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Welcome to Bruce Brammall Financial

Bored? Invest beyond cash

They say “money talks” and “cash is king”. Maybe in the past. But I’m here to deliver some really bad news. Cash is on life support. It would almost be more humane to flick the switch. The prognosis isn’t good. It certainly ain’t talking much. It can barely breathe! That’s cash as an investment. The […]

Understanding super’s post-65 rulebook

PORTFOLIO POINT: You can contribute to super when you’re not working, or if you retire, or semi-retire early. Here are the rules if you’re considering this option. Superannuation feels like it’s the thing you get or do when you’re employed, to derive an income for when you’re no longer working. And to a large degree, […]

New financial advice laws are now in full swing. How do you take advantage of them?

PANIC! Act swiftly! Oops, hold on. My bad. That was for something else that started on July 1 – my new fitness regime. Epic fail already. Don’t panic in regards to the Future of Financial Advice (FoFA) reforms. The benefits are coming and in some cases have already arrived. Some will benefit without doing anything, […]

Debt Man Investment Newsletter – Aug 2013

Extra! Extra! Get the latest Debt Man Investment Newsletter here! It’s free! Extra! Extra! Debt Man #58 aug2013

I renounce my ‘inertia’ mindset, Michelle please help

Inertia is an incredibly powerful force. It’s a rule of physics that says that things will generally stay in the state they are. Fat people will remain fat. Stupid people will maintain low IQs. Lazy people will create body-shaped grooves in their couches. Star Trekkers will never have any “normal” friends. And poor people will […]

Is there ever a good time to keep a financial secret from a loved one? When and why?

Cue Foo Fighters: “I’ve got another confession to make.” Sorry, Mrs DebtMan, but there’s something else I should probably fess up to. It’s bigger than last year’s (when I got donuts for four days). Here goes … I hide money from you. Lots. I’ve been doing it for years. I think you know I’m up […]

Super choices on the political menu

PORTFOLIO POINT: With the election now set for September 7, let’s look at the super chasm. It’s rare that superannuation is such a high priority on the list of political promises during a federal election. But this time around, it is front and centre. (Obviously, where I, at least, believe it deserves to be.) It’s […]

Super property bells ring louder

PORTFOLIO POINT: Property gearing in SMSFs seems to be here to stay, but beware. Plus: Roger Montgomery, I accept your challenge. At the time, it was one of the biggest surprise decisions to have ever occurred to the superannuation industry. In September 2007 – nearly six years ago – the rules were changed to allow […]

One month into the new financial year, what’s your prediction for the sharemarket in the short and long term?

“Ah, young grasshopper,” said Miyagi to Daniel-san, “you all wet behind ear.” Actually, I’m mixing my Karate Kid with my Kung Fu. But at least they’re both martial arts movies, so you get what I mean. You want a short-term sharemarket prediction? Then you need to meet Senor Bubbles. He’s our family pet monkey, named […]

Got a problem? Just reclassify and it will disappear

It was a piece of Canberra politics so audacious, I was honestly inspired. Gobsmacked, I was. “Pure genius!” I screamed too loudly to a household that was, apart from me, devoid of awake human beings. “Now, THAT is how you make a problem disappear.” Let me explain. On June 26, just hours after Julia Gillard […]