Pragmatism and fairness rule Key points – The 2017-18 Budget has a welcome focus on housing affordability and infrastructure. – Subdued wages growth is keeping revenue collection down contributing to a slight deterioration in near term deficit projections (a deficit of $29.4bn for 2017-18) but a return to surplus is still projected for 2020-21. – […]
– Bank mortgage rates, home prices and implications for investors Key points – The RBA has left interest rates on hold. The arguments to cut or hike rates are evenly balanced and we can’t see an official rate hike until second half 2018. – For the RBA to hike rates just to slow the Sydney […]
Automate the boring things Set up direct debits so your bills are paid on time without having to remember all the due dates. And if your credit card is weighing you down, set up a regular payment and pay the full amount each month if you can to avoid more interest. Or at least pay […]
Five tax deductions to know about
You’re probably well aware you can claim a tax deduction for general work-related expenses. But did you know you may be able to claim if: 1. You take a course or study. You may be able to claim a portion of self-education expenses if it’s related to your ability to earn an income. 2. You […]
The types of debt we have largely depends on our age and stage in life. For most of us, having debt in some form or another is an inescapable fact of life. And despite its reputation, debt is not necessarily a dirty word. If managed well, it can be a powerful tool to build wealth, […]
Why goals succeed where resolutions fail
By now school, work and daily routines may be ruling your week once again. And if you made any resolutions over the holiday season, chances are you’re probably slipping back into your old ways. Don’t worry. Researchi has proven resolutions rarely work. Mainly because resolutions tend to expect us to change habits we’ve built over […]
What financial records do I need to keep?
Ever feel like you’re drowning in a sea of paper? Tame the paperwork today and reap the rewards tomorrow. Life can be complicated enough without all the administrative paperwork that often accompanies it. This is particularly true when it comes to your personal finances. If stacks of old bank statements, utility bills, receipts, insurance and […]
Make the most of the current super caps
Consider John and Jane’s story before new rules limit your super contributions and pension transfer options. John’s aged 65 and Jane is 60—they’re both about to retire. John has super assets totalling $2 million and Jane’s super balance is $300,000. Because neither has made a non-concessional contribution (NCC) recently, the three-year bring-forward rule hasn’t yet […]
Is Donald Trump’s honeymoon with investors over?
Key points – Donald Trump’s presidency comes with greater than normal risks. But his policy announcements should improve in quality over time and pragmatic pro-growth policies are likely to ultimately dominate populist policies. – However, the Trump honeymoon with investors is likely over with a short term period of correction/volatility likely to continue in shares, […]
The door is closing on super’s current caps
New laws will limit the amount that goes into super. Are you prepared for the changes? Following last year’s Federal Budget, new superannuation rules will take effect on 1 July this year. After 1 July, the amount of after-tax contributions you’ll be allowed to make to super will be limited and your super balance will […]