Posts by Courtney Robinson
What is the Pensioner Stamp Duty Concession?
As a pensioner in Victoria you may be eligible for a discount on the stamp duty when purchasing your next home. Find out if you are eligible.
Read MoreKeeping Ahead of the Game – Rising Interest Rates and Home Loans
Since 2008, the official interest rate set by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has experienced a continued decline to reach all-time lows in 2020.
Read MoreCost of buying a house
When setting a budget for your new home it is important to give yourself an allowance over and above the headline purchase price.
Read MoreChoosing between fixed and variable interest rates
One of the first things to consider when choosing a mortgage is whether to go with a fixed or variable rate product. Our expert mortgage adviser discuss what you should be looking for.
Read MoreHow do Centrelink assess my foreign pension?
Many Australians were born overseas or have lived and worked overseas for extensive periods. This can have important implications if and when the time comes to apply for the Age Pension.
Read MoreMaking sense of the Government construction grant
In response to the downturn in construction brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Australian Government have released a $25,000 grant for people who are building or substantially renovating their home.
Read MoreMaking Sense of the First Homeowner Super Saver Scheme
The First Homeowner Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS) allows first home savers to add money to superannuation, realise a tax saving and then withdraw the money from superannuation when the time comes to purchase a home.
Read MoreHow to hide money from Centrelink – Legally
Not a day goes go by where I am not asked some form of question about how best to structure (hide) money to protect and improve a Centrelink benefit.
Whilst the term “hiding money” brings thoughts of illegal activity to mind, there are legitimate strategies available to you to preserve or enhance your eligibility for a Centrelink benefit.
Read MoreTerm Deposits – Where to go when rates are low?
The Reserve Bank of Australia cut rates to a new record low of 1% in July – Borrowers cheered the announcement, however retirees and savers sitting in Term Deposits or cash have seen an already low return, cut even lower.
With most 12-month Term Deposit rates now sitting under 2%pa, the big question is where to from here to achieve a greater return on investment?
Read MoreChanges to Centrelink Deeming Rates
Many of you will have heard of the term “deeming”. It is a method used by Centrelink to determine your income when assessing your eligibility for a benefit. Rather than have you declare the exact earnings from your shares or bank accounts, Centrelink “deem” these financial assets to earn a set rate of return.
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