a helping hand for the holidays

A helping hand for the holidays

Updated on Education

Summer and the festive season are times we all look forward to, balmy evenings, relaxing holidays and social get-togethers. Like a beacon on the horizon, it provides something to aim for as we work, play and navigate our way through twelve, long months.

Our modern world is busier and more stressful than ever, and for many, the holidays also represent a time when feelings of isolation, worries over work, finances and family conflicts, seem intensified. A time when more families than ever seek the assistance of charities.

Tin-rattling events and fundraising campaigns don’t happen as often over the Christmas period. Charity chocolate boxes – always popular in the office – are ineffective if most people are on leave.

So how can you help?

People are traditionally very generous around Christmas-time, but for some organisations, it’s not always about cash; there are ways to contribute that don’t involve donating money.

For example, the needs of disadvantaged children are foremost for organisations such as The Smith Family. This organisation focuses on enabling children to build better futures for themselves; aiming to break the poverty-cycle through education. Regardless of your education, skill set or background, if you want to make a difference to the lives of children, see www.thesmithfamily.com.au for further information.

During times of crisis, not everyone has a shoulder to lean on, yet a caring ear is close by thanks to organisations like Lifeline. Lifeline provides emotional support 24/7, existing, “…so that no person in Australia has to face their darkest moments alone.” Lifeline has a volunteer program where you can be trained to support people in need via phone or web chat. Alternatively, Lifeline can assist you to set up your own personalised fundraising page so instead of receiving gifts for your wedding, anniversary, birthday (whatever occasion you choose), friends and family can donate to Lifeline instead. For further details, go to www.lifeline.org.au.

During the holiday season, with all the associated excitement and frenetic activity, it’s easy to forget the voiceless, those unable to speak for, and support, themselves. This time of year, wildlife charities struggle through lack of funding, and an inundation of animals injured or left homeless after bushfires, habitat loss or road accidents. While cash donations are needed to buy food and medicine, if you’re unable to help financially, donations of bedding, old towels, blankets and food are equally important. You can also organise your own fundraising event. Alternatively, if you’re a knitter you can make possum-pouches, or those handy on the tools, can assist wildlife carers in building pens, fences and enclosures for animals. Each state has administrative wildlife centres that distribute aid and workers where they’re most needed, in Victoria contact Wildlife Victoria www.wildlifevictoria.org.au.

As we face the end of the year our focus is naturally on summer holidays and festive celebrations but remember that if you or your family are experiencing difficulty, these charities exist for you too.

So now we turn to a new year. We draw a line beneath the last one and look forward to twelve months of renewal and possibility.

 

The information provided in this article is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice. 

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It’s not too late for super planning in your 60s

It’s not too late for super planning in your 60s

Updated on Education, Retirement, Superannuation

For most Australians, their 60s is the decade that marks retirement. For some this means a graceful slide into a fulfilling life of leisure, enjoying the fruits of a lifetime of hard work. However, for many it means a substantial drop in income and living standards. So how can you make the most of the last few years of work before taking that big step into retirement? How are we tracking as a nation? In 2015-2016, 50% of men aged 60-64 had super balances of less than $110,000. For women the figure was a more alarming $36,000 – not even enough to provide a single person with a ‘modest’ lifestyle. Last minute lift If your super is looking a little on the thin side there are a few ways to give it a boost before retirement. – Make the most of your concessional contributions cap. Ask your employer if you can increase your employer contributions under a ‘salary sacrifice’ arrangement. Alternatively, you can claim a tax deduction for personal contributions you make. Total concessional contributions must not exceed $25,000 per year. – Investigate the benefits of a ‘transition to retirement’ (TTR) income stream. This can be combined with a re-contribution strategy that, depending on your marginal tax rate, can give your retirement savings a significant boost. – Review your investment strategy. A common view is that as we near retirement our investments should be shifted to the conservative end of the risk and return spectrum. However, in an age of low returns and longer life expectancies, some growth assets may be required to provide the returns that will be necessary to support a long and comfortable retirement. – Make non-concessional contributions. If you have substantial funds outside of super it may be worthwhile transferring them into the concessionally taxed super environment. You can contribute up to $100,000 per year, or $300,000 within a three-year period. A work test applies if you are over 65. – The 60s is often a time for home downsizing. This can free up some cash to help with retirement. The ‘downsizer contribution’ allows a couple to jointly contribute up to $600,000 to superannuation without it counting towards their non-concessional contributions caps. Get it right This important decade is when you will make the key decisions that will determine your quality of life in retirement. Those decisions are both numerous and complex. Quality, knowledgeable advice is critical, and wherever you are on your path to retirement, now is always the best time to talk to your licensed financial adviser. Contact us today for a chat.   The information provided in this article is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice.

