Your approach to superannuation is likely to change as you near retirement. And while your own personal circumstances may influence how you approach super in your 60s, there are still a number of ways to give it a boost before you retire. Everybody has a different retirement in mind. Some want to travel the world…
Fake caller ID (also called caller ID spoofing) is a common technique that scammers can use to disguise their real phone number. It’s one of the ways they may try to impersonate your bank, super fund or a government agency, such as the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Australians lost almost $18 million to text…
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.…