Make sure you don’t lose out on your age pension entitlements. After a lifetime of hard work, it’s important you maximise your entitlements in retirement. So you need to structure your finances carefully to make sure you don’t lose your age pension. After all, you’ve earned it.Here are some common traps to be aware of. … Read more
Interest rates are an important financial lever for world economies. They affect the cost of borrowing and the return on savings, and it makes them an integral part of the return on many investments. It can also affect the value of the currency, which has a further trickle-down effect on other investments. So, when rates … Read more
The rising cost of living is grabbing all the attention right now as people struggle to pay the increasing prices. But in the meantime, our collective wealth has been growing steadily and is being transferred to the next generation at increasing rates. In fact, the value of inheritances as well as gifts to family and … Read more
If you’re a first home buyer, you may be eligible to withdraw voluntary super contributions you’ve made (plus earnings) to put towards a home deposit. Through the First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS), first-home buyers may be able to use Australia’s superannuation system as a tax-effective way to save for part of their home deposit. … Read more
There’s a common misperception that in order to start investing, you need a large initial sum and lots of time. Here’s why that’s a myth. Investing can seem like a daunting task, particularly for those who think they lack the time and resources to start. A study has found that many Australian investors think they … Read more
Before you retire If you’re planning to retire, you need to consider: your age including if you have reached your preservation age when you can access your super how much tax you will pay on amounts you receive if good leaver conditions apply if you are part of an Employee Share Scheme if the retirement capital … Read more
As your working life draws to a close, your social life and recreational activities don’t have to. If you’re a little anxious about money still owing, here are a few pointers. Ahh retirement! You may have been dreaming about it for decades. You visualise yourself putting away your uniform, high-vis or corporate gear, farewelling that … Read more
If you need help in your home, or can no longer live independently, the Australian Government provides a range of aged care services. These services are subsidised, but you need to contribute to the cost if you can afford to. Where to start The first thing to do is think about what you need. You … Read more
How much tax you pay on your super contributions and withdrawals depends on: your total super amount your age the type of contribution or withdrawal you make If you inherit someone’s super after they die, the person’s super fund pays you a super death benefit. You may have to pay tax on some of this … Read more
Why the worry? What’s the risk? And what would it mean for investors? Dr Shane Oliver – Head of Investment Strategy and Chief Economist, AMP Introduction The past few weeks have seen lots of talk again about a recession – particularly in Australia. This has been a recurring theme over the last year or so … Read more
Dr Shane Oliver – Head of Investment Strategy and Chief Economist, AMP Introduction From their lows last year, global and US shares are up 17% and Australian shares are up 13% as investors have been buoyed by evidence of peaking inflation, anticipation that central banks are near the top, resilient growth and profits and enthusiasm … Read more
– rising prosperity (and smashed avocado) versus housing affordability Dr Shane Oliver – Head of Investment Strategy and Chief Economist, AMP Australia’s property fascination Australians have long had a fascination with property. It’s evident in waves of speculative booms and busts that periodically grip our cities. For example, this was observed over four decades ago … Read more
