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Category: Articles

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 […]

Is chivalry dead when it comes to dating and money? What are your tips to avoid an issue?

These “battle of the sexes” questions are brutal. Deadly – no winners. Answer one way, you’re fanning stereotypes. Answer the other and you’re sexist. And both answers will get me in deep with Mrs DebtMan. Hiding to nothing. So, gulp, I’ll just go with honesty and hope I get to keep some arms and legs. […]

A big pile of cash, but you can make it bigger

I’ve been waiting for a bus. For a long time now. Clearly, it’s not coming. It’s time to concede. “Stuff it, I’ll walk”. Okay, time for a quick superannuation lesson. I’m doing it myself in the absence of a government-sponsored education campaign (that’d be the broken down bus still at the terminal). I’ve got 700 […]

A new financial year brings new financial scams. What should your generation watch out for?

Oh, stupidity and greed! I beseech thee to explain! Why art thou power so strong in so many, particularly when combined in the same recipe? Like ducks to water are scamsters to money. They prey on the weak, the dopey, the innocent and the trusting. We have no more chance of ridding the world of […]

Planning for a mega super attack

SUMMARY: A new report reopens the debate about super tax concessions for the wealthy, but recommends global contributions limits. Some form of limit on what’s considered a “reasonable” amount to have in super is likely to be reintroduced by a future government. Reasonable Benefit Limits (RBLs) were ditched, to wild applause, when Peter Costello with […]

It’s time to look forward: What is your new financial year resolution?

So many, I could write a list. Right, well I’ll do that then. First up is definitely to work smarter, not harder. I’ve worked to sensibly adopt technology in the last 12 months. Some will argue you can’t go too far in embracing technology, but spending is a balancing act and I need to insure […]