Oct102025
NewsRetirement Planning 3 Crucial Retirement Decisions

3 Crucial Retirement Decisions

News, Retirement Planning

Retirement decisions are some of the most significant financial transitions in life. For Australians, preparing well means not only building sufficient savings but also making several critical decisions that directly shape the quality of life after finishing full-time work. Among the most important decisions are determining the desired retirement income, managing superannuation effectively, and deciding whether to downsize the family home.

These choices determine how long savings last, how financially secure retirement feels, and how much freedom individuals have to enjoy later years. Each decision is interconnected, and navigating them properly often requires guidance from experienced professionals.

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Oct92025
NewsRetirement Planning Retirement Planning 101: Pros and Cons of Investment Property for Retirement Income

Retirement Planning 101: Pros and Cons of Investment Property for Retirement Income

News, Retirement Planning

Why Retirement Planning Matters

  • Retirement usually means switching from accumulating assets (earning, saving, investing) to decumulating them (drawing income, preserving capital, managing risks). Without an income plan, retirees risk outliving savings or being exposed to shocks (health, inflation, market downturns).

  • In Australia, people rely on a mix: superannuation, possibly the Age Pension, personal savings/investments, and sometimes property. Because superannuation rules change, retirement ages shift, and markets fluctuate, having a diversified and resilient income strategy is important.

  • Many Australians view investment property as a means to supplement super + pension with more reliable cash flow and potential capital growth.

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Oct82025
Business InsuranceNews Does Your Company Have Key Person Insurance?

Does Your Company Have Key Person Insurance?

Business Insurance, News

Definition: Key person insurance (sometimes called “key man insurance”) is a policy that a business takes out on the life (and/or health/disability) of one or more “key persons” whose loss would significantly harm the business. The policy is owned by the business and benefits are paid to the business, not to the employee (or their family). (Gallagher)

Risks it covers:

  • Death
  • Total and permanent disability (TPD)
  • Critical illness/trauma (e.g. heart attack, cancer) (Gallagher)
  • Sometimes temporary absence (though that is less common in classic key person policies) (Gallagher)

Purposes / Uses of proceeds:

When a claim succeeds, the business may use the payout for:

  • Compensating for lost revenue (sales, contracts, projects) while replacing or recovering from the loss of that person;
  • Paying recruitment/training costs to find a replacement;
  • Covering debts or liabilities that the key person may have guaranteed;
  • Stabilising cash flow;
  • Executing a buy-out / adjusting ownership if the key person was a shareholder or partner. (Gallagher)
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Oct82025
Financial PlannersNewsWealth Protection How Large is Your Emergency Fund Buffer?

How Large is Your Emergency Fund Buffer?

Financial Planners, News, Wealth Protection

Life has a way of surprising us. Redundancies, health issues, rising interest rates, and unexpected bills can quickly destabilise even households that appear financially comfortable. Without an emergency fund buffer, these events can lead to spiralling debt, stress, and long-term setbacks. That is why building a financial safety net is one of the most important steps Australians can take toward financial security.

A financial safety net has two main components:

  1. An emergency buffer fund—readily accessible savings set aside for sudden expenses or income disruptions.

  2. Wealth protection products—insurance policies that provide income and financial stability in the face of illness, disability, or death.

This article explores both pillars in detail, explaining why they are essential, how much Australians should aim to set aside, the factors that influence the right level of savings, and the role professional financial planners play in tailoring strategies to individual households.

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Oct52025
Financial PlannersNews Pitfalls of DIY Financial Planning

The Pitfalls of DIY Financial Planning

Financial Planners, News

DIY financial planning can work for some, especially if finances are simple, you have good knowledge and discipline. But for many people, the downsides are significant. Here are key pitfalls, backed by evidence, to be aware of.

Key Questions to Ask Yourself Before Going DIY

If you're considering managing your finances independently, here are some essential questions to ask. Honest answers will help you see if DIY is viable, and where you need to bring in external help.

