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Budgeting, Lifestyle, Pre-retirees, Retirees

Rules changing for Buy-Now-Pay-Later

Australia has just rolled out some new rules for buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) services. Basically, BNPL providers now have to follow stricter guidelines and do background checks before handing out these loans. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) will be keeping a close eye on companies like Afterpay and Zip Co, making sure they're playing by the consumer credit rules.

Investment markets, Lifestyle, Pre-retirees, Retirees

Four big decisions for super funds

Jonathon Shapiro from the Australian Financial Review wrote a great article this week about 4 big decisions super funds are going to have to make and it highlights some of the big complexities that super fund trustees must be grappling with. My attempt here is to make that info more digestible for those less familiar with running a super fund.

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

Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)

Following the March inflation data, Australian students who still have HELP/HECS debt, will be hit with a major increase come 1 June 2023. Whilst interest is not charged on HELP/HECS loans, the amount of the debt is adjusted on the 1st of June each year, in accordance with an annually determined inflation factor. It is based on the year-on-year CPI figure, measured quarterly up to the end of March. Therefore, the rate of indexation for 2023 will be 7.1%. This is the highest indexation rate seen in 32 years.

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

Dealing with Retirement Anxiety

Do you ever have times in life where your stomach ‘knots’ and you really can’t understand why? I know I do!! In those situations, I find myself ‘processing’ the feelings/emotions with someone to work through and understand what’s going on. I often see this with clients, particularly those who are looking at retirement. It’s an anxiety/concern/uncertainty that has probably never surfaced before, as most of us only retire once.

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

Additional 15% tax for super balances over $3 million

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has proposed that from 1 July 2025, taxation on earnings from superannuation balances above $3 million will double to 30%. The new policy is expected to raise about $2 billion a year. As always, the devil is in the detail. Initially framed as a simple increase to the existing 15% tax on super fund earnings, the Treasury Consultation Paper makes it clear that this is unequivocally a new tax and will be levied against individuals in a similar way to Div. 293 tax levied on super contributions for higher income earners.

Investment markets, Lifestyle, Pre-retirees, Retirees

Unlisted Assets.. are the big Industry funds going to leave you holding the bag?

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes in the commercial office and retail property landscape, with work-from-home and home shopping becoming the new norm across the globe. The occupancy rates of commercial properties in central business districts have been heavily impacted, with cities like Melbourne and Sydney reporting occupancies rates of 47% and 61% respectively (as of February 2023, according to Property Council members). This, combined with the sudden rise in interest rates has led to a significant increase in debt servicing costs for these properties. As a result, the valuations of large CBD offices and other commercial properties are expected to decrease in value.

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

Goldsborough celebrates 30 years on radio with FiveAA

Join us as we celebrate 30 years on radio with FiveAA Thursday 29th March at 3pm. Our advisers now join the fabulous Jade Robran every second Thursday at 3pm to shine a spotlight on financial planning topics and answer your questions. We are now being live-streamed via Facebook and Twitter. Follow the link on the FiveAA homepage.

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

Silicon Valley Bank failure

As reported recently, the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) is the largest bank collapse in the US since 2008 in the lead up to the GFC. We have had many calls from our clients who are concerned this may lead to a broader contagion in the financial industry.

Lifestyle, Pre-retirees, Retirees

Pension Payments to Increase..

In a recent announcement, pensioners are set to receive a boost to their payment rates this month to cover higher inflation. This includes an increase to the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment and JobSeeker. Starting on March 20, 2023, there will be a fortnightly increase of $37.50 for single individuals receiving the age pension, resulting in a new total of $1,064. For couples, the fortnightly increase will be $56.40, with the combined payment amounting to $1,604.60.

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

Proposed Superannuation Changes

The Government has announced that they intend to change the tax concessions on superannuation accounts, if you have a total super balance of more than $3 million. Currently, the government charges 15% tax on superannuation fund earnings, while you are still working and contributing money into super – this is known as the “accumulation phase.”

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Latest insights

10 December 2025

Will you pay more tax next year?

Will Chapman

If you or someone you know is going through a significant workplace change such as a merger or corporate change, call us. The highest profile change locally is the Adelaide Uni merger and there are plenty of others on the go.

14 November 2025

SA Government Employees – Unique Retirement Advantage

Lachlan Harvey

While most Australians are limited to a concessional contributions cap of $30,000 per year (for 2025-26), Super SA's Triple S scheme operates under different rules. Those rules can open the door to significant tax savings and a much faster path to financial independence, if you know how to use them. For those over age 60, the planning opportunity becomes even more powerful when combined with a Transition to Retirement (TTR) strategy.

24 October 2025

Retirement Living: Choosing the right path for your Lifestyle and Finances

Craig Kirkwood

Retirement is a time to enjoy your well-earned freedom and comfort, but choosing where to live can be one of the most financially complex decisions you’ll make. While retirement villages are a well-known option, they’re just one of several choices available to Australians, each with their unique lifestyle and financial implications.