Whilst it is an easy conversation to ask loved ones including parents for money to buy a home or do renovations, little thought goes into the harder scenario on contemplating how you go about ensuring that those funds are repaid. If you loan monies to your children, will you get your money back? This creates difficulty, especially for the older generation who may be relying on those funds to retire comfortably. It is becoming common
Read moreThe recent boost in funding for the tax office is set to bring about increased review activity, more ATO guidance, and expanded education campaigns. Understanding how the ATO plans to enhance tax revenue in the future is vital for your business's readiness. Here are our insights on the strategies the ATO might employ: Stricter Enforcement of Existing Laws: Expect further crackdowns based on existing legislation, such as ATO guidance on Division 7A and unpaid present
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 moreAustralian banks announced big profits over the past several weeks, and have been roundly criticised by many believing the fees charged (including interest rates) are excessive. What is not well known is that banks have passed on only 2.73% of the RBA’s (Reserve Bank of Australia) 4.00% rate increases since early 2022 as at June 2023. This has actually been a cushioning effect for borrowers. Banks have been competing aggressively and on average have not
Read moreBeware! Your tax refund may be significantly smaller than anticipated this year. With interest rates continuing to rise, fuel prices reaching record highs, electricity and gas costs skyrocketing, and the price of essential food items increasing, many individuals are relying on their tax refund to alleviate some of the burdens of living expenses. However, they might face disappointment. The government has implemented a significant change to the tax system this year that will exert downward
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
Read moreThere is increasing talk about the type of investing which considers environmental, social impact, and good governance (ESG) factors when making investment decisions. To understand if it is all just hype or whether its an important part of the future of investment let’s explore the topic. What is it? ESG factors can include things like a businesses' carbon emissions, its labour practices, and its board diversity. There are a number of reasons why investors might
Read moreThe national Home Value Index (HVI) assembled by CoreLogic has recorded a third consecutive monthly rise. The index captured continued growth in May of 1.2%, helped by low levels of available housing supply as owners continued to hold properties. By comparison, home values for March and April grew 0.6% and 0.5%, respectively. Notwithstanding the high uptick in price recovery, most housing markets across the country were still recording values well below their recent peaks. The
Read moreAs we approach the tax season, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has released a statement that they would like to remind taxpayers to exercise caution and avoid rushing the lodgement of their annual income tax return from 1 July. It is important to note that taxpayers who submit their returns before their income statement is marked as 'Tax ready' and before their other pre-fill information is received run the risk of experiencing processing delays and
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