(03) 9020 2905

Welcome to Bruce Brammall Financial

The big super raid is on the way

PORTFOLIO POINT: The rumblings have not been denied. A super raid seems inevitable in a desperate bid to balance a beaten up budget. That the Federal Government is going to raid superannuation to make a surplus of the current year’s budget is now considered a done deal. How do we know this? Because none of […]

Mining stocks have been hammered lately. Are they still good for your share portfolio or super fund?

Every great bubble story comes with its own disastrous crash landing. And when it’s the stock market, it’s so often carnage of the mid-air jumbo jet explosion variety. Debris and casualties strewn over thousands of hectares, tens of thousands of lives impacted, plans changed forever, general fear and panic. Don’t think Flying High. This is […]

Look left, look right and handball the financial risk

Crossing the road safely is a life skill you can’t handball. Not something you can delegate. Look right, look left. If Lightning McQueen (a mad driver and not such a great role model for kids) isn’t speeding in your direction, seasoned judgement, or your Jedi powers, guides you across safely. In a similar basket go […]

SMSFs in the firing line

PORTFOLIO POINT: SMSFs could  become a specific target for a Federal Budget surplus in trouble. Most of the rule changes surrounding superannuation are aimed broadly at the entire sector, rather than picking on individual parts. Sure, there are too many changes. And those changes, in recent years, have been overwhelmingly negative. But most of the […]

Should we write down every dollar we spend, or is doing this just a waste of time?

To answer this question requires some help from the divine wisdom of Yoda. “Waste of time, it is, if you already know where your money goes. Yessss, hmmm.” What the late 900-year-old registered lethal weapon is saying is, if you only ever have enough moolah to just get through a week … then yes, start […]

Spouse splitting makes super sense

PORTFOLIO POINT: Consider starting spouse super splitting arrangements now if you want to take advantage of higher concessional contribution limits later. Sharing and caring – and minimising your tax burden – in your old age, that’s what super is all about. And if Eureka Report can make it more profitable for you lovebirds, then fabulous. […]

What is the most inspiring piece of financial advice you’ve heard. Who gave it, and how did it help you?

Once upon a time, in the early 70s, there was an evil scientist named Walter Mischel. (Evil might be a bit harsh, but the best stories have evil scientists.) Wally decided to experiment on small animals with some reasoning skills – Generation X toddlers. Individually, he locked them in a room with one marshmallow. He […]

SMSFs inside ‘secret’ weapon

PORTFOLIO POINT: In your 50s? Looking to expand your asset base? Should it be inside, or outside, your SMSF? Read this before you make any further investments. A lawyer colleague made a considered, but seemingly throwaway, line in a meeting a few years ago. He said that “Anyone in their 50s with a SMSF should […]

Winning lotto is unlikely but we can always dream. What should you do with a $1 million windfall?

Say to yourself: “Cool! One million down, one million to go”. On its own, it’s not retirement material for a Gen Xer. Or, at least it shouldn’t be. A million bucks ain’t what it used to be. While it’s not a bad start, Xers should be aiming higher than that. (And, funny, this is the […]

Winning lotto is unlikely but we can always dream. What should you do with a $1 million windfall?

Say to yourself: “Cool! One million down, one million to go”. On its own, it’s not retirement material for a Gen Xer. Or, at least it shouldn’t be. A million bucks ain’t what it used to be. While it’s not a bad start, Xers should be aiming higher than that. (And, funny, this is the […]