Harvesting Financial Success

Harvesting Financial Success

Updated on Budgeting, Education, Finance

Spring is the perfect time to rejuvenate your financial habits as well as your garden!  Here are 5 ways to set you, and your garden, up for success:  1. Plan your garden: Start with deciding what type of garden you want. In other words, get clear about what goals you want to achieve and by when. Once you have your list of goals prioritise them, so you know where to focus your efforts.  Tip: If a goal is large and will take some time to achieve, set yourself some smaller goals with shorter timeframes along the way.   2. Pull out the weeds: You don’t see garden designers on TV rushing in to plant a new garden without getting rid of the weeds first. In financial terms this is the same as eliminating bad debt. Bad debt is debt used to purchase things that don’t go up in value, like cars and household goods. Financing purchases with credit card debt (where the entire balance isn’t paid off each month), personal loans and perhaps ‘buy now, pay later’ facilities mean paying very high interest rates or late fees. Your total cost ends up much more than the original purchase price. These are your weeds – pull them out and don’t let them take hold again!  3. Prepare the soil: A key element to a flourishing garden is good soil. For us this is managing our cashflow. For many people our income is fairly consistent, so the focus is on managing outflows. Think of this as a spending plan not a budget. The ‘B’ word has a strong association with denial and, much like a diet, too much restriction can be counter-productive. Be honest when completing it as you need to know exactly where your cash is going. Your adviser can be a huge help with this. It’s an opportunity to look at your spending and think again about your goals. Is the enjoyment you get from three streaming services more than what you’ll get from achieving your goal? What do you want more?  Tip: Ways to reduce spending often require some planning. Taking lunch to work can save a heap of money. Too rushed to do it in the morning? Make something the night before – and remember to take it with you the next day!  4. Plant your garden: This is where things start to take shape! Gardens often start small so think of this as your initial investment which over time becomes larger and larger. In your financial life this is the power of compounding. To help those initial plants fill out your garden quicker you can add other small plants over time. This is known as dollar cost averaging or adding regularly to your initial investment to boost the effect of compounding.   5. Protect from pests: Your garden will appreciate some help to guard against pests and disease. In the same way it’s a good idea for you to protect your biggest asset – your ability to earn income. Income protection and other types of life insurance can protect you against unexpected events and prevent all the hard work you’ve put into your financial garden from unravelling.  Success requires commitment because, just like droughts which affect your garden, there will be times when reaching your goal seems hard going. Don’t abandon your dreams! With clear goals, elimination of bad debt, a realistic cashflow plan, disciplined regular saving and protection of your biggest asset, you’ll be harvesting rewards season after season!  The information provided in this article is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice.    

