If you’ve received a windfall such as an inheritance, bonus or tax return, deciding where to put it is an important consideration. A common question from clients is ‘should I put extra cash into the home loan or invest in super?’ The answer to this question is not clear-cut and can depend on your age, appetite for risk and goals.
Blended families are increasingly common. Second marriages, de facto relationships, children from previous relationships, stepchildren, and shared assets accumulated over different lifetimes can add complexity to inheritance. Estate planning for blended families balances the need to provide for a surviving partner with the protection of your biological children's inheritance. A carefully considered plan can help to minimise stress for loved ones when you’re gone.
Despite the proposed tax changes in the 2026 Australian Budget, we recommend utilising the usual tax strategies at the end of this financial year. Since these changes are not yet legislated, established tax planning methods, such as maximising deductions, utilising tax offsets, and making contributions to superannuation, remain effective strategies. It’s essential to focus on actions that can optimise your tax position under the current laws while staying informed about the upcoming changes.
Right now, it’s easy to feel like the rising cost of living is taking the joy out of everyday life. Fuel prices, higher interest rates, and even a trip to the supermarket are all putting pressure on household budgets. In this climate, it’s important to remember that good financial planning isn’t about cutting out everything you love. Making some intentional choices can go a long way in helping you stay in control and still enjoy life.
The rapidly evolving geo-political environment and rise of conflict in the world has investors concerned. With headlines focusing on uncertainty, it’s natural to feel unsettled but when it comes to investing it’s important to take a long-term view.
While events such as the current conflict with Iran can have a significant short-term impact on share markets and superannuation returns, these events are part and parcel of any long-term investment journey. History tells us that every crisis, market downturn and recession comes to an end.
