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Welcome to Bruce Brammall Financial

What are three key questions you should ask yourself before taking on any new debt?

Unfair! The question seems to presuppose that debt is bad. Sure, some of it is pretty nasty. But not all debt. Oh, no-sir-eee. Some debt is actually okay. For example, a mortgage. Know any Gen Xers who bought their first house with savings? Mortgages help you buy what will one day be your biggest asset. […]

Superannuation statements will soon start arriving in letterboxes. What things should you look for in them?

As inscribed on the cover of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, “DON’T PANIC!” I know superannuation seems a bit scary, perhaps pointless. But it’s compulsory and you’ll notice it’s a not insignificant amount now, so stay calm. Here’s what Gen Xers need to check when your super statement comes in. First up, don’t stuff […]

Super in a fee fall

PORTFOLIO POINT: The super fee revolution has landed. Over the next few years, a major review of your superannuation could save you a bundle. When you open your annual super fund letter in the next month or so, you might find yourself grizzling. The investment return from the average “balanced” super fund is going to […]

What are the best ways to handle a financial argument between family members?

Families are “unique” little units, aren’t they? Sometimes it’s all love (like The Flintstones and The Brady Bunch) and sometimes it’s all manipulation and scheming (like Dynasty and Dallas). Some families are like a comfy old slipper. And some others, well, you wish you could find the adoption papers that would prove why everyone else […]

It’s an Olympian effort but you need to check your super fund

The Olympics is an interesting armchair spectator sport in a philosophical sense. Every four years, for two weeks, we all become experts in sports we know absolutely nothing about. “Oooh, bad rotation.” “Great double pike with twist!” “Lift your stroke rate girls”. But the Olympics is for all ages. Four years ago, when the Beijing […]

Four joint-venture options for your DIY fund

PORTFOLIO POINT: One joint-venture property opportunity, four distinct funding options. If you’ve considered JV property investments in your SMSF, you must read this. Purchasing property inside SMSFs is on the rise. You’ve only got to listen to real estate agents openly talking about how many trustees are signing on the dotted line. There can be […]

Regrets, we’ve all had a few… What has been your biggest regret when it comes to investments?

JUST one? I could write a book. Well, a chapter. They’ve all been learning experiences, so I don’t know how much “regret” there really is. Investments that don’t wipe you out, make you wiser. I’d score okay for saving early. My biggest regret would be taking too long to learn the benefits of diversification. I […]

Are you good enough to run your SMSF?

PORTFOLIO POINT: How good/bad was your performance as SMSF investment manager last year? The number to beat was 3.35%. Maybe, just maybe, if the Australian market hadn’t crapped out in the last two months of the financial year, SMSF trustees would all have a little more spring in their step. As Australian shares are generally […]

Frazzled investors awaiting share “sign” get a big clue

Sometimes you just get “a sign”. And you just know IT is about to happen. There’s that vacant stare from a two-year-old that means: “I’m filling my nappy”. There’s that look from your wife that says: “Don’t say a word!” If you do, hell will visit your earth. The first-night waitress says: “Hmm, are you […]