Home and away with super
Home and away with super Australians buying their first home or downsizing in retirement are about to receive a helping hand thanks to new superannuation rules which come into effect on July 1. From that date, first home buyers will be able to contribute up to $30,000 into their super fund towards a home deposit while downsizers can put up […]
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It’s time to talk about debt
It’s time to talk about debt Debt in Australian households are among the highest in the world and rising, thanks largely to worsening housing affordability and plentiful consumer credit. So how do we measure up and should we be worried? Most global comparisons measure total household debt as a percentage of net income. At last count, Australia’s household debt to income […]
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Franking credits facing the chop
Franking credits facing the chop Here we go again. Superannuation could be about to undergo more change with the federal opposition announcing it will end cash refunds of franking credits on share dividends if it wins the next election. The change would have a significant impact on people paying little or no tax, especially self-funded retirees in pension phase. Seniors […]
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Transition to retirement still a smart move
Transition to retirement still a smart move They say 60 is the new 40. And while it’s true that today’s over-50s are healthy and active for longer than previous generations, many in this position begin to dream about scaling back their work commitments so they can start ticking off their bucket list.  You may want the flexibility to travel more, volunteer or […]
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Retirement and the impact of home ownership
Retirement and the impact of home ownership Owning your own home has long been the Australian dream but after years of strong house price growth it’s becoming less of a reality for many. This has major implications for retirement planning. The major factor behind the shifting approach to home ownership is the prohibitive price of property, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne. As […]
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