The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has lowered the cash rate to 3%, the lowest level since the beginning of the Global Financial Crises. Chances are that in an effort to maintain activity and stimulate the economy there may be further reductions. The bank term deposit rates have subsequently fallen from record highs of in…

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Self Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSF’s) have been around for a long time; however it’s only in recent times, particularly the last 5 years that everybody has become aware of them. The most likely reason for this is that large amounts of private retirement wealth have been diverted from retail, corporate and industry superannuation funds into…

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The largest asset for most retirees continues to be their residential home. Debt free and capital gains tax exempted, the home will continue to provide critical lifestyle options. Whilst the residential property continues to be asset test exempted for the Centrelink pension entitlements, it certainly appears on the radar when entering residential aged care facilities…

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The only way to properly engage in the financial planning process is to have knowledge. Armed with factual knowledge the path to financial independence is so much easier and more enjoyable. With this in mind let us challenge some common propositions that may be taken for granted, but are at the very least, questionable. Retirement…

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As you may have gathered by now our firm is focussed on planning for a Client’s Financial Independence which some may call “Retirement Planning”. Without any doubt, the greatest positive impact we can have on the financial wellbeing of our clients is in the “Transition to Retirement” stage of their working life. This is generally…

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There is so much confusion out there when it comes to trying to understand your best investment strategy in retirement. Let me tell you, much of this confusion is deliberately caused by those who stand to gain the most by looking after their own profits rather than yours.   The rest is a combination of…

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Hopefully you have had an enjoyable summer break and taken some time to reflect on the good things in life. Given the hectic pace of the ever changing local and global events, it’s quite easy to lose sight of the big picture. As one approaches or enters retirement, the biggest question of them all must…

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Assuming the following; Your health and lifestyle are under control You have secured your debt free accommodation You have sufficient retirement savings which are properly managed, then You shouldn’t be to concerned about your retirement prospects. That is unless you live anywhere but Australia! Consider these facts; Australia’s current credit rating is AAA, with a cash rate of 4.5%.  Our…

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Over the last couple of months the government has slowly been releasing recommendations from a parliamentary inquiry into the financial services industry, conducted in late 2009. The recommendations have not been popular amongst my colleagues in the financial planning industry, as most of them will have to change the way in which they operate and conduct their business’s. The…

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