An Introduction to Sustainable Investing
Written by Kate O'Brien, Managing Director - Edney Ryan Wealth ManagementSustainable investing has become a major focus for investors globally, with a third of all investable assets predicted to be managed with this approach by 2025. Environmental, Social & Governance Otherwise known as ESG investing, sustainable investing is the practice of considering environmental policies, social implications and corporate governance in addition to the traditional financial and operational metrics, when making... Read more
Cybercrime Surges: How to Protect your Business
Written by Andrew O'Donnell, Director - Edney Ryan LegalDuring the pandemic, businesses, schools and families turned to the internet to communicate and access services required for daily life. Unfortunately, cybercriminals have used this opportunity, with the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) receiving over 67,500 cybercrime reports last financial year, a significant increase on the prior year. The increased frequency of crimes was also associated with increased complexity and... Read more
Fixed vs. Variable. Is it Time to Reassess?
Written by Tricia Williams, Manager - Edney Ryan Mortgage & FinanceFollowing years of ultra-low interest rates, discussion is rising amongst economists about a sooner-than-expected interest rate rise. The Reserve Bank of Australia has indicated that if economic recovery continues faster than expected, then the timing of interest rate rises would be brought forward from the RBA’s previous suggestion of 2024. Which raises the question, for the six million home loans... Read more
Additional Covid-19 Support Measures for 2022
Written by Evelyn Christian, Director - Edney Ryan Chartered AccountantsThe NSW Government recently announced additional programs to support businesses following the Omicron wave. The following measures have been introduced/expanded. The 2022 Small Business Support Program For businesses with a turnover of $75,000 – $50 million that experienced a minimum 40% decline in turnover due to the impacts of Covid in January 2022 (compared to January 2021 or 2020) and... Read more
2021 Federal Budget Superannuation Legislation Passed
Written by Kate O'Brien, Managing Director - Edney Ryan Wealth ManagementLegislation has finally been passed to give effect to the key superannuation changes proposed in the 2021 Federal Budget. The legislated changes include: Removal of the work-test requirement for non-concessional contributions and salary sacrifice contributions, for individuals aged between 67 and 75. Extending eligibility to make non-concessional contributions under the bring-forward rule to individuals aged under 75 at the beginning... Read more
Foreign Person Surcharge on Residential Property Purchases
Written by Andrew O'Donnell, Director - Edney Ryan LegalIf you are classified as a foreign person and purchase residential property in NSW, you will have to pay an eight percent surcharge on the value of the property. This is in addition to any applicable stamp duty. It is important to note that you are generally classified as a foreign person, unless: You are an Australian citizen, or You... Read more
Legal Matters for Older Australians: Plan Ahead to Protect Your Rights
Written by Andrew O'Donnell, Director - Edney Ryan LegalIt is estimated that 185,000 older people in Australia experience some form of abuse or neglect each year. Abuse of older people can happen both inside and outside the home. It can also involve those who we love and trust. It can be challenging to identify abuse, as there is no single type of older person who is at risk,... Read more
Deferring Loan Repayments and Other Relief
Written by Tricia Williams, Manager - Edney Ryan Mortgage and FinanceBanks have outlined how they are supporting those affected by the coronavirus pandemic and its economic impacts. All members of the Australian Banking Association (ABA) will suspend principal and interest loan repayments for distressed small-business customers for six months. All four major banks (CBA, NAB, ANZ and Westpac) will also extend this to distressed home loan customers, enabling them to... Read more
Powers of Attorney for Peace of Mind
Written by Andrew O'Donnell, Director - Edney Ryan LegalMany people in the coming months will need to be in self-isolation, quarantine or potentially receiving treatment. This separation will make it harder for practical matters to be managed. There will be times that may need people to be formally authorised to make decisions for you. Having a power of attorney in place is the best way to be prepared... Read more
Coronavirus Related Superannuation Changes
Written by Kate O'Brien, Managing Director - Edney Ryan Wealth ManagementTwo measures announced in the Government’s stimulus package are changes related to superannuation. Superannuation Pension Streams Reduced The Government is temporarily reducing superannuation minimum drawdown requirements for account-based pensions and similar products. This is of benefit to retirees holding these products, by reducing the need to sell investment assets to fund minimum drawdown requirements. The minimum annual amount that you’re... Read more