General News
Muirfield Budget Update – May 2016
The 2016 Budget was handed down last night with a strong focus on Superannuation. The Government was quick to point out that 96% of individuals with superannuation will not be affected by these changes. For those who are planning for retirement, this budget may result in the need to review your strategy. To help your understanding we have summarised the changes we believe may impact…
Read MoreShare Market Performance in 2015
An impressive rally in the final weeks of December failed to get share investors back into the ‘black’ for 2015. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index finished the year down 2.1 percent at 5411.02. Despite the December rally, investors can only look wistfully at those heady days of April. Our best day was April 27th, when…
Read MoreInvestment Wisdom from the Experts
Investing for success is not an easy process. Although many claim to have the key, only a select few truly possess investment wisdom. Here at Muirfield we have a few simple investment philosophies which have proven to be very effective over the past 27 years. First and foremost is our KISS principle. We have…
Read More2015 financial year in review
Despite the challenges we have seen this past year, markets have actually delivered good returns. Recent issues in China and Greece combined with widespread media “noise” have resulted in increased market volatility, however this has not stopped a few asset classes outperforming their long term average, and you might be surprised which ones.
Read MoreMarket update: Review of 2014, outlook for 2015
Shane Oliver, AMP Chief Economist, reviews the year that’s been and provides an outlook for markets in 2015.
Paul Clitheroe – Market dip, no cause for alarm
Australian shares have taken a solid tumble in recent weeks but unless you particularly need the money, it’s not a cue to sell up.
The leading Australian sharemarket index, the ASX 200, on Friday (10 October) was down to about 5,210. That’s down from about 5,625 at the end of August – though still above (just) the index value of 5,190 at the start of the year.
Though nothing to be too happy about, the current market reversal is not a cause for panic. Seasoned investors know that sharemarkets have, historically, always recovered from dips – often reaching new highs over time.
Click through to read more of the reassuring words Paul Clitheroe has to offer.
Read MoreIt’s Time We Talked About Money
At what point should couples start talking about money? At Muirfield Financial Services we’ve not yet developed a definitive answer, but put simply; the earlier the better.
One of the most commonly sought areas of advice from either recently engaged or married couples, is asking how best to manage their joint finances.
It’s been estimated that money issues are the driving force in 90% of divorces, but you CAN live happily ever after, financially speaking, if you work at not letting financial issues come between you and your partner.
Muirfield Budget Update – May 2014
In one of the more highly anticipated Federal Budgets, the Government announced major changes that could warrant a review of your financial plans. Peter Hogan, MLC Senior Technical Manager provides an analysis of the Federal Budget 2014 and discusses 3 key areas – personal taxation, superannuation and social security.
Note: These changes are proposals only and may or may not be made law.
Summary
- A Temporary Budget Repair Levy of 2% will be payable on taxable incomes over $180,000 pa for the next three financial years.
- Changes to HELP debts will increase the amount payable, and payments may need to be made at lower income levels.
- The Dependent Spouse and Mature Age Worker Tax Offsets will be abolished from 1 July 2014.
- People who make non-concessional (after-tax) super contributions from 1 July 2013 that exceed the cap will have the option to withdraw the excess amount plus earnings on the excess.
- The timeframe for increasing the Superannuation Guarantee contribution rate to 12% will be amended.
- The Age Pension age will gradually increase to 70.
- A range of changes to Family Tax Benefit – Part A and B will reduce the number of people who are eligible and, for some, lower the entitlements.
- The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card thresholds will be indexed from 20 September 2014 and the definition of income will be expanded.
March 2014 Economic Update
In the latest update, Ben McCaw from MLC Investment Management reviews events in markets during February.
The topics he discusses include:
• how global markets did well despite weaknesses in the markets
• why key developed economies are muddling through
• implications of China’s re-balancing from a focus on investments to consumption
• what the outlook is and the economic scenarios MLC is considering.
Click on the above video to see.
Read MoreFebruary 2014 Economic Update
In the latest Economic Update Brian Parker from MLC Investment Management reviews how markets faired in January 2014.
The topics he discusses include:
• why share markets across the world fell sharply over the month
• what impact the US Federal Reserve’s “tapering” of quantitative easing has had on emerging markets
• why the Reserve Bank of Australia is likely to keep interest rates on hold, and
• what strategies MLC has included in its diversified portfolios to help manage risk.
Click above to view his video.
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