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 […]
Read MoreIs the Age Pension enough to live on in retirement?
It’s a common question – Is the Age Pension enough to live on in retirement? As is so often the case, the answer is: ‘it depends’. It depends primarily on two things – your level of spending, and the amount of age pension that you are entitled to. ASFA (The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia) produces […]
Read MoreFracking to commence in Kimberley: are you supporting this?
The ABC reports today that State Government will allow Buru Energy to frack for gas in Western Australia’s north without an Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) assessment. Perth-based Buru Energy wants to use hydraulic fracturing stimulation at four existing wells along its Laurel Formation prospect in the Kimberley. Details here: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-06-17/state-government-will-allow-buru-energy-to-frack-in-kimberley/5531112 Buru’s website: www.buruenergy.com This is […]
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