From 1 July 2017, anyone who is eligible to make voluntary super contributions will also be eligible to make personal concessional (tax-deductible) contributions. This is a major change from the existing rules. Under current rules, the ability to make personal concessional contributions is limited to people who: have not ‘done anything’ to be considered an […]
Read MoreAustralians’ dangerous delay in retirement planning
By Glenn Freeman, Morningstar’s Senior Editor: 20/03/17 A new study assessing the retirement readiness of Australians shows a worrying lack of planning and an over-reliance on products, at the expense of expert advice. In a survey of just under 7,000 people, 44 per cent of respondents indicated they feel prepared for retirement, with this figure down […]
Read MoreFed Up with the Jargon? Get informed with FIS, & get a Financial Strategy
We come across many people who have good intentions to plan their financial future, but find the rules, regulations and jargon of the financial services industry more than a little confusing! However it is important not to give up – understanding the rules around Superannuation, Account Based Pensions, the Age Pension and other financial matters […]
Read MoreFederal Budget 2016: Proposed changes to Super will have big ramifications
Treasurer Scott Morrison has handed down his first Federal Budget, providing a launchpad for the election campaign. The winners are low and middle income earners and small business owners. There are significant changes to superannuation rules that could warrant discussion, depending on your circumstances (Note: These changes are proposals only and may or may not […]
Read MoreFossil Fuel Free options for Super & Investment
You may have heard about the global Divestment movement which is growing rapidly (see: 350.org), and also about going ‘Fossil Fuel Free’ in your super & investment portfolios. Investors around the world are aligning their investments with their ethics, and divesting from fossil fuels. But are there many options for Australian investors who want to […]
Read MoreGESB Super: Transition to Retirement (TTR)
We are approached by many GESB Super members about the Transition to Retirement (TTR) strategy. This is a strategy which offers great benefits for GESB members aged 55-65, in particular those with West State and/or Gold State accounts. However it is an area which often is complex, particularly when dealing with untaxed funds (West State) […]
Read MoreEthical Investment Celebrates 50 Years, Comes of Age
Ethical investment turns 50 this year, and ethical financial advisers are celebrating excellent investment performance and the industry’s coming of age by launching the inaugural Ethical Investment Week 13-20th October 2014. In 1964 race riots exploded in Rochester, New York, a company town whose black inhabitants were treated like slaves by employer Kodak Eastman. Socialist […]
Read MoreWould you invest ethically if we could guarantee better returns?
Of course we can’t guarantee better returns – no one can! However the 2014 Benchmark Report released last week by the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) gives you a fair idea of the long term trends. Looking at Australian Share Funds over a 10 year period: Ethical Fund average 11.00% (27 funds) vs Large-Cap Australian Share […]
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