Three things to consider when switching your super

Understanding how your super works and making sure you are getting the most out of your fund is essential to achieving the retirement lifestyle you envision. The superannuation guarantee is a percentage of your income put aside by your employer over your working life to help you fund your retirement. It’s easy to forget sometimes … Read more

Make your home transition smoother with bridging finance

After months of research, weekends spent attending inspections and auctions, finding the perfect home, at the right price brings a sense of relief and excitement. But what if you haven’t sold your current house yet? Finding your next home before settling your existing property’s sale is a common predicament, with many using bridging finance as … Read more

Stepping stones to reach your goals

The calendar turns over to a fresh, brand new year, full of promise, so how do we keep those promises we make to ourselves and get to the end of the year with our resolutions intact and goals realised? We all start out with good intentions when we set our objectives for the year to … Read more

Spouse super contributions: the benefits

If your partner either earns less than you or is not currently working, they may be adding little or nothing to their super. The good news? If you’re married or in a permanent de facto relationship, you may be able to help grow their super in a way that can benefit both of you. If … Read more

How to access funds available from your home loan

If you need extra cash, you may be able to redraw or borrow against your home loan. Keep reading to find out whether these options are right for you. Can I redraw? Chances are if you’ve made a habit of paying more than your minimum scheduled repayments, then you’ll have money available for redraw. If … Read more

Recovering from a natural disaster

If you’ve lost your home or business after a natural disaster, you don’t have to go it alone. Follow these steps to start your recovery. Important: Government help for natural disasters Call Services Australia on 180 22 66 or visit serviceaustralia.gov.au/disaster. Get help to make a recovery plan Recovering from a natural disaster will take time. There are … Read more

Volatility is here to stay

Volatility is part and parcel of investing so it’s important to put it into perspective and look at the full picture when thinking about your wealth, rather than focus on day-to-day market swings. If there was to be a single investing lesson that emerged from the events of the last two years, it is that … Read more

Banking and credit scams

If someone you don’t know asks for your personal details or offers you a loan, it could be a scam. Scammers can use your personal information to steal your money and run up debts in your name. If someone contacts you about an investment that you think could be a scam, see investment scams. If you … Read more

Using equity to buy an investment property

When it comes to investing in real estate, equity is a key concept to wrap your head around. The Successful Investor’s Michael Sloan explains what equity is, and how you can use it to your advantage. What is equity? Equity is the difference between the current value of your home and how much you owe on it. … Read more

Superannuation Guarantee: why it’s important

The superannuation guarantee is an important part of the superannuation system. It was introduced on 1 July 1992 to increase the financial security of Australians once they are no longer working. Its aim is to provide funding for Australians in retirement, so that fewer people have to rely solely on the Government Age Pension as … Read more