Superannuation

Should I Put My Money Into My Mortgage or My Super?

By Thornton, 14 October 2022

With interest rates on the rise and investment returns increasingly volatile, Australians with cash to spare may be wondering how to make the most of it. If you have a mortgage, should you make extra repayments or would you be better off in the lo...

Superannuation

A Super Window of Opportunity

By Thornton, 8 July 2022

New rules coming into force on July 1 will create opportunities for older Australians to boost their retirement savings and younger Australians to build a home deposit, all within the tax-efficient superannuation system.Using the existing Firs...

Personal Finance

2022 -2023 Federal Budget Analysis

By Thornton, 31 March 2022

A balancing act Billed as a Budget for families with a focus on relieving short-term cost of living pressures, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg’s fourth Budget also has one eye firmly on the federal election in May.At the same time, the government i...

Investing

Responsible and Sustainable Investing is on the Rise

By Thornton, 13 January 2022

For many people, there’s much more to choosing investments than focusing exclusively on financial returns. Returns are important, but a growing number of people also want their investments align with their values.Everyone’s values are differen...

Retirement

Preparing for Retirement in Uncertain Times

By Thornton, 2 December 2021

As most long-term investors know, investment markets have their ups and downs. The downs are usually associated with periods of uncertainty, perhaps due to political or economic factors, or even natural disasters. Uncertainty leads to volatility –...

Superannuation

Spotlight on Super Performance

By Thornton, 26 November 2021

Superannuation has provided most fund members with stellar returns since last year’s COVID lows. As always though, some funds performed better than others and recent government reforms make it easier to find out how your fund compares. Indeed, you...

Investing

The Tax Basics to Share Investing

By Thornton, 19 November 2021

With many new investors moving away from cash investments to seek other returns, the popularity in direct share investing has never been greater. This article summarises the tax responsibilities of a share investor and highlights some of the risks...

Retirement

A Guide to Planning for Aged Care

By Thornton, 10 November 2021

When the time comes to consider aged care, where do you start, what options do you have and will you be able to afford it? This feature article gives details of what type of care is available, to whom and how much it costs. It encourages your read...

Personal Finance

Why ‘Low-Interest’ is Causing High Interest in Property

By Thornton, 1 November 2021

Is it the right time to leap into the property investment market? With low interest rates and rising house prices, many investors are jumping on the property band wagon. Buying an investment property is a well-worn road to riches for ...

Investing

ETFs – An Alternative to Shares

By Thornton, 21 October 2021

Exchange Traded Fund investments are gaining popularity but do you really understand them? While they can be low-cost and relatively simple, there are a few other things you should know before hopping on board. According to research u...