Make the Most of Centrelink changes
Changes to the asset test thresholds and associated taper rate took effect on 1 January 2017. All Australians who receive an Age Pension and whose payment will change as a result have been notified by Centrelink of their new payment rate. If you receive a payment, now might be a good time to check what…
Read MoreReminder: You’re doing fine!
And we know you’re doing fine, because you’re reading this and are clearly interested in actively securing your lifestyle in retirement. You are either working to develop a plan for your future or already have one in place. You are ahead of the curve. According to a study done by MLC, of the Australians who…
Read MoreA brief review of 2016 and expectations for the year ahead
Proving that no one has a Crystal Ball, economists and presidential pollsters alike are looking back on 2016 and wondering how they got it all so wrong. As AMP’s Chief Economist, Shane Oliver, recently noted, “2016 was perhaps remarkable for the things that many thought were obvious at the start of the year but did…
Read MoreHow Not to Invest
Every once in a while we hear investment suggestions that make us uneasy. It’s not that the suggestions are necessarily wrong or bad, more often than not they are based wholly in common sense. The problem is that the rules of common sense rarely ever apply to good investing. AMP’s Chief Economist, Shane Oliver,…
Read MoreAustralian Property Market Update: Should We Reconsider Investment Properties?
As a country, we love property. Much of the “Aussie dream” involves owning a nice house on a quarter acre block of land. It’s also where we direct a lot of our investment money, with the hope that rental yields will help fund our retirements. Recently, there has been a lot of talk regarding the…
Read MorePresident-Elect Trump Market Expectations
So Donald Trump will be the next President of the United States and to the surprise of many, the markets currently don’t look worse for it. In fact, the markets have mostly recovered since its knee-jerk sell off as the election results unfolded. As well, in the days since the election, Trump appears to…
Read MoreMarket Update: U.S. Election Results
America has voted, and in an extraordinary election upset Donald Trump has won the US presidential race. So the question becomes: Now what? Markets have been volatile, both in the lead up, and as a result of the election. We expect this to continue over the coming weeks amid speculation about his likely policy…
Read MoreFinancial Planning Acronyms
Have you ever met a FP who presented an SOA that suggested you should do a NCC to your SMSF, establish an LRBA, so you can avoid giving money to the ATO with the aim of generating a return above CPI? We certainly hope it didn’t come from our office because we like to…
Read More2016 Spring eNews
In the Spring 2016 edition of the Muirfield eNews, we talk about Hayden’s retirement and Andrew’s arrival, as well as the new Superannuation Contribution Caps, what you need for Centrelink, our Market Update, and Spring Cleaning tips! Click through to read more: 2016-spring-newsletter
Read MoreInheriting superannuation? You have options
Receiving an inheritance comes with mixed emotions and ensuring you understand the impact on your circumstances is critical. Inheriting a superannuation fund especially, requires planning to ensure you are getting the best outcome. Unlike a cash inheritance, there may be tax implications depending on how you wish to receive the funds. Before completing and processing any…
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