​Using your redraw facility on your home loan

What is redraw? Let’s say you’ve made a habit of paying more than your minimum scheduled home loan repayments. This means you’ll have money available to take back out – if you want to. This process is known as redraw. You can use this money to pay for sudden expenses, or planned things such as: … Read more

Should I buy insurance through my super?

While we all hope for good health, the reality is that some of us may struggle at times with sickness or injury. And that may affect your family’s financial wellbeing. Different types of life insurance or personal insurance can provide an income when you’re unable earn, or a lump sum to protect your loved ones … Read more

How to start a conversation about money

Why it’s so important to talk about your finances According to this research1, one in two Australians don’t sit down regularly to look at their finances and one in three say that money is a source of conflict in their relationship.   To put conversations about money back on the table, Australians should sit down for … Read more

​What is creditworthiness and why does it matter?

What is creditworthiness? It might be a bit of a mouthful, but the concept of creditworthiness is simple enough to understand. The term refers to a person or company considered suitable to receive credit – mainly due to being reliable in paying money back in the past, as well as having enough funds to stay … Read more

Downsizer super contributions

About downsizer contributions If you are 55 or older, you may be able to contribute up to $300,000 from the proceeds of the sale (or part sale) of your home into your superannuation fund. A downsizer contribution is a non-concessional contribution, but it doesn’t count towards the contribution cap. It will not affect your total … Read more

Diversification

Diversification is an investment strategy that lowers your portfolio’s risk and helps you get more stable returns. You diversify by investing your money across different asset classes — such as shares, property, bonds and private equity. Then you diversify across the different options within each asset class. For example, if you buy shares, you buy … Read more

Rental property as investment or business

If you own a rental property or holiday home, work out if your rental arrangements are for an investment or a business. Common rental arrangements Common rental arrangements include where you: rent part of the property (rent out a room) rent the property for part of the year have a domestic arrangement with family members … Read more

Reverse mortgage and home equity release

If you’re age 60 or over, own your home and need to access money, releasing equity from your home may be an option. There is risk involved and a long-term financial impact. Get independent financial or legal advice before you go ahead. How home equity release works ‘Equity’ is the value of your home, less … Read more

Managed investment trusts

Check the income to declare, when to report a loss, and deductions you can claim for managed investment trusts. Types of managed investment trusts Managed investment trusts include: cash management trusts money market trusts mortgage trusts unit trusts managed funds, such as a property trust, share trust, equity trust, growth trust, imputation trust or balanced … Read more