Many Australians think that they can find a mortgage with the best rates and terms for their situation by going to their bank or preferred lender. On occasion, your lender will actually have the best mortgage for your situation. But the odds are that they won’t. Look at the situation mathematically. If a mortgage broker…
30 June is a date with which financial planners and their clients are equally familiar: the date on which paperwork must be filed with the Australian Tax Office (ATO). For the financial planner, this date produces two main challenges: keeping their clients’ affairs in order while constantly monitoring the government for any last-minute changes to…
Retirement is a lot tougher than it once was. Gone are the days when a family could pay off the family home, put away some savings and maybe a small investment or two and live happily ever after. In this era, it takes careful planning to have enough money to retire. At this point, we…
One of the oldest adages in the financial planning industry is “pay yourself first” by depositing a percentage of your income in a savings account. However, many of us are already so “maxed out” that we don’t have any money to put aside. The mere thought “I should save money” is more an affirmation of…
In an environment where business, finance and real estate are becoming increasingly competitive, it is crucial to find a great financial adviser. With an investment market that is becoming even more complicated, we think that it will be even more important to have a great financial adviser who can steer you through a maze of…
While the current super guarantee of 9.25% and its eventual 12% sound like a lot of money, most people who want a better retirement lifestyle will want to make extra contributions and use other techniques to ensure that they live the lives they want after they retire. Here are some tips for maximising your super.…
It’s never too early to think about your future, and Approved Financial Planners helps you do just that. One of the most important factors in your future is your superannuation fund, or “super.” Learning how to maximise it now will have a profound effect on your future lifestyle. What Is Your Super Fund? Your super…
When it comes to life insurance, many Australians are misinformed due to a number of myths that pass for “wisdom” in some circles. Unfortunately, many Australians buy into these myths and leave themselves and their families woefully underinsured or not insured at all. Here are seven myths about life insurance. “I am Too Young and…
Have you ever stopped to think of what would happen if you suddenly had no income for three months? Six months? If the answer to this question disturbs you, it’s time to learn about income protection insurance. Income protection insurance pays you if you are unable to work for an extended period of time. This…
Deciding whether or not to set up an SMSF is a significant financial decision that should not be taken lightly. Before you take the plunge, it’s essential to consider your personal circumstances carefully and whether you have the time, expertise, and commitment to manage your own super fund. Here are some key questions to ask…
