Share market returns are a major driver of our superannuation and other investments. When shares do well super account values rise, when they do poorly values fall. The All-Ordinaries Index of Australian shares hit a new record closing high above 8,300 points on 17th...

Twelve-month bank term deposits now offer around five per cent interest. Some on-call accounts pay four per cent or better. The last time rates were this high was in 2011. These rates appear quite attractive for people with lump sums available to invest for longer...

While finalising staff payment records to the ATO for the last financial year it stuck me how much of people’s pay goes in tax. People on typical incomes pay around one fifth of their income in tax. For those earning a little more, tax increases to a quarter of...

A new financial year usually brings changes to tax, superannuation and Centrelink rules. That’s true again this new year. There are income tax cuts for all, in the form of the Stage 3 tax cuts legislated several years ago, but then recently reduced for higher earners...

Over recent years some public policymakers have said retirees underspend in retirement. Studies have shown many people still have most of their superannuation and investments when they pass away. They have not run their savings down living well. In order to get...

With only a week to go until the end of the financial year it’s now time to check all those last-minute tax saving actions have been completed. Whether its super contributions, pre-paying expenses such as investment loan interest, or donations, there are many...

What is the best long-term investment for medium to large sums of money? There is no simple answer to that question because it depends on each person’s individual circumstances. However, superannuation has to be one of the best options for many people, because it is...

There is little alternative for young people to acquire the things they need than borrowing – for a car, household appliances, and in time a home. They then aim to pay those debts off and usually try to avoid or minimise further borrowing. That isn’t always smart....

It’s the time of year when there is plenty in the financial press about ways to save money with superannuation before the end of June. One group of people who should be paying attention but may not be, are intending first home buyers. The First Home Super Saver Scheme...