Families

Each year it is fascinating to observe how the Budget is received. Most commentators subjectively assess the Treasurer’s efforts by how they, or their interest group, is expected to be impacted. But is it possible to assess a budget more objectively? According to the stock market and rating agencies the Treasurer has done a reasonably good job. The ASX is... Read more

Low bank valuations are a real risk, particularly for buyers with smaller deposits, and especially in a booming market. Consider the following scenario. Hollie and Sam are preparing to buy a new home in their popular suburb. The house they want is for auction, and they expect it will sell for around $1.8 million. They’ve saved enough for a 20%... Read more

There has been an increase in demand for investment bonds in Australia as clients are seeking tax-effective strategies besides superannuation and corporate structures. An investment bond (or insurance bond) is an efficient long-term savings vehicle which operates similarly to a managed fund, where investors can choose from a range of investment options to suit their risk appetite and objectives, but... Read more

Despite an increasing number of women participating in the workforce, there are still significant differences between men and women in terms of superannuation balances at retirement – the so called gender retirement savings gap. As superannuation contributions are largely linked to employment or business income, those who have lower income, work part-time, or have time out of the workforce, will... Read more

A builder must take out job-specific insurance for home building work valued over $20,000, under the Home Building Compensation Fund (previously known as Home Warranty Insurance). If you are a home owner, check that a valid insurance certificate has been obtained for the work you want done. Do this before work starts and before paying any money. Without it, you... Read more

New rules will apply to sellers of certain taxable Australian property under contracts entered into from 1 July 2016. The new legislation imposes a 10% non-final withholding obligation on the purchaser of certain taxable Australian assets when they believe the vendor is a foreign resident. Purchasers will be required to pay 10% of the purchase price to the ATO which... Read more

Under ordinary circumstances the sale of a property that you purchased after 20 September 1985 would attract Capital Gains Tax (CGT). Any gain made on the sale is included in your assessable income in that financial year.  The gain from the sale of a CGT asset can be reduced by 50% when you have held the asset for more than... Read more

There is some speculation that the Turnbull government will consider some tax reform for superannuation. Whilst we wait to see what super changes actually occur in the coming months or years, it is important to remain confident in the tax advantages of investing your wealth in the superannuation environment. Helping our clients plan for the future every day, we are... Read more

When you have found the right property and need a deposit to secure the purchase, a deposit guarantee may assist buyers whose funds are currently tied up. A deposit guarantee is a substitute for the cash deposit. The deposit guarantee is issued by a guarantor, for a fee based on its value and duration of cover. At the time of... Read more

Retirement villages can provide an appealing self-contained environment, physically and socially geared to the needs of retired people. It has been said that ‘retirement villages are not a financial investment, but rather an investment in a lifestyle’. There are certainly costs of a retirement village lifestyle and it is vital to be fully informed. Retirement village contracts are diverse, with... Read more