Professionals

There’s never been a budget delivered as close to a Federal Election as that presented last night by Treasurer Frydenberg. Credit where its due – the nation is forecast to return a budget surplus for the first time in more than twelve years. The government’s sound economic management has the nation back in the black (with recent help from the strengthening... Read more

Potential reforms are currently being discussed, which, if enacted, could make the mortgage broker channel unsustainable – potentially forcing customers back to the big banks and cutting their access to smaller lenders and credit. Support your broker now. Visit www.brokerbehindyou.com.au

For Australian residents, your home is generally exempt from Capital Gains Tax (CGT) subject to meeting the ATO’s requirements. Australians living abroad have also been able to claim the CGT exemption on the family home. This exemption has been available to foreign residents, so long as the home was rented out for no more than six years at a time.... Read more

If you’re looking for a home loan, one of the first things your lender will ask about is your living expenses. That’s because, under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act, lenders must allow for living costs when deciding how much an applicant can afford to borrow. While some lenders will simply require a rough estimate of your weekly or monthly... Read more

Despite almost 30 years of compulsory super contributions in Australia, reports show women are retiring with 40 percent less superannuation than men. Currently, the average superannuation balance for a man (aged 60 to 64) is $270,710. For a woman of the same age it’s $157,050 – a difference of $113,660. There are several reasons for this. Women Take More Time... Read more

What do Amy Winehouse, Abraham Lincoln, Barry White, and Bob Marley have in common? They all died intestate; meaning they died without leaving a valid Will.   A Will is a legal document that sets out how you want your assets to be distributed when you die. It allows you to make your own choices about your estate and gives... Read more

By Andrew O’Donnell, Director – Edney Ryan Legal In the era of longer life expectancy, marriage, divorce, de-facto relationships and blended families, it is important to be aware of the law around family provisions from estates, both for Willmakers and potential applicants. A Family Provision claim is a legal application by an eligible person for a share (or larger share) of... Read more

By Kate O’Brien, Director – Edney Ryan Wealth Management Australian dwelling values slipped 0.1 per cent lower in May, according to the latest CoreLogic housing market update. The fall marked the eighth consecutive month-on-month fall and took the annual change (-0.4%) into decline for the first time since October 2012. CoreLogic Head of Research, Tim Lawless, said the biggest declines... Read more

I am delighted to announce that Kate O’Brien has been named Hillross Adviser of the Year for 2017. This national award recognises the adviser who has demonstrated the highest  level of professionalism and excellence through client service, advice delivery and implementation. Importantly, client advocacy, undertaken by the Beddoes Institute’s Client Experience Survey was an important part of the judging process, and we thank our... Read more

A legally binding Will must be written on paper and signed by the testator in the presence of two witnesses. These requirements are designed to prevent fraud, undue influence, substitution or mistake, given that the person who creates the document is not available to be questioned when the Will is being executed. However, there are some exceptions, and Courts can... Read more