Your money today
Shorten, Swan shake up super
Ending a long week of speculation, Treasurer Wayne Swan and Superannuation Minister Bill Shorten have announced big changes to the superannuation system.
Time for moderation
It looks like we’re getting close to the bottom of the interest rate-cutting cycle. But is that really such good news?
Gold rush
Despite recent weakness in its price, the yellow metal should rack up its 13th straight year of gains.
Peering into dark pools
The corporate cop has concerns with so called dark pools but is not bothered by high speed trading.
Investing
Three big investment themes
Major economic and demographic trends over the next two decades will be game changers for investors.
How to lock in share price gains with a covered call option
The strong rally in the sharemarket has some investors, especially those with investments in the major banks, giving serious thought to whether they should take some profits in case a major correction soon sees these gains diminish.
The most cost-effective way to retire if you have lots of shares and other assets
If you have $1.5m or so in blue-chip shares and own your home, how can you be sure of a steady, reliable income while saving on financial adviser fees?
How to decide between shares and bonds
Bond yields are trading at record lows and shares appear pricey, leaving investors wondering where to go for returns.
Superannuation
How to find the best retirement vehicle
With people living longer, it’s crucial to map out financial goals. The questions: “Just how much do I need to save for a comfortable retirement and am I on track to get there?” cannot be answered before knowing how much income is likely to be needed in retirement.
Can someone’s debt be repaid by a transfer within an SMSF?
Can a self-managed (DIY) super fund where one member owes a debt to the other resolve this by the indebted member quitting the fund and setting off the debt against his super interest, which is equal to the debt?
What to do if something happens to a key member of an SMSF
Before entering into a geared property strategy in particular, DIY fund trustees should consider how their fund would deal with the death, disability, default or divorce of a trustee, especially if the fund is dominated by an active member.
Is it possible to retire with a geared property in your SMSF?
A reader asks how the addition of a geared property might affect his plan to retire in a year from now, while his fund still owes a fair amount on the property.
Budgeting
What should you do with a lump sum?
When it comes to money, we’re used to hearing, ‘‘I don’t have enough’’, but what about the people who do have some money? What should they be doing with it?
Can someone’s debt be repaid by a transfer within an SMSF?
Can a self-managed (DIY) super fund where one member owes a debt to the other resolve this by the indebted member quitting the fund and setting off the debt against his super interest, which is equal to the debt?
How to get out of debt
It’s easy to keep paying minimum repayments rather than biting into the principal, but ignoring debt is like climbing a mountain that keeps getting steeper.
Five financial and legal things you must do you before you die
There’s another kind of bucket list – the things you need to take care of before you die. They include your will, insurance, power of attorney, who gets your super, and access to your online accounts and email etc.
Taxation
How to escape double taxation
Some clarity from the government surrounding the taxation of death benefits means taxes levied will be reduced from three to two.
The best places to put your tax refund
According to the ATO, the average refund issued between July 1, 2012, and August 20, 2012, was $2217. We look at the best place for you to put it.
Tax rorts that get you an audit
Minimising your tax might be OK, but start rorting the system and the taxman will be after you.
Time-saving tax tips for SMEs
Doing your tax should not be a last-minute, end-of-year task, say accountants. Keeping accurate records is the key to eliminating pain at tax time.
Property
How to renovate your investment property and get a higher rent
While renovation costs can sting up front, improving a rental property can secure quality tenants for longer, which avoids re-letting costs and wear and tear from multiple move-ins.
How to manage your investment property or find a good property manager
Buying an investment property can make a lot of financial sense by providing a reliable income stream, but owners need to be active managers or find an agent who can do it for them.
How to buy foreign property
Buying a cheap holiday home or investment property overseas is alluring, but be careful.
How to avoid property scams
Tens of thousands of investors fall victim to scams everywhere. And despite the solid nature of property investments it is still an area where there are plenty of frauds and dodgy schemes. Here are some of the main ones.
Borrowing
How to leverage with instalment warrants
If you want to make an investment in a company but don’t have enough cash to make it meaningful, this kind of investment device might be just for you. Learn how to use it to your advantage.
How to pay off your mortgage quicker
Tired of that 25 or even 30-year home loan hanging over your head? Want to pay off your non-deductible debt as soon as possible? Well, the good news is it’s not impossible. There are a number of tricks you can play to get the job done faster.
How to get better terms and conditions on your mortgage
If you are tempted to switch lenders you could improve your loan terms and conditions – even if you don’t end up moving.
How to pay your mortgage off early
We’ve all grown accustomed to having a large home loan looming over us. But if you get a bit smart and a little like Scrooge, you can pay it off a lot sooner. Here’s how do it in seven steps to set you on the right path.
Insurance
What can go wrong if you buy insurance through your super fund
New rules on super funds and insurance means trustees should consult with experts to determine if they have adequate protection.
How to get the best holiday insurance
When travelling it’s really important to get the right cover in case something goes terribly wrong. Many policies have details in the fineprint which can also be a surprise when you go to claim.
How to take out income protection insurance
While we insure our house, car and boat, most of us don’t protect our biggest asset – our income.
How to insure yourself against life’s big disasters
A few precautions, mainly involving insurance, can insure you against financial challenges, ranging from being made redundant to falling sick.
Stock price lookup
Video | Real estate rebound
As Aussies get enthusiastic about property again, editor Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon reveals on Channel 7’s Sunrise program the suburbs and areas best to buy.
Video | Spend time, save cash
Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon gives advice on Channel 7’s The Morning Show on how to avoid being a ‘bill D.I.L.’ – and save thousands on your so-called fixed costs.
Video | How big’s your mortgage gap?
Do you know the size of your mortgage gap? Editor Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon joins a Channel 7 Morning Show discussion of a new tool that lets you see how much bank hoarding is costing you.
