More of us have been in paid work this past year than ever before. A big part of that is because more of us have been able to work from home than ever before. The proportion of Australians in paid work climbed above 64% in May last year, and has stayed there since. At the same time, unemployment has hovered around a half-century low of 4%. In April last year, female unemployment fell to what
Read moreWhen you look at the dynamics around sourcing a property for extended family including those that may be elderly or disabled, granny flats often come into play! Their demand is escalating given rising living costs and the accelerating lack of affordable housing for the vulnerable.When you list a property with a granny flat or a home that has the potential to have this added on, please carefully consider the legal framework that surrounds the scenario
Read moreOver one million Australians have embraced increased autonomy over retirement funds by opting for a self-managed super fund (SMSF). An SMSF offers the advantage of diversifying investments across a wider array of asset classes compared to conventional superannuation funds. Prioritising your financial objectives is essential when evaluating investment opportunities. While conservative assets (cash and bonds) offer stable cash flow, growth assets such as property, shares (Australian and global) and commodities contribute to wealth accumulation. Below
Read moreBuying and selling a home can be confusing for most of us. Here is some basics to help make the process as clear as possible. Save for a Deposit The deposit is the initial cost you will need to pay when buying a home. The first step is to get your finances sorted and do a budget to identify how much you can afford to save for your deposit and work out what you
Read moreThere are two common ways to transfer property to a family member – either selling or gifting. When the owner changes (either way), the title needs to be updated. Selling the property You can transfer title property by selling it to a family member. Parents often do this for children this way and may adjust the price to give them a better deal than buying a property at market rates. You will be liable for
Read moreAre you contemplating a mortgage refinance? You likely understand that refinancing can be a powerful tool for optimising your financial situation. But when is the right time to make that move? Refinancing can provide various benefits, such as lower interest rates, reduced monthly payments, and even the ability to tap into your home's equity for other financial goals. Here are a few key factors to consider when determining the right moment for a mortgage refinance:
Read moreWhy Consider Property Investment with Your SMSF? Diversifying your SMSF investments beyond traditional assets like stocks and bonds can be a wise decision. Property investment offers several advantages, such as potential rental income and capital appreciation. Here's a brief overview of the benefits: Tax Efficiency: Rental income and capital gains from property held within an SMSF can be taxed lower, potentially boosting your returns. Portfolio Diversification: Adding a property to your SMSF can help spread
Read moreIn the complex world of estate management and probate, you might have encountered the term "Letters of Administration." Although it may sound daunting, this legal phrase plays a crucial role when someone passes away without a valid will or when the appointed executor is unable or unwilling to fulfil their responsibilities. So, what exactly is a Letter of Administration, and why does it matter? This article aims to demystify this concept and shed light on
Read moreTake greater control of your retirement savings through a self-managed super fund (SMSF). An SMSF empowers you to oversee how your super is invested. This approach has gained popularity as a retirement savings method. Before transitioning to an SMSF, it's crucial to understand the administrative and compliance requirements associated with it. The information below provides insights into managing your SMSF effectively. What is an SMSF? An SMSF is a trust that manages funds or assets
Read moreIn the past few years, we have encountered numerous challenging situations, such as the global pandemic of CoVid 19, which has caused uncertainty in various aspects of our lives. Our lifestyles have been disrupted, housing has become more uncertain, and the cost of living has continued to rise. These circumstances have forced us to confront an important question: What would happen to our personal and financial affairs if we were unable or incapable of making
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