Insights

Maximise Your Super Contribution Cap with Carry-Forward Concessional Contributions Over the last decade, Australians have experienced relatively stagnant marginal tax rates, resulting in bracket creep and some of the highest marginal tax rates globally. With significant tax reform seemingly elusive, workers face a choice when thinking about retirement planning: wait for change or explore strategic opportunities within the current tax system. One such opportunity, often overlooked, is the carry-forward concessional contributions - a sleeping giant that could dramatically improve retirement savings and reduce tax liabilities. Understanding the Super Contribution Cap: How Carry-Forward Rules Work Carry-forward concessional contributions, also known as

As of July 1st this year, the allocated pension opportunity will be indexed to $2 million for an individual with the increase to the transfer balance cap. This is a significant milestone for retirees and pre-retirees, as it represents an opportunity to hold a substantial amount of wealth in accounts where earnings and gains are tax-free. While there have been numerous changes to the superannuation system over the decades, it's hard to argue that holding $2 million tax-free super for individuals and $4 million for a couple isn't a generous tax concession. It's certainly worth aiming to maximise this opportunity

Should you pay off your mortgage early or invest your extra money instead? It’s a common question with no one-size-fits-all answer. Both options can have a significant impact on your financial future, depending on your goals, current circumstances, and risk tolerance. Paying off your mortgage may give you peace of mind and eliminate debt, but investing could potentially generate higher long-term returns and build greater wealth. This decision can shape your financial stability and future planning, so it’s important to weigh up the opportunities and risks of each option. Throughout this blog, we’ll explore both approaches, discuss how personal goals

For many Australians, retirement is seen as a time to relax and enjoy the benefits of years of hard work. However, even in retirement, financial obligations like taxes can still apply, and one of the most misunderstood areas is capital gains tax (CGT). A common misconception is that retirees are completely exempt from CGT, but this isn’t always the case. Whether you’re selling an investment property, shares, or other assets, it’s important to understand how CGT applies, how much you may need to pay, and what strategies can help minimise your tax burden. In this article, we’ll explore when retirees

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to building wealth and securing your financial future. This is where an investment strategy can help - a roadmap tailored to your goals, risk tolerance, and timeline. Strategies vary from conservative, income-focused approaches to aggressive, growth-oriented ones, depending on your goals and risk tolerance. What To Consider Before Investing Understanding Your Financial Situation Before choosing an investment strategy, assess your current financial standing. Are you in a stable position with some savings? Are there debts to pay off? Knowing where you stand financially can help you determine how much you can comfortably invest and what approach

Saving money is one of the cornerstones of financial stability, but determining how much of your income to save can often be confusing. The right savings rate depends on several factors, including your financial goals, lifestyle, and income. In this blog, we'll explore practical guidelines to help you determine how much of your income you should save, as well as unique insights that can make your savings strategy more effective. General Guidelines: The 50/30/20 Rule One popular starting point for determining how much to save is the 50/30/20 rule. This budgeting guideline suggests dividing your after-tax income as follows: 50%

Working out how much you need to retire comfortably is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make. This amount depends on several factors, including your expected retirement age, desired lifestyle, healthcare needs, and income sources such as pensions. A common rule-of-thumb is to save 80% of your current annual income to maintain your lifestyle in retirement, however, this oversimplifies the complexities of retirement planning - after all, each person’s retirement is unique! Factors such as income level, savings, and lifestyle needs can vary widely for each individual. As such, knowing how much you need to retire often calls

Ethical investing, also known as socially responsible investing (SRI) or sustainable investing, has rapidly gained popularity as more investors seek to align their financial goals with their personal values. At its core, ethical investing means choosing investments based on personal values, often tied to environmental, social, or governance (ESG) factors.  Ethical investors avoid companies that engage in activities they consider harmful, like tobacco, fossil fuels, or weapons manufacturing. However, ethical investing isn't just about avoiding harmful industries - it's also about actively supporting companies and sectors that contribute positively to society and the environment. What qualifies as "ethical" can be