Financial planning articles & tips

The Waiting Game: VanEck’s 2024 Q3 Summary 

Please Note: This report was created and provided by VanEck. Andy Warhol once said, “You need to let the little things that would ordinarily bore you suddenly thrill you.” And that is what markets have been doing this past quarter, every percentage point outside of consensus, and every basis point change has been thrilling markets. But if...

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Retirement Savings: What Every Australian Needs to Know

Key Takeaways: According to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), to have a ‘comfortable’ retirement, single people will need $595,000 in retirement savings, and couples will need $690,000, assuming they receive part Age Pensions.1 Retirement calculators can tell you how much capital you need to support the lifest...

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Changes to super from 1 July 2024

Key takeaways: On 1 July 2024, the SG rate which determines the minimum percentage of your salary that your employer must contribute to your super fund, will increase from 11% to 11.5% The cap on concessional (before-tax) super contributions will increase from $27,500 to $30,000 per year The non-concessional (after-tax) super contributio...

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Most Injuries Happen at Home, Not Work

The latest injury statistics are a stark reminder that accidents can happen anywhere, but are less likely to happen at work, making it critically important to hold comprehensive life insurance including income protection. Income protection insurance provides invaluable financial protection against disability as a result of sickness or injury by...

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Divergence: VanEck’s 2024 Q2 Summary 

Please Note: This report was created and provided by VanEck. After a few years where monetary policy around the world was more or less in sync, 2024 looks different with some central banks about to go their separate ways. China continues to ease, albeit reluctantly. The US Fed and central banks across Europe sound increasingly hot to trot on ...

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Meet Sarah Wing-Tang

Sarah is a key member of Empower Wealth's Financial Planning Administration team. From her background in superannuation to her role at Empower Wealth, Sarah shares how she forms meaningful relationships with clients, ensuring they feel confident in their decisions and helping them towards their financial goals. Transcript My name is Sarah, I...

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Wash, Rinse, Repeat: VanEck’s 2024 Q1 Summary 

Please Note: This report was created and provided by VanEck. 2023 was a year of multiplicity. We’ve seemingly experienced central banks swinging, depending on your interpretation, back and forth between tightening to loosening all year. The peaks and depths of the US 10-year government bond yields swung between 5.02% (October 2023 high) and...

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The Basics: SMSF & Property

Let’s get down to basics! In this short 90-seconds video, Ben briefly explains why superannuation is so important in Australia and the connection between Self-Funded Superannuation Fund (SMSF) and Property. It's important to remember, though, that while the video shares helpful information, it's not telling you to invest in a SMSF. Everyone's...

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Pros and Cons of SMSF Property

Discover the advantages and disadvantages of an SMSF Property! In this short video, Ben & Bryce chat about the leverage and tax benefits, the limitations and some of the compliance requirements you need to think about before buying an SMSF Property. Please note that while the video shares helpful information, it's not telling you to invest ...

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Unpacking 2023: Household Finances, Inflation, and Property Markets

Hello, Ben Kingsley here, and wow, it's been a mega year again. A very, very fast year that has been the year 2023. And as I reflect on that year, the real big theme to me has been the economy and also very much the cost of living. Everything's costing more and I wanted to bring that theme through in my Christmas message in terms of looking at...

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3 Crucial Tips Before Selling Your Property!

Are the increasing interest rates making you ponder selling your property? You're not alone! BUT Hold onto Your Property!Before you make that significant decision, take a look at this brief video to ensure you've thoroughly thought through these 3 essential must-dos! Should you be in search of experienced and qualified advisors, we're here t...

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A habit of Higher: VanEck’s 2023 Q4 Summary 

Please Note: This report was created and provided by VanEck. For investors, it feels like an episode of The Twilight Zone. What is happening, does not reflect reality. It remains to be seen, but only after the most recent Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting with the market sell off, did it seem like normal transmission may have resum...

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Carry Forward Concessional Contributions

This is the last year to use unused carry-forward concessional contributions accrued in the 2018/19 financial year. With stage 3 tax cuts on the horizon, now is a great time to think about using carry-forward concessional contributions.  Background  Carry-forward concessional contributions (CCs) allow individuals to use unused CC c...

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