(03) 9020 2905

Welcome to Bruce Brammall Financial

Money can be funny. What is the most humorous financial situation you have seen or experienced?

ABBA was far more cluey when they sang that “Money, money, money, must be funny, in a rich man’s world” than the cheesy lyric suggested. People spend infinitely more time stressing about money than they do laughing about it. My guess is a ratio of 99 to 1 per cent. Billionaires stress about money – […]

Saving SMSFs from the spruikers

SUMMARY: Super and property – more ideas surface to stop the shonks, while Senator Xenophon needs to pull his head in. In any arena, most people play by the rules and will always be safe. Others have no interest in the rules. They’re just crooks and will be caught. There’s always a grey area. Two […]

Borrowing to invest is more attractive when interest rates are low. Is now a good time to do it?

“Get your cheap investment debt here!” When said like that, it almost sounds alluring, like “shoe sale”, or “golf club clearance”. But the cost of borrowing money for investment isn’t the most important factor in whether you should or not. It’s well down the list of the “rules for gearing”. First: You only ever gear […]

I’m from Mars, you’re clearly a Venusian — let’s compromise

Mrs DebtMan claims I only agreed to wedlock because I would gain a second income with which to negative gear. A scurrilous accusation. If true – and I confess to no such thing – then it would have been wretchedly short-term thinking on my behalf. Sure, two incomes might have given me the ability to […]

Deferred annuities: A timely review

SUMMARY: Finally, we’re going to get serious about super retirement income-stream products. It’s been a concern of the industry for a long time. When it comes to turning on an income stream from your super, the options have been way too limited. This is part innovation. But it is also partly to do with the […]

Everyone should have an emergency fund for unexpected expenses. How much do you need, and how do you hold it?

  How bad? The “accidental” extra two shouts because you got stonkered at the pub? The $300 to replace the washing machine motor that crapped out? Replacing the couch that spontaneously combusted? (Hmm, maybe it was those candles.) Or replacing your car, which has been towed one too many times? Unexpected expenses? No such thing. […]

Did you beat the super benchmark?

SUMMARY: Did you have a good year as investment manager for your SMSF? The answer is “no” if your portfolio didn’t return 13.8%. It’s not just double digits for the second year in succession, it’s the second year in the teens. If you’re chasing returns – which we all are to a degree, each with […]

Managed funds versus index funds. Investment choices are growing, so what type of fund is best?

“Come closer, my sweet. I only share the following with special people. I have a crystal ball that tells the future of investment! If you become a client, I will share its secrets with you!” Sounds like codswallop? Would you believe that if someone said that to your face? Would you guffaw and walk off? […]

Forget the RBA, I’m calling it for the buyers

When an undisputed champion offers to adjudicate on a cage fight, respect says you stand back, listen to the verdict, and graciously accept victory or defeat. If Elvis rolled up to judge your local “battle of the bands”, would you dare question his decision? So, last week was, like, a TOTAL let-down. The Reserve Bank […]

How to avoid a super death tax

SUMMARY: Protecting your family from super’s death tax can take a little planning. Superannuation, on the surface, is about saving for your retirement. In fact, that aim is actually enshrined as the “sole purpose” of superannuation. You save via super for decades. At some point close to retirement – before, at or some time after […]