Investing in property in the outer suburbs – should you do it?

Some buyers’ agents promote investing in more affordable locations (i.e. outer suburbs). I can understand why some investors might be attracted to follow their advice. But it’s not until you delve into the theory and evidence that it becomes blatantly obvious that such investments have a high probability of under-performing. Here’s an example I saw …

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How to ensure your superannuation will be paid to your intended beneficiary

Twenty-three-year-old, Ashleigh Petrie nominated her mother as the sole beneficiary of her super. However, Ashleigh’s 63-year-old fiancé was successful in claiming her full super balance after she died in a car accident. Ashleigh was in a relationship with her fiancé, Rodney Higgins for only 7 months (living together for four of them). This story highlights …

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Pros and cons of buying property without a pre-approval

Many lenders are taking a number of weeks (sometimes months) to approve loans at the moment. These delays have been caused mainly by significantly higher mortgage application volumes and the operational disruption from onshoring back-office services due to Covid lockdowns in the Philippines and India. As such, banks are prioritising applications for borrowers that have …

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2021 Federal Budget Summary

Treasurer Frydenberg handed down the federal budget last night and to be honest, there’s not a lot in it for individuals and investors. However, there are some real positives for small business, first home buyers and retirees. This blog provides a summary of the initiatives announced on 11 May 2021.  First home buyers’ to be …

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How to make the most out of your super increase

After 1 July this year, your employer must increase your super contributions from 9.5% to 10% of your salary. This contribution rate will then increase by 0.5% p.a. for the subsequent 4 years until it reaches 12%. This could boost your retirement savings but only if you optimise two things. The government was tempted to …

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Tax: How to minimise your largest lifetime expense

Tax isn’t necessarily a bad thing. If you’re paying tax, it means that you are making money (income or capital gains). But of course, there’s no need to pay any more than you legally have to. I discuss our common-sense approach to saving tax below. Minimising risk is often more important than saving tax It …

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