Legal Issues associated with retirement villages Buying into a retirement village is different from buying other residential property. The financial structures and legal titles can vary from village to village, so it's important to talk to your lawyer so that you understand their implications. Get independent legal advice before you sign up with a retirement village. You are … [Read more...]
When is a self-managed super fund a good idea … and when is it not?
August 20, 2015 by ·
The use of self-managed super funds has grown rapidly in Australia over the past five – seven years. But, is this the most appropriate vehicle for you? Self-managed super funds are also known as DIY super funds. They can have up to four members and are generally established by an individual, a family or business partners to manage the investment of their own superannuation … [Read more...]
The Possible Benefits of ” Transition of Retirement”
July 23, 2015 by ·
Transition to Retirement Income streams were originally introduced in July 2005 to help Australians who wanted to transition to retirement via part-time work. By starting a TTR, you don’t have to retire to withdraw your super benefits. You can work part-time or full-time or even casually. There are three major potential benefits available. Boost your super savings With a transition to … [Read more...]
Superannuation: What are Concessional Caps?
July 10, 2015 by ·
Superannuation is a way to save for your retirement. The intent is to support you to have sufficient income in retirement so that you can live comfortably once you stop working and earning an income. The money invested via superannuation comes from contributions made into your super fund by your employer and, ideally, topped up by your own money. In addition to that, sometimes the … [Read more...]
When can i access my super?
July 3, 2015 by ·
When can I access my super? While it is important to understand your superannuation and the integral role it plays in saving for your retirement, it is just as important to know when and how you can access your money. You don’t have to wait until you’re retired to start thinking about accessing your super. Generally speaking, you can access your super: When you reach preservation age and … [Read more...]
When do I need advice about my superannuation?
July 3, 2015 by ·
When do I need advice about my superannuation? With all that's happening in financial markets at the moment, it's only natural to be looking for help to make sense of it all. Like all of us, you want to know what the changing markets mean for you, your family, your savings and your future. And when it comes to seeking financial advice, the best time is now! If you are not sure when to seek … [Read more...]
What is “Super Consolidation”?
July 3, 2015 by ·
What is “Super Consolidation”? Have you worked for more than one employer in your career? How many super statements did you receive last year? If you found yourself thinking “I didn’t know I even had that super fund” or if you have lost track of your funds over the years as you have changed employment, then super consolidation may be the answer. Consolidating your super means rolling all of … [Read more...]
How Much Superannuation Will I Need?
April 30, 2015 by ·
How much Superannuation will I need? Your retirement may be a distant thought or it may be just around the corner. Either way, it's important to know you'll be able to afford the lifestyle you want and deserve. While Australian employers are required to contribute at least 9.5% of your salary to super, you need to work out if this will be enough for you to live comfortably in … [Read more...]
What is the difference between superannuation and other forms of investment?
April 24, 2015 by ·
When it comes to saving for retirement, superannuation is specifically designed to help you accumulate funds in an easy, tax-effective way. Unlike other investments, superannuation is compulsory for most Australians. This is to ensure that people save some money for retirement. In 1992 the federal government introduced the Superannuation Guarantee making it the law for employers to make … [Read more...]
HFI Super Strategies can make a real difference
February 18, 2014 by ·
It’s a known fact. Australians on average are living longer. We commonly spend over twenty years in retirement and the need to accumulate savings while we are still working to fund this increasing retirement period has never been greater. Luckily, there are still some super strategies available to help boost your retirement nest egg and the sooner you start the better. But remember that when … [Read more...]