particularly against the $US and Euro. The commodity price boom has faded in response to a moderation in Chinese growth as commodity supply increases, the US is slowing its quantitative easing program…
Today TAL has announced Changes in the Premium Rates and TAL Super Tax Rebate Premium rate changes effective today This update sees both premium rate decreases and increases, depending on cover type and applicant demographic, and is the first time TAL changed premium rates for new business since October 2010. Overall, Life insurance and Total…