With the current volatility in global markets i.e. US taper, economic uncertainty coming out of the Ukraine, European interest rates dropping below zero to stimulate growth, continued media hype of a China slowdown, Iron Ore price concerns, Australians working out how to deal with the Budget changes (if passed) etc etc, many investors, both young and old, seem to be making nervous decisions. In some cases, and probably worse still, many are simply NOT making any decisions, remaining in low interest cash investments - retreating to the sidelines if you like and are merely watching and taking no action.

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The Treasurer Joe Hockey delivered his first budget speech last night, containing few surprises. The Budget measures announced include increased ‘taxes’ in the form of a temporary levy for high income earners, tighter welfare rules, and wider cuts to education and spending.

This article is a summary of key announcements that you may affect you from a financial advice perspective.

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Although the year didn’t start particularly well with most equity markets falling in January, the strong recovery over the remainder of the March quarter off the back of positive business results and economic data provides encouraging signs for the year ahead.

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Research shows that an alarming number of Australians don’t have personal insurance cover; and those that do simply don’t have enough. There is a lack of education in this area and often a false sense of security as individuals ‘think’ they are protected by certain means (e.g. private health cover, insurance in super etc.) but in reality, there is a significant gap between the protection they have and the protection they need. Often the realisation of this gap occurs when it’s too late, causing havoc to the individual and their family.

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Purchasing a property is, for most people, the biggest financial transaction in their lives. Interesting then, that the required process of conveyancing is often viewed as a chore or a nuisance rather than a key aspect in risk management. Financial Keys has asked O’Neill Partners solicitors, specialists in Conveyancing, to give us an overview of the tension between risk and cost in the Conveyancing process.

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No one sets out to be made redundant. However, the fact of working life today is that many will face this prospect over their working career. For many there is also the loss of employee benefits such as employer funded insurances and employee share schemes – sometimes these aspects are forgotten in the planning process!

A redundancy payment can provide a financial windfall for some, BUT it can also create complex tax situations for many. It is important that you consider all aspects of a redundancy to enable you to navigate a course which is suited to your situation, BEFORE making any final decisions which cannot be undone.

For many Qantas staff, the news that the executive is looking to cut up to 5,000 jobs may well leave you feeling confused and disillusioned. Try to make the most of this time and ensure that you maximise your payments and that you use the current legislation to the best of your ability.

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In July 2013 we reported to you changes to superannuation and in particular, changes to superannuation contribution caps.

The Australian Taxation Office has recently released the latest Superannuation Thresholds which will now apply for the 2014/15 financial year, i.e. starting from 1 July 2014.

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There are a number of phases in life, and for many your thirties and forties is a period categorised by increased personal and financial responsibility, it’s when LIFE happens.

If you are in this age group (let’s call people in this group the ‘accumulators’), you may find yourself flat out with work and family commitments.  It is during this time that you’re likely to have your largest amount of debt and therefore be at your most vulnerable. In a family situation there is often one bread winner, and the family are heavily reliant on that one income, but also on the unpaid work of the stay at home parent.

With the constant barrage of mortgage repayments, childcare fees, school fees, car insurance, holiday costs, the cost of day to day essentials, who has the time, money or attention to devote to anything else?

Sound familiar?

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The December quarter has been another topsy turvy one, thankfully finishing on a high. As we’ve now moved into the New Year it is pleasing to see that this past quarter has capped off one of the best years for investment performance of equity markets in Australia and around the world.

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Self-Managed Super Funds (“SMSFs”) investing into direct property is nothing new. Although there have been changes to the ways in which SMSFs can use leveraging to now purchase direct property associated with an SMSF, property as an investment inside a superannuation fund has been a popular choice.

The question is, is this a wise investment for an SMSF?  Furthermore, if you are considering leverage, is the SMSF structure the best option or is the SMSF’s preserved capital merely being used to avail the Australian dream of property ownership?    

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As 2013 draws to a close it’s great to look back at the achievements of the year.

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Australia’s Reserve Bank (RBA) cut the official interest rate in August by 0.25% to 2.50%, the lowest level in over 50 years. The major banks have predominantly passed on this cut by reducing their mortgage rates for home owners. This article will examine why is it that rates have fallen as far as they have, what is the outlook for interest rates in Australia, and finally what people with home loans should be doing to take advantage of the current low-rate environment.

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When putting together your investment strategy, it’s helpful to keep in mind the age-old saying that “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts”. Investment portfolios that are invested in a number of asset classes work together to even out performance in both bull and bear markets, taking into account your risk tolerance and time horizon.

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The past few months have been particularly eventful with global politics and monetary policy having their effect on investment markets. Recently, we have witnessed a new Australian Government, President Obama considering a military strike on Syria and most notably the US Federal Reserve (Fed) surprise with its decision ‘not’ to taper its quantitative easing program. China and Japan continue to have a number of issues to contend with, heavily impacted by government decision; and at last Europe has pulled itself out of recession.

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No one sets out to be made redundant. However, the fact of working life today is that many will face this prospect over their working career. For many there is also the loss of employee benefits such as employer funded insurances and employee share schemes – sometimes these aspects are forgotten in the planning process!

A redundancy payment can provide a financial windfall for some, BUT it can also create complex tax situations for many. It is important that you consider all aspects of a redundancy to enable you to navigate a course which is suited to your situation, BEFORE making any final decisions which cannot be undone.

Read More »