When the Federal Government introduced the Frige Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption for electric vehicles (EVs) in July 2022 it couldn’t have foreseen the surge in demand for EVs we’ve been seeing with higher fuel prices due to the war in Iran. If the cost of fuel has you considering an electric vehicle as your next […]
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Less rush, more strategy – clarity in a cooling market
Australians have a complex relationship with property – many value it highly, seeing it as a cornerstone of financial security, but many also feel the pressure from affordability and market uncertainty. With all of these mixed feelings, a changing property market can feel daunting, whatever your situation – but it doesn’t have to. In fact, […]
May 2026 Budget
As was widely leaked, last night’s Federal Budget is set to make significant changes to how investors are taxed. The government has taken aim at investors by taking away the tax benefits of both negative gearing and capital gains tax, both of which have traditionally played a big role in how Australians build wealth. From […]
The upside of higher rates
Higher interest rates often dominate headlines for the wrong reasons, but they also create opportunities that simply weren’t available a few years ago. Savers, in particular, are finally being rewarded. Cash accounts, term deposits, and conservative income products are offering returns that may genuinely support short‑term goals or form a stable anchor in a broader […]
Beware the costs of a (not so) ‘free’ Will
I stumbled across an interesting article in the Sydney Morning Herald recently.[1] The article recounts the case of the late Margaret Greaves, who had her Will prepared ‘for free’ by the NSW Trustee and Guardian. Her Will was relatively straight forward and she bequeathed all assets to her son, Tony. When Margaret died in December […]
Beyond the bowser: the cost of rising fuel
Like many countries around the world, Australia’s been feeling the economic impact of sharply higher fuel prices since the outbreak of the war in Iran, as ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt international oil supplies with no clear end in sight. For many households, this means fuel costs are taking a noticeably […]
Market volatility: staying afloat through the turbulence
For all those investors tuning in to the latest share market dips, swings and other movements, let me offer yet another anecdote to help assuage your anxieties and weather the changes that inevitably come with investing. Sometimes the market reminds me of a day out on a tinny in the Harbour – one minute the […]
Start in March: your early bird guide to EOFY success
March is that time of year that, as a financial adviser, I’m inclined to encourage people to start thinking about tax time. Sure, it still feels a little early. And – I get it – preparing tax documents isn’t most people’s idea of a fun. But if you find yourself with a little extra time […]
The hidden price of moving up
Upgrading your home can feel like a natural next step for many Australians, but the real cost can stretch well beyond the price difference between the home you have and the one you want. With uncertainty around interest rates and construction costs remaining stubbornly elevated, the financial gap between your current home and your next […]
Turning 74? It’s time to maximise your super
Reaching age 74 is more than a birthday milestone – it’s your last (and often‑missed) chance to give your superannuation a meaningful boost. Australian rules allow most people to keep contributing to their super right up until they turn 75. After that, the door largely closes. That final contribution year can be incredibly valuable, especially […]