Financial Planning

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Sowing the seeds of succession Succession planning can be difficult at the best of times without dealing with the added pressures farmers have recently faced with droughts, fires and floods. Read more
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Tax offset v tax deduction: What’s the difference? This year’s Federal Budget was full of talk about one-off support for households in the form of tax offsets, but most people are a bit hazy on the difference between a tax offset and a tax deduction. Read more
Long empty road ahead
The road ahead for shares Trying to time investment markets is difficult if not impossible at the best of times, let alone now. The war in Ukraine, rising inflation and interest rates and an upcoming federal election have all added to market uncertainty and volatility. Read more
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Budgeting for success in 4 easy steps With all eyes on the Federal Budget and balancing the nation’s books, it’s a good time to review your personal balance sheet. If it’s not as healthy as you would like, perhaps it’s time to do a little budget repair of your own. Read more
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Going guarantor on a loan If you guarantee a loan for a family member or friend, you're known as the guarantor. You are responsible for paying back the entire loan if the borrower can't.

If a lender doesn't want to lend money to someone on their own, the lender can ask for a guarantee.

Before you agree to be a guarantor, think carefully about your own finances. Make sure you understand the loan contract and know the risks.

If you're feeling pressured or unsure about a financial decision, speak to a financial counsellor. It's free and confidential. Read more