Democrat Joe Biden is pressing ahead with preparations to take the reins as the next President of the United States. Despite legal challenges and recounts, the early signs are that markets are responding positively. In fact, the US sharemarket hit record highs in the weeks following the November 3 election as Biden’s lead widened. The state of play As things... View Article
A key part of the government’s economic response to the coronavirus is to support business investment and cashflow by increasing the instant asset write off threshold and eligibility rules. But while the instant asset write-off has been around for several years, many small businesses haven’t taken advantage of them. So what is the instant asset write-off (IAW) and how can it help... View Article
If you’re wondering how you will manage the enormous business challenges presented by the COVID-19 crisis, the Australian Government has announced unprecedented assistance to help businesses of all sizes manage their cashflow and retain their employees. In a $130 billion assistance package announced on 30 March 2020, the government rolled out a six-month wage subsidy scheme designed to help employers... View Article
In a rapidly evolving response to the spread of COVID-19, the Federal Government’s second support package announced over the weekend has flicked the switch to more income support for retirees and workers. Between the first $17.6 billion package announced on March 12, and this latest $66.1 billion package, the emphasis has shifted from stimulus aimed at keeping businesses up and... View Article
With interest rates at historic lows and likely to stay that way for some time, retirees and other investors who depend on income from their investments are on the lookout for a decent yield. Income from all the usual sources, such as term deposits and other fixed interest investments, have slowed to trickle. Which is why many investors are turning... View Article
With the average Australian wedding costing over $65,000, is it more financially savvy to say ‘I do’ or ‘I don’t’ to a big-budget wedding? When it comes to planning a wedding, every couple has their dream day in mind, which often includes extravagant flowers, a swanky venue, custom-made wedding attire, unlimited alcohol, vintage wedding cars and the list goes on. While... View Article
Paving the way to an election Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has delivered a ‘back in the black’ Budget aimed squarely at voters, stressing the Morrison Government’s commitment to financial discipline and low taxes. As expected, the Treasurer signaled sweeping tax cuts and major infrastructure spending if the Coalition wins the upcoming federal election widely expected to be held in May. This... View Article
Superannuation is a long-term financial relationship. It begins with our first job, grows during our working life and hopefully supports us through our old age. Throughout your super journey you will experience the ups and downs of bull and bear markets so it’s important to keep your eye on the long term. The earlier you get to know your super... View Article
Millennials are often accused of living for the present and wasting their money on smashed avocado. So it may come as a surprise that younger Australians are at the vanguard of a growing movement committed to the old-fashioned virtues of thrift and saving, but with a modern twist. Whereas the mantra of the Baby Boomers in the 1960s was ‘turn... View Article
New Year is traditionally the season of fresh starts and personal resolutions. Along with diet and exercise, getting ahead financially makes it onto many wish lists year in and year out. But a brighter financial future is likely to remain a pipedream without a back-up if things don’t go to plan. While setting goals is an important element in your... View Article