You may have heard of investment platforms (or master trusts or wrap accounts, which are two types of investment platforms). An investment platform is an administrative system for your investments. Platforms offer a range of investments and services, all in the one place. They consolidate reporting, transactions, tax information and portfolio management into a single…
A reshaping of Australia’s financial landscape is underway, driven in large part by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority’s (APRA) 2024 mandate to phase out bank hybrids by 2032. For decades, hybrids have been a cornerstone of Private Wealth client’s investment portfolios, offering a combination of yield, accessibility and franking benefits. As this market winds down,…
Share markets are renowned for taking unexpected downturns and while history shows that markets eventually recover, this rebound in value can occasionally take time. Investors concerned about this risk might consider a stronger focus on income generating investments. These can range from those that have no potential to lose capital value to ones with a…
Inflation is a slow force working against your financial goals. It can quietly erode the purchasing power of your money over time. While it’s tempting to see cash as a safe haven, failing to factor in inflation could mean your savings are worth less when you need them most. So, let’s dive into the showdown…
Your super may be one of the biggest assets you’ll ever own – and for most of your working life, it works away in the background to grow your retirement savings. Annual statements represent a moment in time each year when every super fund provides their members with a complete picture of how their money…
You earn more money; you pay more tax. So far, so fair. But what’s not so fair happens when your wage rise bumps your earnings into a higher tax bracket, even though your pay increase may only be in line with inflation. This is known as ‘bracket creep’ and the combination of inflation and a…
What’s actually changing and who it affects Known to some as the ‘$3 million super tax’, new legislation effective from 1 July 2026 will add an extra 15% tax on earnings attributable to the part of a member’s Total Super Balance (TSB) above $3 million, plus a further 10% (totalling 25% extra) on the portion…
Investment Scams Investment opportunities that seem too good to be true, probably are. If you’re approached via unsolicited emails or calls from an investment company or financial adviser, it’s crucial that you complete some checks before you hand over any personal details. Check if the financial organisation is registered with ASIC on the MoneySmart website.…
While there are benefits in establishing an SMSF, running your own fund is complex and there are many things you have to consider, including: your investment strategy – setting it and sticking to it the administration of your fund – completing all the paperwork correctly and on time compliance with super and other laws –…
What are super fund fees? Super fund fees are the costs charged to manage your account and the investments your money is held in. They can cover running your account, managing investment options, processing transactions and providing services like insurance or advice. Some fees are deducted directly from your balance, while others are taken out…