Understanding CGT when you inherit
Receiving an inheritance is always welcome, but people often forget the tax man will take a keen interest in their good fortune.
Is your super fund balanced?
The recent sell-off on global sharemarkets due to the economic impact of COVID-19 has highlighted the risks of depending too heavily on a single asset class. Even before the current crisis, the ATO was concerned about a minority of self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) with up to 90 per cent of their money in a single asset class.
The ins and outs of SMSF property investing
With a property market recovery underway, most notably in Sydney and Melbourne, Australian investors are once again pursuing their love affair with property investing.
For many investors, a popular way to invest directly in residential or commercial property is through their self-managed super fund (SMSF). In fact, ATO statistics show property is the third most popular asset class in SMSF portfolios.
How to spot a scam
Con artists make entertaining subjects for Hollywood scriptwriters (think The Wolf of Wall Street, Ocean’s Eleven and Catch Me If You Can), but there’s nothing enjoyable about being conned and fleeced in real life.
Making the most of falling interest rates
The Reserve Bank’s decision to cut official interest rates is good news for anyone with a mortgage or hoping to buy their first home, but presents a challenge for savers. Whatever your personal situation, the question now is how to make the most of falling rates.
Investing in time pays major dividends
Time is our most valuable and finite resource. But often in this age of buzzing devices and communication overload we can feel like we just don’t have enough of it. Like a hamster running around a wheel, we end up feeling simultaneously burnt out while going nowhere.
Tax and your website: What can you claim?
Most small businesses and independent contractors have a website these days. If you are planning to launch a new website or refreshing an existing one, it’s important to understand the tax implications. As with all things tax, it’s not always easy.
Small financial steps add up
Sometimes, when thinking about your long-term financial goals, they can seem so big as to be insurmountable. But the truth is, those that achieve financial success don’t usually do so by encountering a sudden windfall. Rather, they have in place a set of small habits that allow them to work towards their dreams. And by investing small amounts over the long-term, they see big outcomes.
Financial rules to live by in 2019
Australia has enjoyed almost three decades of economic sunshine. But it’s worth remembering that dark clouds can appear without warning over both individuals and economies.
You may have little control over being caught up in a round of redundancies or experiencing the fallout of an international trade war. But you can choose to manage your finances in a way that lets you keep your head above water come what may.
Is your dream retirement in reach?
Planning your dream retirement can be an exciting time. The chance to travel overseas or around Australia without having to rush back to work, time to pursue new hobbies, learn a language or spend time with the grandkids. The possibilities are endless, but what will it cost?