Your super: A scammer’s new target

Your super: A scammer’s new target

Updated on Education, Superannuation

In a recent media release, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) warned about a new scam doing the rounds. Scammers attempt, through cold calls to superannuation savers, to extract personal and super fund details by offering incentives in the form of gift cards, competitions or mobile phones. Some induce victims to create an account on their ‘comparison website’ to legitimise themselves and their advice. Rosie’s story: When you get those phone calls in the evening, you know, around dinner time, you’re immediately suspicious. But Steve rang mid-morning saying he represented a well-known investment firm. He said that his area of expertise was superannuation, and that it would only take a moment for him to explain what he could do for me. He then guided me through the steps for creating an account on his website. Naturally, I was cautious, but Steve reassured me it was just a comparison site, and I wasn’t signing up to anything. He showed me how to compare my super fund’s returns with others, and the website seemed so legit that I felt a bit silly for initially having doubts. I listened to what he had to say, and it all made sense. Gerry’s story: The first I knew about all this was when Rosie called asking me to transfer her super into an alternative fund. A bit of background; Rosie has been a client since we first set up a retirement plan and savings strategy for her, twenty-odd years ago. As her lifestyle changed over time, we reviewed and tweaked her portfolio, and she was on track for a comfortable, self-funded retirement. Rosie is an intelligent woman. She may not be a superannuation expert – that’s my job – but we’ve had some quite detailed conversations about her retirement and savings portfolios. So when she asked me to facilitate her roll-over to this other fund, well, to say I was concerned was an understatement. Scammers pose as financial planners or investment managers. Traditionally, they have targeted individuals searching online using words like, ‘safe’, ‘superannuation or ‘long-term’. Recently, they’ve gone to the next level and begun cold calling. Rosie: When I phoned Gerry, he seemed reluctant to organise my roll-over. He asked me for the details of the fund I was rolling into and said he’d get back to me. I thought he was just a bit miffed that I was talking to someone else. Gerry: Alarm bells were going off in my head. I asked Rosie to sit tight for a day while I researched the fund. I contacted the company this Steve fellow claimed to represent and asked them a few questions. Of course, neither Steve nor the fund existed. Then I checked whether the fund had a USI (unique superannuation identifier). Nothing for that either. I rang Rosie. Rosie: I was shocked, I mean, Steve sounded so genuine – and the website! Wow. What a close call! Gerry told me to report the scam to Scamwatch. They contacted me and said this kind of thing was increasingly common and recommended I join the ‘Do-not-call register’. Lesson learned. I’ve had a great working relationship with Gerry for years, there’s a reason for that! I’m due for my annual review next month – Coffee’s on me! If you suspect a scammer has called you, ASIC recommends you: Above all, never accept financial advice from someone you don’t know, if in doubt, speak to your financial adviser – seriously, if the fund is legitimate, they’ll know about it! The information provided in this article is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice.  

Financial Education for a Successful Future 

Financial Education for a Successful Future 

Updated on Education, Finance

Think back to when you got your first job and that sweet taste of financial independence. Regardless of what age you started working, it’s unlikely you knew how to manage that first paycheck.  Let’s face it; our world isn’t particularly adept at teaching financial literacy to the younger generation.   I don’t know about you, but when I was in school, we learned trigonometry (SOH-CAH-TOA is still permanently etched in my brain), which has been helpful for all the times I’ve needed to solve the missing sides and angles of a right triangle, but not so much for managing my financial affairs as an adult.    It’s time we change that narrative by sparking open, honest discussions about money and giving our young adults the financial tools they need to flourish.  The Need for Open Discussions About Finance  Money talk has often been cloaked in secrecy, even considered taboo in some households. This needs to change.   Parents can play an integral role in setting their children up for financial success by fostering an environment where money conversations flow freely. Open dialogue demystifies the world of finance and empowers young adults to make informed decisions.  Using Positive Language  As we foster an environment of open discussions around money, it’s important to remember that the language we use significantly impacts the subconscious beliefs and attitudes our children will develop.    Just as negativity can breed fear and anxiety, positive language can cultivate a healthy relationship with money.   Instead of saying, “We can’t afford this,” try saying, “Let’s work out how we can save for this.” This small shift in dialogue encourages a mindset of abundance and possibility rather than scarcity. It helps young adults view financial challenges as opportunities for growth, aiding them in building a positive and proactive belief system around money.  Financial Goal Setting  Goals give us direction and purpose.   Whether saving for a first car, paying off a student loan, or investing in their first property, encouraging young adults to set and work towards financial goals from an early age is a great way to help them build discipline and a future focussed mindset.  It’s equally important to celebrate milestones, no matter how small. This positive reinforcement nurtures a sense of achievement and motivation, propelling them further on their financial journey. The Essentials of Budgeting  Ever heard of the saying, “Failing to plan is planning to fail”?   That’s precisely why budgeting is so important. Budgeting is not about limiting yourself; it’s about making your money work for you.   The 50/30/20 rule, where 50% of your income goes towards needs, 30% towards wants, and 20% towards savings, is a great place to start for young adults because it’s simple and gets them in the habit of saving from an early age.    Understanding and Practicing Responsible Spending  Managing your money doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the things you enjoy. It’s all about responsible spending.   Need versus want is a timeless debate, but helping young adults to understand the difference is key.   Impulse spending is something that can often sabotage budgeting and saving efforts. A great tip for young adults to help them avoid impulse spending is to implement a 48-hour waiting period for non-essential spending. This allows time to consider whether the purchase is within their budget and aligned with their financial goals.    We’re not just equipping our young adults with financial knowledge but empowering them to build a successful financial future.   So, let’s keep the money conversations flowing and start helping our young adults build habits that will set them up for financial success. The narrative changes today!     The information provided in this article is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice.   