  1. What are my financial and life goals — short term and long term?
  2. How much of my financial situation is simple, and how much is complex?
  3. What is my knowledge base around investment, risk, tax, estate law, regulations?
  4. What is my tolerance for risk (loss, volatility, illiquidity)?
  5. How will I handle ongoing monitoring, reviews, and adjustments?
  6. Have I considered all costs — fees, taxes, time opportunity cost?
  7. Do I understand estate planning well enough to protect my heirs and my wishes?
  8. Am I aware of regulatory / legal environment and future changes?
  9. Do I know when I should / must seek professional help?
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Oct42025
News WA Economy Update

WA Economy Update

News

Western Australia's economy is well-positioned for continued, albeit more moderate, growth in the coming years. The latest WA economy update confirms that the state's strong fiscal position, coupled with government investment in infrastructure and economic diversification, provides a solid foundation for navigating potential challenges. For investors, the housing market, particularly the unit segment, and the tourism sector present potential opportunities. However, it is crucial to remain mindful of the risks associated with global economic conditions and commodity price volatility.

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Oct32025
Retirement Planning What Are The Most Serious Financial Risks Retirees Face

What Are The Most Serious Financial Risks Retirees Face?

Retirement Planning

Why These Financial Risks Matter Together

  • Retirees often don’t have as much time to recover from adverse investment or regulatory changes as younger people.
  • Inflation and increasing costs, especially for aged care and health, amplify other risks.
  • Longevity means even modest under-planning could leave someone with inadequate resources in later years.
  • Regulatory changes can shift cost burdens or benefits unexpectedly.
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Oct12025
Estate PlanningNewsSuperannuation Fund What Happens To Your SMSF When You Die

What Happens To Your SMSF When You Die?

Estate Planning, News, Superannuation Fund

Estate planning is not one of the more pleasant things to think about, but it can be comforting to know what happens to your Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) is going to go when you die. It can also be comforting to know that taxes won’t consume a large portion of their inheritance. Here are some of the fundamentals of where an SMSF goes when you die and how taxes are paid.

According to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), it is recommended to fill out the form which determines where your money is supposed to be distributed in case of your death. This can keep your family’s money from being “tied up” in their time of grief. (1)

If You Die, Who Gets Your SMSF Super?

In the case of your death, the trustee of your super pays the money, known as your “death benefit,” to your dependent, dependents or estate. Your dependents include your spouse or same sex de facto partner and your children. It can also include anyone with whom you were financially interdependent or anyone who was dependent upon you financially. (1)

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Sep292025
Mortgage BrokingNews What is a Managed Mortgage Fund

What Is a Managed Mortgage Fund

Mortgage Broking, News

A managed mortgage fund (or scheme) is an investment vehicle where many investors pool capital, which is then lent out as mortgages secured by property (residential, commercial, or mixed) rather than ordinary bank deposits or shares. The loans might be “first mortgages” (senior, registered mortgages) or subordinate (second mortgages, mezzanine, etc.), depending on the fund. Investors receive income (interest) from those loans, less fees, and sometimes get paid regularly (monthly or quarterly) from those returns.

These funds are often seen as income-generating options, especially when bank deposit (term deposit or savings) interest rates are low. Because mortgage rates (especially from non-bank lenders) tend to be higher to reflect credit risk and property security, mortgage funds often offer higher yields than low-risk fixed income alternatives.

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Sep262025
Financial PlannersNews Getting Divorced

Getting Divorced Financially

Financial Planners, News

Getting divorced is one of the most challenging life events, not just emotionally but financially. In Australia, around 56,000 divorces were granted in 2022 alone, with the median duration of marriage being 12.2 years【ABS, 2023】. That means thousands of families each year face the complex task of dividing assets, restructuring household finances, and planning for an uncertain future.

For many Australians, the decisions made during this transition will shape their financial stability for decades. Early and professional financial advice can make the difference between long-term security and years of financial stress.

This article explains why financial planning during divorce is crucial, how assets should be assessed, the difficult trade-offs between property and superannuation, and the benefits of amicable agreements. It also highlights the role of a financial planner in protecting the future of both parties and any children involved.

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