Federal Budget 2025-26
Treasurer aims to “rebuild living standards” Much of the 2025 Federal Budget was already known, after a volley of pre-election spruiking for votes. But Treasurer Jim Chalmers had one surprise up his sleeve – $17 billion in tax cuts. The first round of cuts will kick in on 1 July 2026 and second round on […]
Trusts are back in the ATO spotlight
With more than 947,000 trusts operating across Australia, it’s no surprise the ATO continues to keep a close eye on how these structures are managed. Trusts remain central to many wealth and succession plans, but their complexity means they also attract compliance scrutiny.i Closer attention to how trust structures are now being used is part […]
Spring 2025
Spring is here, bringing longer days and an opportunity to venture outdoors and enjoy the warmer months ahead. A higher-than-expected jump in inflation figures may prompt the RBA keep interest rates on hold at this month’s meeting. Headline CPI climbed to 2.8%, up from 1.9%. The trimmed mean, the RBA’s preferred gauge of underlying inflation, […]
October Newsletter
Australia’s economy showed resilience in September, with inflation remaining sticky and the RBA holding rates steady at 3.6%. Headline CPI rose more than expected, from 2.8% to 3% prompting analysts to push back forecasts for further rate cuts until November or early 2026. Core inflation fell slightly to 2.6%, edging closer to the RBA’s target […]
Investing in Rare Earth Metals
Few investment sectors combine geopolitical intrigue, technological innovation and long-term growth potential quite like rare earth elements (REEs). For Australians, the recent deal with the United States to supply rare earths to seed US$8.5 billion worth of new projects, has thrust the sector into the spotlight.i What are rare earths? Rare earth elements are a […]
A positive property outlook for some
Now, with prices levelling out or slowly increasing, there is good news around the corner, according to some analysts.i A combination of positive indicators for housing could help to fuel further price rises. With a widespread view that the Reserve Bank’s interest rate increases are beginning to work to ease spending, some believe we may see the […]
Spark up your life!
Spark up your life and others by being a connector We all know them. The people who seem to know everyone and effortlessly make connections within their network. While it’s wonderful to know a ‘connector’, we can also develop those qualities and become a connector ourselves. Maxwell Gladwell coined the phrase in his book “The […]
Setting up financial goals as a couple
Setting financial goals as a couple Step one: what are your financial pain points? When you start making plans, chances are you’ll both come across financial pain points. In other words, the areas that need some attention and possible alterations. These might include: post-wedding or honeymoon debts different earning capacities different savings goals different spending […]
How to give back
Australia is a giving country, but we often give in kind rather than financially. Whenever there is a disaster here or overseas, Australians rush to donate their time, household goods and cash. However, we still lag New Zealand, the US, Canada and the United Kingdom when it comes to giving money. According to Philanthropy Australia, […]
Managing the costs of raising children
Managing the costs of raising children It is a special feeling to welcome a new child or grandchild into the world and watch them grow. Sharing their joy as they reach new milestones is priceless. Of course, there is a real cost – raising a child is expensive, particularly now as the cost-of-living spirals higher. […]