When deciding whether to pay off a mortgage or contribute to superannuation, especially for a high-income earner like yourself (earning over $150,000 per annum), there are several factors to consider. Each option has its own set of advantages and disadvantages depending on your financialsituation, goals, and preferences. Below is a comparison to help you weigh […]

As a financial planner, one common concern many clients have is deciding when and how to transferwealth to their children. While leaving an inheritance in your will is a traditional approach, someprefer to gift money while still alive. This strategy can offer several benefits but also carriespotential risks. Below, we’ll explore the key advantages and […]

Investing in property through a Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) has become a popularstrategy among Australians seeking to build wealth for retirement. However, while the prospect of owning property within your super fund might seem like a golden opportunity, it comes with significant risks, complexities, and compliance challenges that investors often overlook. This article will delve […]

Planning for retirement is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make, especially if you are between the ages of 40 and 70. With various options available, it’s crucial to understand the pros and cons of each to ensure your retirement income meets your needs. This article will explore three popular choices for Australians: […]

Choosing the right school for your children is a practical yet complex decision, with public, Catholic, andprivate schools, each presenting advantages. When discussing school fees, it’s essential to recognise that they go beyond tuition fees and can covercosts, including extracurricular activities, facility improvements, excursions, uniforms, and stationery. Additional costs may arise if your child participates […]

The debate between playing it safe and taking calculated risks continues in the world of investments. Butcan you afford to be overly conservative over the long term, or is there value in embracing calculatedrisks? The Appeal of Conservative Investments Opting for safe investments like bonds, cash and term deposits, provides a sense of security, especiallyduring […]

It has been well documented that the increase in interest rates is adversely affecting our standard of living. This negative influence is also exacerbated by the rise in monthly mortgage repayments exceeding our wage growth rate.   The following represent four strategies that you should consider to reduce your mortgage liability.  1. Change from monthly repayments […]

If so, be mindful that you are one of the A.T.O.’s audit targets this year.  The A.T.O. claim that 90% of landlords get their income tax returns wrong.   Common errors to be aware of include:   1. Rental Income. The ATO is concerned that the rent received declared in this year’s tax return will be ‘cut […]

Working-from-home deductions are an audit target by the A.T.O. this financial year.   The A.T.O. appears concerned that taxpayers claiming their work-from-home tax deduction will simply copy and paste their claim for this year from their previous tax returns.   The A.T.O. surmises that taxpayers’ overall deductions for working from home should be reduced,  principally because the […]

Are you considering starting a family sometime soon? As we all know, having a child costs money. Planning for the birth and the future ongoing cost of the family is imperative. The problem with preparing a family budget is that we are unfamiliar with the additional and ongoing costs. In this article, I plan to […]