Unless you are handing out mountains of cash, a federal budget is rarely popular. Even the term “budget” is distasteful to many Australians who generally avoid running one with their own household finances. So it’s little wonder when one appears each year that we have no control over, we’re a little uncomfortable. The recent federal […]
While many parents bear the brunt of their brood’s finances, it’s a good idea to consider making household saving a family affair by involving kids in the process. You eat together, play together and live under the same roof – so why not save together? With the cost of living on the rise, many Australian […]
Australian families are changing shape with the number of blended and step-families on the rise, bringing with it new financial challenges for today’s modern family. The latest AMP.NATSEM Income and Wealth Report, Modern Family, reveals that blended and step-families in Australia now make up nearly twice the share of families they had in the 1980s^. […]
Did you know October is internationally known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with the month’s activities culminating in Pink Ribbon Day next Monday. This is a timely opportunity to discuss this significant health issue, and importantly, review your insurances to help ensure financial protection is in place for those impacted. The facts • One in […]
With the arrival of the warmer weather, many people’s thoughts turn to spring-cleaning. Instead of just clearing out the cupboards and washing the windows, why not spring clean your finances and save money at the same time? That way you’re not only dusting away the cobwebs, but also improving your bottom line. Here are six […]
What are the implications for a claimant upon receiving a Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) benefit paid from superannuation? One of these is the potential for a tax liability when the benefit is paid as a lump sum. Why TPD in super Premium affordability is often the key motivator that attracts individuals to place their […]
Family trusts are still an attractive approach for those looking to build wealth in a tax-effective investment vehicle other than superannuation, despite the ongoing changes to the rules governing such trusts. Over the last few years, investors have been wary of family trusts on the basis of negative reports or uncertainty around tax treatment, but […]
In the early years of family life when couples are faced with juggling work with child care for their young children, the decision whether or not both parents should work – and just how many hours they work – can be a difficult one. According to the latest AMP.NATSEM Income and Wealth report, ‘Cost of […]
Bring back the healthy Aussie What happened to the iconic fit, athletic Aussie? With obesity rates increasing at a faster rate than any other advanced nation over the last 20 years, the average Aussie has become overweight or obese. Recent figures show one in two Australians are overweight and if this trend continues, by 2020, […]
