Financial Planning articles
A Mortgage Review Can Help You Get Lower Interest Rates
Australia is experiencing a weakening housing market and the Reserve Bank has no choice but to further reduce the already low-interest rates.
You may notice that while mortgage rates are nearing all-time lows, you’ll barely see any changes in your home loan rates. As a borrower, it’s your responsibility to do...
Stricter Terms for Availing Deductions on Vacant Land
Before the Treasury Laws Amendment Bill 2019 was enacted, the cost for holding a vacant property was largely deductible. According to the ATO’s guidelines, deductions can be applied on the vacant land that’s intended to be developed in the future for income-generating purposes.
Holding the vacant land can’t be regarded yet...
Changes in CGT Exemptions for Non-Residents in Australia
Special rules on the implementation of capital gains tax (CGT) for non-residents have been proposed in the 2017/18 Budget. These new rules will apply to foreign residents when selling their ‘main residence’ or property in Australia.
A property is considered a ‘main residence’ if:
- You and your family reside in it.
- ...
How Much Can You Earn Tax-free Outside Super Contributions?
The amount of income you can earn tax-free outside your SMSF contributions primarily depends on your age.
Residents Below 65
If you’re under 65, the tax-free threshold is $18,200. This means the first $18,200 you’ll receive won’t be taxed, saving you more money annually because your total taxable income has been reduced....
Limitation and Exemptions on Centrelink/DVA Gifting Rules
You’re feeling generous, so you decided to give an asset to a family member as a gift. Before gifting assets that have enormous value, you must understand the impact the act can have on your Centrelink/DVA entitlements.
When you make a gift, the value of your assessable assets is reduced. This,...
Costs and Fees on Running an SMSF
A report from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) says that 32% of Self-managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) members found that setting up their SMSF is costlier than expected. Also, 38% of SMSF owners said that it was time-consuming to set up than anticipated.
But because of the significant benefits of...
Government Guarantee on Bank Deposits
Before 2012, under the Financial Claims Scheme (FCS), deposits in Authorised Deposit-taking Institutions (ADIs) such as banks, buildings societies, and credit unions were guaranteed by the government up to an amount of $1 million. Under the revised Scheme, the updated permanent cap was reduced to $250,000.
The Australian government guarantees bank...
Tax Treatment on Australian Employee Stock Options
Employee Share Schemes (ESS) enable employees to buy shares of the company they’re working for at a discounted price. Alternatively, employees may choose to buy stock options which give them the right to buy or sell shares at an agreed price and date. Regardless of the scheme offered, employees are...
Facts on Holding Critical Illness Insurance in Super
Critical illness insurance, also commonly known as trauma insurance or major illness insurance, is designed to protect an individual in the advent of a serious illness. A lump sum is paid to cover medical expenses for treating severe health issues such as cancer, heart attack, stroke, and coronary bypass. These...
Greater Bank Offers Home Loan Rates Below 3%
The average interest rate of home loan rates offered by lenders in Australia ranges from 3.09% to 3.99. There are a few institutions which offer lower, with only 2.99% interest, and only a handful provide even lower than this. One of the lowest is from Greater Bank who presents only...