Retirement is the time to enjoy the fruits of decades of work, whilst ensuring your garden continues to provide for years to come. The art lies not in hoarding every bit of produce, nor in consuming it all at once, but in finding the right balance between present enjoyment and future security. The gardener’s wisdom … Read more
Managing your money doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Suppose you’re in the accumulation phase of life. In that case, whether you’re building your first emergency fund, saving for a home deposit, or growing your super, the 50/30/20 rule offers a straightforward framework that can work with any income level. Understanding the framework The 50/30/20 rule … Read more
Building an emergency fund is one of the most empowering financial decisions you can make. It’s your safety net, your peace of mind, and your buffer against life’s unexpected moments. If you’ve heard conflicting advice about how much to save, you’re not alone. Let’s take a few minutes to explore what makes sense for your … Read more
Margaret’s decision At 62, Margaret stood in her four-bedroom family home in the northern suburbs, surrounded by decades of memories. With her children settled elsewhere and retirement approaching, the house felt too large. When her financial adviser mentioned the downsizer contribution scheme, Margaret discovered an opportunity to transform her property into a tax-efficient retirement strategy. … Read more
When it comes to helping your children or grandchildren get a financial head start in life, there are many options available. However, your generosity could create tax issues down the track. Here are a few ways you could help give your kids a financial head start, preferably without putting your finances at risk. Education If … Read more
Turning 60 is a significant milestone in your superannuation journey, as it can unlock access to your retirement savings in ways not previously available. Understanding these changes can help you make informed decisions about your financial future[1]. Accessing Your Super Without Penalties A common misconception is that you must wait until the Age Pension age … Read more
It was the overwhelming silence that hit Judy, the first time she visited her family home after her mother’s passing. With that thought came the slow, deepening realization that she was going to have to cope with a lot more than the heart-breaking grief. As she sat alone, surrounded by the possessions her mother had … Read more
None of us likes to consider our own mortality. For our older loved ones, it’s an even more confronting topic and difficult to discuss. When Lindsay became ill, his family’s priority was to support him through his treatment and keep him positive and as comfortable as possible. Typical of his generation, Lindsay had always been … Read more
Australian households are the fifth most indebted in the world, according to 2020 data from the OECD. Based on their research, a household with a disposable income of $100,000 has a debt of approximately $203,000. With rapidly rising interest rates and rampant inflation, the cost of living will only continue to escalate. Home loans, credit … Read more
There’s a quote that says, “Money can’t buy you happiness, but it can buy you a yacht big enough to pull up right alongside it”. True if you’ve got that sort of money. For the rest of us, our spending is usually on clothing, gadgets, and cars – the kinds of things that make us … Read more