Blog posts from the year 2012.

Super Legislation Update

We are currently awaiting the finalisation by the ATO of two draft rulings concerning superannuation:SMSFR 2011/D1 on limited recourse borrowing arrangements (due 16 May 2012) TR 2011/D3 on superannuation income streams (due 26 April 2012)

Expect the Unexpected!

Income protection insurance is worth considering for all working people. It can pay a proportion of your salary if you are temporarily unable to work because of sickness or injury. We have collected some industry statistics that outline the importance of protecting you and your family.

Australias unrecognised economic feat

Australia recently reached a much-ignored economic milestone. At the end of June, the economy marked two decades without a recession.

Up to 50% off education costs

The Education Tax Refund (ETR) helps with the cost of educating primary and secondary school children. Eligible parents, carers, legal guardians and independent students are able to get money back on education expenses. These include items like computers, educational software, textbooks and stationery. You may get 50% of your money back.

Save Money, Make Money, Be Rich in 2012

Over two-thirds of Australians made New Years resolutions and more than half of these will focus on finances. With saving more topping the agenda we have some helpful ways to ensure you achieve your 2012 resolution.So how do you set financial goals and stick to them?

Want a tax-free property? Gear in your SMSF

Borrowing within your SMSF to purchase property is a strategy that has become a very popular way to boost your investment and achieve your retirement goal. With up to a third of SMSF strategies using gearing, the recent ATO draft rulings are set to make the strategy even more appealing.

10 Finance Secrets for Property Investors

The use of finance to leverage ones wealth is the oldest wealth secret of all. Emma Cunningham from Aventree Financial shares her top 10 secrets for Property Investors.

Contributions Cap Frozen & Increase in Super Guarantee Rate

The concessional contribution cap is currently indexed each 1 July, in $5,000 increments. The Government has announced that they will pause this annual indexation until 1 July 2014. This means the standard cap for individuals under age 50 will remain at $25,000 for the 2013 and 2014 financial years, with a potential increase to $30,000 on 1 July 2014.