To Access or Not to Access (Your Super Early)? That is the Question.
Amid the raft of measures announced by the Commonwealth Government last month, one of the more contentious was the decision to allow limited access to superannuation benefits to people who are ‘under-age.’ This change took effect from Monday of this week. Whether withdrawing makes sense in your case depends very much on your unique situation.
Let’s All Do Some Home Schooling!
This week we thought we would change tack a little. As we all continue in a version of lock down and with Easter now behind us, most schools have reverted to home learning. So, we thought we would provide a little lesson in basic financial management ourselves. If you or someone you know is home-schooling someone, you might like to use this as a lesson. If not, you can always enjoy the lesson for yourself.
Where did they Get the Money for That?
Over the past month, the Commonwealth Government has announced and commenced implementing economic stimulus measures that involve the Commonwealth spending (or rebating) more than $200 billion. A fair question to ask is: where do they get the money for that? The answer is a happy one that should be reassuring.
Commonwealth Stimulus, Phase Two
Last week, we discussed the stimulus package that had been announced but not yet passed through Parliament. As we forecast, the Commonwealth Government then announced a second round of stimulus measures. Both packages were passed by Federal Parliament earlier this week.
A Time for Stimulation
Next week, the Commonwealth Parliament is expected to pass an emergency $17.6 billion stimulus package. The package is designed to boost the Australian economy – a boost that is needed due to the current and expected future impact of the Coronavirus. This article discusses the stimulus package.
Time is the investor’s friend
Average Australian share prices dropped by almost 20% in the 12 trading days following February 20. This week, we look back at an article we reviewed in 2018 to explain what a drop like that should mean for a patient investor.
Black Swans
If you have been following the financial news lately, you will probably have heard people talking about a potential ‘black swan event.’ They are usually referring to the Coronavirus. But, what’s all this about black swans?
Asset Rich, Cash Poor
You may have heard the phrase, ‘asset rich, cash poor.’ No one likes to hear anything with the word ‘poor’ in it, but if you have to be poor, this is the best way! If you or someone you love is asset-rich and cash-poor, there are various ways that you can use those assets to improve your financial situation.
Sleeping Easy in Retirement
For households with at least one person aged 65 or over, the Australian Bureau of Statistics recently compared average household wealth between those that owned their own home and those that did not. The difference was enormous and the message is clear: owning a property – or a similar kind of asset - is critical in creating wealth. Our job often includes identifying that similar kind of asset.