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Age pension, Aged care, Budgeting, Government benefits, Investment markets, Lifestyle, Pre-retirees, Retirees

Major Changes to Residential Aged Care from 1 July 2025

The Government introduced new Aged Care Legislation to Parliament last month which includes major changes to both Home Care and Residential Aged Care, including changes to fees and charges from 1 July 2025.

Investment markets, Lifestyle, Pre-retirees, Retirees, Uncategorised

Thinking about an SMSF?

Superannuation is something most Australians are familiar with. It’s mandatory for employers to contribute a portion of your wages into a complying super fund, which is then invested to grow over time, ensuring you have a nest egg for retirement. Typically, we rely on external super funds to manage these investments, and there’s a wide range of options available—from low-cost funds to more tailored solutions.

Investment markets, Lifestyle, Pre-retirees, Retirees

Industry Superannuation Funds – Illiquid Assets & Risky Investments

In the decade leading up to the COVID pandemic, industry superannuation fund executives became fond of boasting about capitalising on the so-called “illiquidity premium” derived from tying up member’s assets in long-dated, illiquid assets, namely unlisted property and infrastructure.

Investment markets, Lifestyle, Pre-retirees, Retirees, Uncategorised

Cybersecurity and Scammers

I recently gave a speech to the Unley Rotary Club on Cybersecurity and awareness of financial scams; the audience had some fantastic follow up questions and many more than I expected. The interesting outcome for me from that presentation was the audience’s sheer diversity of understanding of what scams exist, how they affect people and what someone can do to avoid those risks. Some were genuinely shocked, others apathetic; It won’t happen to me, I’m not affected as I don’t use Facebook, what can I really do to stop it…?

Budgeting, Investment markets, Lifestyle, Pre-retirees, Retirees

Putting Your Tax Savings to Good Use

Millions of Australians have (or are about to) receive their first pay packet for the 2024-25 financial year, and it should contain some extra cash. Thanks to the federal government’s “Stage 3” changes to individual tax rates and thresholds, all 13.6 million Australian taxpayers will benefit from income tax cuts that started on 1 July 2024.

Budgeting, Government benefits, Investment markets, Lifestyle, Pre-retirees, Retirees

Navigating the emotional shift: From the comfort of work to the uncertainty of retirement

As we transition from the working world into retirement, our financial perspectives undergo significant shifts. While we’re working, we have the reassurance of regular pay. This allows us to plan, save for one-off costs, and even extend our retirement timeline if something goes wrong. However, once we retire, the flow of a salary stops and we often face anxiety over the pool of money for retirement not being enough. Understanding the cognitive biases that affect us during these stages can help manage these transitions more effectively.

Aged care, Budgeting, Lifestyle, Pre-retirees, Retirees, Uncategorised

Inheritances

$1,000,000,000 ($1 trillion) will be passed on to the next generation of Australians by 2025, this number is projected to balloon to $3.5 trillion by 2025. It is a life altering event and one of life’s major financial crossroads, bringing new challenges and complexity as your lifestyle and wealth management goals change.

Budgeting, Lifestyle, Pre-retirees, Retirees

Why it might make sense to sell your investment property before you retire

As retirement is approaching, it's natural to reassess your financial strategies, ensuring a comfortable and stress-free retirement. For many, investment properties have been a cornerstone of wealth accumulation, but as retirement looms, it's prudent to review their role in your overall financial plan.

Investment markets, Lifestyle, Pre-retirees, Retirees

Australia’s “secret” inheritance tax

A significant area of inheritance tax “by stealth” is a deceased person’s superannuation benefits. Superannuation held by a person at the time of their death may include benefits in the accumulation phase, the pension phase, or a combination of both.

Age pension, Aged care, Budgeting, Government benefits, Insurance, Investment markets, Lifestyle, Pre-retirees, Retirees, Uncategorised

Budget 2024: Why?

The Budget this week has created a diverse opinion as to who the beneficiaries are; it appears it’s everybody and nobody. As is customary for all budgets, praise is thin.

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Latest insights

31 July 2026

Do You Really Know What’s Inside Your Super?

Sam Martin

During recent client review meetings, I've noticed two concerns coming up regularly. The first is the growing dominance of large US technology companies and whether current valuations can continue rising. The second is rising government debt levels around the world, particularly in the United States and Australia, and whether governments are willing or able to address these issues over the long term.

21 July 2026

What to Consider Before Your First Financial Planning Meeting

Lachlan Harvey

Sitting down with a financial planner for the first time can feel a little daunting. You might be wondering what to bring, what will be asked, or simply whether you’re ready to share your personal financial information. The good news is that a first meeting is simply a conversation, and a bit of preparation goes a long way toward making it a productive one.

15 July 2026

Tax Time Has Arrived: 10 Strategies to Consider Before Lodging Your Return

Brenton Miegel

July marks the beginning of tax return season for millions of Australians. While many people are eager to lodge as soon as possible, taking the time to review your position and ensure you've captured all available deductions could make a significant difference to your overall tax outcome.