The Maximum Permissible Interest Rate (MPIR) will increase to 8.51% p.a. from 1 October 2026. The MPIR is increasing from 8.43% p.a. for the July to September 2026 quarter to 8.51% p.a. for the period 1 October to 31 December 2026. The MPIR is used when calculating certain residential aged care accommodation payments and contributions. The Australian Government publishes the current and previous rates through the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Who will the
Read moreAuthor: Mark Holzworth
Effective from 20 September 2026The Australian Government has announced an increase to the deeming rates used to assess income from financial investments.From 20 September 2026 to 19 March 2027, the deeming rates will increase by 0.5 percentage points.New Deeming Rates Person / Couple Asset Threshold Deeming Rate Single person First $66,800 1.75% Above $66,800 3.75% Couple (combined) First $110,600 1.75% Above $110,600 3.75% What Could This Mean for You?The increase may affect the assessment of
Read moreWhen the time comes for you or a loved one to move into residential aged care, choosing the right service is an important decision. Availability and urgency can sometimes limit your choices and the pressure can be overwhelming, so having a simple process can help. Think about the decision much like choosing a home and consider these four key steps: 1. Choose the Location Consider where you would like to live and what is important
Read moreChoosing where to live in retirement can be a big decision. Options may include: Own home Rental Granny flat Retirement village Land-lease retirement community Residential aged care Before deciding, consider the costs, security of your capital, access to care, government assistance and what happens to your money when you leave. When are the options available? Residential aged care is designed for people who need ongoing care and support and requires an assessment through My Aged
Read moreFinancial advice isn't something you only need when you're approaching retirement, have a large amount of money to invest, or something has gone wrong. Some of the most valuable advice can happen much earlier, when something in your life changes. A new job. A pay rise. Buying or selling property. Starting a business. Receiving an inheritance. Getting married or separating. Having children. Taking on debt. Changing your superannuation. Helping your adult children financially. Or simply
Read moreThe Federal Government has announced significant changes to the rules surrounding Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) and residential property borrowing.Under the proposed legislation, SMSFs will no longer be able to use a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA) to purchase residential property. The change forms part of the Government's broader housing and taxation reforms and could affect Australians planning to invest in residential property through their super.If you're considering an SMSF property investment strategy, it's important to
Read moreThe global investment environment in 2026 is defined by heightened geopolitical risk, elevated uncertainty around energy markets, and a late-cycle economic expansion characterised by uneven growth and inflation elements. For Australian investors, these forces may underline the importance of diversification across regions, asset classes and currencies, while remaining mindful of currency volatility and geopolitical tail risks. Below we outline the current global backdrop and explore portfolio considerations. The Current Global Investment Backdrop Global growth remains resilient but fragile. The International Monetary Fund projects global GDP growth
Read moreWhen it comes to investing in cryptocurrency, many individuals overlook the tax consequences of potentially high levels of performance returns. A recent client case highlights the complexities of managing capital gains tax (CGT) when transferring crypto assets from personal ownership to a more tax-effective structure, such as a company, trust, or SMSF. With significant gains already accruing, understanding the CGT implications is critical before making any changes to how you hold the investment. The client
Read moreOur wholly owned investment manager, IndexInvest, directs how investment portfolios are allocated across asset classes (shares, property, bonds, cash, etc) and global investment markets. Below are insights of what 2024 delivered for you. Geopolitics and Markets Geopolitical events played a significant role in shaping market sentiment. The conflict in Ukraine intensified, leading to disruptions in energy markets and increased defence spending globally. The year 2024 was notable for elections, with over 60 countries going to
Read moreThe "Trump Trade" refers to the behavior of global financial markets and investor actions in response to Donald Trump's economic policies and political moves. It is fair to say that since the election of Donald Trump, markets have moved substantially.Here are some key market impacts:Stock Market: Mr Trump's policies, such as deregulation, tax cuts, and increased fiscal spending, have historically led to a surge in U.S. shares, especially in sectors like technology, financials, industrials, and
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