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Category: Articles

In specie transfers in the frame

PORTFOLIO POINT: Farewell in-specie transfers to super? The government has just labelled some SMSF trustees “liars” and “frauds” over in-specie super contributions. And here’s what they’re going to do about it. In a broad sense at least, the government claims to believe that SMSFs are well run, that compliance is high, and that there is […]

What are your top three tips for slicing $50 from your weekly household budget?

Easy! Live like a slob recluse! Ditch cleaning products ($5) and petrol to get to work ($30), because you won’t be going. Now, as you aren’t going to be seeing anyone, you can also ditch clothes ($15) and spend the week naked in front of the TV. Awesome! Just don’t answer knocks at the door […]

Tax man spells out SMSF house rules

PORTFOLIO POINT: The Tax Office has put some meat on the bones of “repair” and “improvement” versus “new asset” regulations for geared property in super. And the news is good. There’s something in the air. And it looks like it might be contagious. While one swallow (even two) doesn’t make a spring, there’s a pattern […]

What is one great financial lesson you could teach the other generations?

THPPPPT! Ridiculous! Just one? Humbly, on behalf of Gen X, I could list a hundred. A thousand! In my first breath! Why? Because Gen X is … AWESOME! We are the bees’ knees. And as we’ve been telling our parents, like, forever, we know everything. Everything! Except how to grow old disgracefully, which Boomers have […]

Fairer super: You have spoken

PORTFOLIO POINT: Leave minimum drawdowns and non-concessional limits alone! But if Super Minister Bill Shorten wants some suggestions to make super fairer, he need only have asked Eureka Report readers. Well, I certainly asked the right people. And I knew Eureka Report readers were up to the task. Thank you for your email responses to […]

Renting versus buying – what is the best property strategy for your generation in today’s market and why?

“If you decide not to buy, you will rent until you die.” There, a catchy jingle that says it all. (But also proves I’d be an AWFUL poet.) Like that bad dream (complete with Freddy Krueger) that you can’t wake from, renting will haunt you in later life. (As will those 1987 photos of me […]

Taking super to the next level

PORTFOLIO POINT: The current rules are flawed. They’re in danger of breaking the system. It’s time for a rethink on super contributions, so here are some ideas, Minister Shorten. True or false? In a year’s time, it will be harder to get money into super than it has ever been in the nation’s history. True. […]

As the gold price surges to record highs, should we rush out and buy the precious metal?

FOR your special girl? Yes! Particularly if you think a gold necklace, bracelet or earrings will buy you a year’s credit for upcoming misdemeanours. That would be an awesome investment! But I’m guessing that’s not what the editor is asking. And, in any case, it’s unlikely to buy a full year’s forgiveness for stumbling home […]

FOFA’s good news

PORTFOLIO POINT: Certainly no earthquake, but a positive tremor for super consumers. Here’s how the Government’s new financial advice reforms will impact your super. Opt-in is confirmed. Working in a client’s “best interests” is too. And the ban on soft-dollar benefits is not just in, but is going to be made tougher. Assistant treasurer Bill […]

“We all have different comfort zones when it comes to investing. How do I work out mine?”

Look at me. Clearly, I’m neither Dr McDreamy, nor Dr McSteamy. But I do know your body is a tremendous indicator of stress. If we listen, it tells us things. Making money feels good, so few will feel queasy when markets are running hot. The following are warning signs for when markets are crapping out. […]