Regaining financial control after a scam 

Regaining financial control after a scam 

Updated on Budgeting, Education, Retirement

A year before retirement, Tess’s superannuation plan was on track, and she was imagining her post-work life. With savings of $34,000 at the bank, she was looking to park it somewhere it could earn better interest while rates were rising.   Considering herself reasonably savvy with money, she began investigating her options.  After hearing about someone who’d made a fortune with cryptocurrency, Tess was intrigued and decided to look into it.   Tess researched crypto-companies and compared what was on offer. When eventually she made her decision, she believed she’d chosen the right investment – how wrong could she be!   Within hours Tess realised she’d been scammed.  Shocked and feeling ill, she reported it to ScamWatch, but over the following days the self-blame settled in.   How could she be so gullible? So naïve?  What was she thinking?! How could she have fallen for such an obvious fraud?   Who knew that financial shame was a thing? But there it was in the form of an empty bank account.  Deeply embarrassed, her financial security shattered, Tess lay awake every night berating herself; through her foolishness she’d lost all her cash savings! She became withdrawn, declined social events and refused to unburden herself, even to close friends.   Finally, in desperation, she decided to speak with a counsellor. Tess discovered organisations like Beyond Blue, ScamWatch and Lifeline offered advice and emotional support. She chose one that felt right for her.  Initially, it was difficult to open up and acknowledge her mistake, but the counsellor explained that part of her recovery was confronting her feelings head-on and realising that victims came from all cultures, backgrounds and levels of education. Feelings of humiliation and shame were normal, although unjustified, as the crooks were highly skilled criminals with access to the latest technology.  Heartened by the counsellor’s words, Tess learned to stop blaming herself and confided in her daughter Louise.  What a relief that was! Louise was gentle and supportive, and introduced Tess to her friend Jarrod, a financial adviser.  Throughout Jarrod’s career, he’d assisted innumerable people who’d fallen victim to scams. Most felt insecure and vulnerable, so his approach was to assist them with practical advice around getting their finances back on track.  He believed that Tess would benefit from a temporary, part-time job. She could rebuild her cash savings, and staying busy would distract her from her worries and help her move on.   When discussing her interests and skills, Tess mentioned she loved animals so Jarrod suggested she consider pet-minding or dog-walking, adding that he could setup the necessary insurance.  Then, Jarrod explained, that while her superannuation was on target, there was a difference between investing for retirement and investing for wealth.  Retirement investing was about saving to fund an income stream that met post-work lifestyle goals. Complying retirement funds offered tax advantages and focused on generating returns.   Conversely, investing for wealth involved accumulating assets beyond what is needed to provide retirement income.   For Tess, financial security was critical, so Jarrod considered her risk tolerance and structured a tax-efficient portfolio of growth assets to support capital appreciation and wealth accumulation.   It also meant that Tess could leave something behind for Louise – a legacy she hadn’t felt was important, until she realised how financially exposed the scam had left her.  Tess’s recovery wasn’t without its challenges. It took time and sacrifice, but along the way she developed a greater sense of independence and resilience.   She delayed retirement by a year, so she could recoup her lost savings and contribute the money from her new side hustle to her wealth portfolio.   In the end, Tess’s Dog Minding and Walking Service continued well after Tess’s retirement, for the sheer enjoyment she derived from hanging out with dogs.  The information provided in this article is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice.