Blog

When Your Career Ends Abruptly…

Imagine Stephen, a skilled surgeon whose career ends overnight due to a sudden, life-changing injury. Beyond the emotional shock — grief, frustration, and uncertainty — he faces an immediate and daunting financial reality: his primary income has vanished. For many, this scenario is unthinkable, yet it’s a risk that can touch anyone. This reminds us that with proactive planning and a mix of income strategies, financial security is still within reach.

Investment Property Deductions Red Flags

If you own an investment property, the ATO’s message for 2025 is unambiguous: get your deductions right, or expect a closer look. The error rate for rental property claims remains stubbornly high, with the ATO reporting mistakes in up to 90% of reviewed returns. This year, several areas are under particular scrutiny, not just the usual suspects, but also some new developments that property investors need to be aware of.

Tax Deductions Under the ATO’s Magnifying Glass

As the 2025 tax season approaches, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is sharpening its focus on individual taxpayers, particularly when it comes to deductions. With advanced data analytics and real-time reporting now central to the ATO’s compliance toolkit, the days of unchecked or poorly substantiated claims are numbered. Here’s a closer look at the red flags that could put your tax return under the microscope.

Strategies to Multiply Superannuation Benefits for Couples

Building a comfortable retirement together takes more than just topping up your super each year. Couples who plan together and make the most of the rules can enjoy far greater financial security, and perhaps even a few more luxuries, down the track. Rather than simply aiming to even out your balances, it pays to look at the bigger picture and focus on what’s best for you as a team. In this article, you’ll find a mix of tried-and-true strategies, from straightforward contribution tweaks to more involved

Newsletter – May 2025

The ASX 200 (up 5.13%) and S&P 500 (up 7.10%) saw gains, fuelled by improving economic conditions like inflation moving within target ranges (2-3% in Australia), and renewed consumer confidence. The RBA lowered the cash rate to 3.85% in response. Meanwhile, the Australian residential property market continued its upward trend, reaching new record highs despite some moderation due to pre-election caution and tariff concerns, with regional markets outperforming capital cities and houses generally outpacing units in value growth.

From Dreaming to Doing – Preparing for Your Meeting

A dream without a plan is just a wish. Now that you've thought about your ideal life, it's time to structure your goals so your adviser - and you - can actually work toward them. Here's the key: not all goals are created equal. Some are urgent. Some are massive. Some are nice-to-haves. Understanding this will help you (and your adviser) prioritise.

Anticipate Life Changes – Building Flexible Plans

Life is messy, and your financial plan should be flexible enough to handle it. Career changes, relocations, and unexpected family milestones can all bring significant costs. Instead of aiming for a perfect 10-year plan, focus on one that adapts as life evolves.

Breaking It Down – How to Frame Your Goals Clearly

The Big Picture – Why Financial Goals Matter

Have you ever walked into your financial adviser's office and found yourself saying, "I just want to be better off financially"? It's a common feeling - but it's also a trap. Over the coming weeks, we will provide a practical roadmap to help you clarify your financial goals, communicate effectively with financial advisers, and create a plan that's both ambitious and flexible. With realistic examples and actionable steps, you'll move from vague aspirations to clear financial direction.

Newsletter – April 2025

In April 2025, global equity markets were volatile, with the Australian ASX 200 demonstrating resilience compared to the US S&P 500's sharp decline. The ASX 200 recovered from an early-April dip, though analysts predict limited upside for the year. The S&P 500 experienced significant fluctuations due to political uncertainty, trade tensions, and mixed corporate earnings. Meanwhile, the Australian residential property market rebounded strongly, spurred by interest rate cut and supply constraints, reaching new record highs across most areas, with varied performance among capital cities and regional areas outperforming overall. Now, most economists and financial markets expect the Reserve Bank to cut rates again at its May meeting.

Maximise Retirement Savings Without Sacrificing Other Goals

Planning for retirement doesn’t have to mean putting your other financial ambitions on hold. With the right approach, you can grow your retirement nest egg while still achieving goals like homeownership, travel, or paying off debt. Here’s how you can strike that balance.

How Trump’s Tariffs Affect Australian Investors and What to Do Next

The recent announcement by President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on various countries has sent shockwaves through global markets, including our own. As an Australian investor, it's natural to feel concerned about how these changes might affect your investments. Here's a straightforward guide to help you manage this challenging period.