Retirement Villages are marketed as being the optimum lifestyle choice for recent retirees. Often in ideal locations with all the facilities for a stress-free lifestyle. But with complex fee structures and inconsistent regulation, retirement village living should be approached with caution. Before becoming emotionally attached to the idea of living next to a golf course or an ocean. […]

With June now here we thought one more update is in order before the financial year comes to a close. For employees… This is the first tax year that you can top up your deductible super contributions before June 30 by making a lump sum contribution. So as an example, if your employer has paid […]

The Budget promises to deliver a strong economy, more jobs, guaranteed essential services and the government living within its means, so what does this mean to you?    Encouraging tax cuts There’s immediate relief for Australians on low to middle incomes, as well as light at the end of the tunnel for higher-income earners. Those […]

The Federal Government has turned the spending tap back on, signalling the end of the revenue drought since the GFC and the end of the mining investment boom.   As widely anticipated, Treasurer Scott Morrison’s third Budget has cut income taxes, boosted support for senior Australians, delivered $24.5 billion of new infrastructure spending and promised […]

Ever had a plant die on you, and wonder where you went wrong? “But I watered it every day!” “There’s plenty of sun in that bit of the yard!” The simple truth is that there are lots of different elements that need to come together for plants to thrive. Even the hardiest species will struggle […]

Australia’s household debt is among the highest in the world and rising, thanks largely to worsening housing affordability and plentiful consumer credit. So how do we measure up and should we be worried?    Most global comparisons measure total household debt as a percentage of net income. At last count, Australia’s household debt to income […]

They say 60 is the new 40; And while it’s true that today’s over-50s are healthy and active for longer than previous generations, many in this position begin to dream about scaling back their work commitments so they can start ticking off their bucket list in retirement. You may want the flexibility to travel more, […]