Consider the expenses involved in refinancing If you’re debating whether to refinance your home loan, you need to think about whether the benefits of switching home loans will outweigh the costs involved. There are a number of expenses to consider, including charges and fees from your current lender (and from your new lender if you’re … Read more
Retirement means different things to everyone. It may be a definite point in time when you stop work, and begin a new phase of life. Or it may be a gradual process where you vary working hours as your priorities shift. You might decide to leave employment and return to part-time work later. How much … Read more
How capital gains or losses apply When you sell or dispose of a rental property you may make a capital gain or loss. A capital gain or loss is the difference between what it cost you to obtain and improve the property (the cost base) and the amount you receive when you dispose of it. … Read more
What is a debt consolidation loan? A debt consolidation loan is a way to combine all your debts – including credit card, personal loans, store cards and more – into one loan so you make just one regular repayment. It means you can take a breath and take back some control. It also means no … Read more
Online shopping can be a convenient way to buy the things you want. Get the most out of internet shopping by staying safe online. How to protect yourself online Not sure if you should trust a website with your personal information? Here are some things to look out for. Check the website Before you enter … Read more
Why high-quality bonds are a logical alternative to hybrid securities. Some of the biggest changes on financial markets that are likely to have a profound impact on many retail investors can occur without attracting too much attention. The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), the regulator of banks, superannuation funds and other financial institutions, flagged such … Read more
The retirement living sector is growing rapidly in Australia as the population ages and demand increases for a spot in a retirement village. For many people, the idea of having someone on site to help with property and garden maintenance is enough for them to make what can be a major change later in life. … Read more
What five years’ worth of SMSF asset allocation data reveals. The Australian Tax Office (ATO) releases quarterly data showing where self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) are parking the retirement savings that they have invested within the super system. The data for the three months ended June 30, 2024, which was released in September, shows there were … Read more
Returns for the global 60/40 portfolio are positive again, reaffirming its benefits. A globally diversified portfolio of 60% stocks and 40% bonds declined by about 16% in 2022—a painful period for balanced investors that raised doubts about the viability of this strategy.1 Some commentators even declared the old standby dead. Yet, by the end of … Read more
