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💰 How much can you have and still get the Age Pension?This is something we get asked a lot, especially by people getting...
22/08/2026

💰 How much can you have and still get the Age Pension?

This is something we get asked a lot, especially by people getting close to retirement.

It’s not just about what you have sitting in the bank. Centrelink looks at your overall financial position.

💵 Savings – bank accounts and term deposits generally count and are subject to deeming.

🏦 Super – once you reach Age Pension age, your super is generally counted. If you’re under Age Pension age and your super is still in accumulation, it is generally exempt.

👫 Couples – this can be particularly important if one partner is Age Pension age and the other is younger.

🌿 Account-based pensions – the balance is generally counted as an asset and most are also subject to deeming.

🏠 Your home – your principal residence is generally exempt from the assets test.

So someone with $500,000 in their home can have a very different Centrelink outcome to someone with $500,000 in savings, super or investments.

Centrelink applies both the income and assets tests, and the one that gives you the lower pension generally determines what you receive.

And no, simply giving money to the kids doesn’t necessarily fix it! Centrelink has gifting rules too.

If you’re getting close to Age Pension age, it’s worth understanding what Centrelink will count and what it won’t before making changes to your super or investments.

General information only. Age Pension entitlements depend on your individual circumstances and current Centrelink rules.

📢 FINANCIAL PLANNING & SUPER UPDATE – AUGUST 2026There has been a lot happening in Canberra recently that could affect s...
21/08/2026

📢 FINANCIAL PLANNING & SUPER UPDATE – AUGUST 2026

There has been a lot happening in Canberra recently that could affect superannuation, retirement planning and financial advice.

Here are some of the key developments:

*Superannuation is back in the political spotlight

There is renewed political debate about how Australians should be able to use their super.

One Nation has argued for greater access to super in cases of financial hardship and for first-home buyers, while the Federal Government has strongly defended preserving super primarily for retirement.

Whatever your political view, accessing super earlier comes with an important trade-off: money withdrawn today is money that is no longer invested and compounding for retirement.

*Government announces crackdown following super investment collapses

Following the First Guardian and Shield investment collapses, the Federal Government has announced plans to strengthen consumer protections around superannuation.

The proposed reforms include tougher controls around aggressive sales practices, lead generation, cold calling and unlicensed financial advice.

This is particularly important where consumers are encouraged to roll established superannuation benefits into higher-risk or complex investments.

⛔️Be very careful with unsolicited super calls

If somebody unexpectedly contacts you and tells you that your super is “underperforming” or that they can move it into a better investment, don’t make a decision based solely on that call.

A proper super review should consider your existing fund, fees, investment performance, asset allocation, insurance, tax consequences, retirement objectives and the benefits you may lose by switching.

*SMSFs and property are also under the microscope

Recent political negotiations have included significant changes affecting SMSFs and residential property investment, including restrictions on SMSF borrowing for residential property.

This is another reminder that an SMSF should be established because it is appropriate for your overall retirement strategy — not simply as a vehicle to purchase property.

*Payday Super is now operating

From 1 July 2026, employers generally need to pay employees’ Super Guarantee contributions with each payday rather than quarterly.

For employees, this means super should reach their fund sooner, giving it more time to be invested.

*Higher super balances face new tax considerations

The rules applying to individuals with very large super balances have also changed, making tax and retirement planning increasingly important for people approaching or exceeding the relevant thresholds.

*Could super and Centrelink become more connected?

The Government is also exploring greater data sharing between super funds and Centrelink as part of efforts to improve retirement guidance.

There may be benefits for retirees trying to understand how their super interacts with the Age Pension, although privacy and the appropriate role of super funds remain part of the political debate.

The important message?

Superannuation is changing, and it is increasingly becoming a major political issue.

Before changing funds, withdrawing super, establishing an SMSF or making a significant investment decision, understand both the immediate benefit and the long-term impact on your retirement position.

General information only and not personal financial advice. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider obtaining personal financial advice before making financial decisions.

Important changes from 1 July 2026
06/07/2026

Important changes from 1 July 2026

23/06/2026

🚨 SMSF Property Borrowing Could Be Dead (For New Residential Purchases)

As part of a deal between Labor and the Greens to pass the Government’s tax package, legislation has been proposed that would abolish Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangements (LRBAs) for future residential property purchases inside SMSFs.

If you’ve been planning to use your super to purchase an investment property using an LRBA, the window may be closing.

The good news?

✅ Existing SMSF property loans are expected to be protected.
✅ Existing contracts are expected to be grandfathered.
✅ Current property holdings inside SMSFs are not expected to be affected.

But for everyone else, the door could soon close.

This comes on top of proposed changes including:

🏠 Negative gearing being abolished for new established residential property purchases.
📈 The 50% CGT discount being replaced with CPI indexation.
💰 New tax measures impacting trusts and higher-income investors.

The property investment playbook is changing rapidly.

If your strategy relies on SMSF borrowing, negative gearing, trusts or CGT concessions, it may be time to revisit the numbers.

The biggest risk right now isn’t the proposed changes themselves.

It’s assuming your existing strategy will still work if they become law.

⚠️ Important: These measures are not yet law. The legislation must still pass Parliament and the final details, commencement dates and grandfathering provisions could change before implementation.

Now is the time to review, not react.

13/05/2026

A Shift in How Australians Build Wealth

The recent budget changes represent a significant shift in how future Australians may build wealth outside superannuation.

A large part of the public debate has focused on housing affordability and reducing investor demand for established property. The Government’s position is that changes to negative gearing, capital gains tax concessions and investment structures are designed to improve fairness and housing access for future generations.

However, the practical impact of these changes is likely to fall differently across generations.

Existing investors who already hold assets generally retain current arrangements through grandfathering provisions. In contrast, younger Australians looking to begin investing in the future will operate under a more restrictive framework.

At the same time, superannuation continues to become the primary tax-effective vehicle for long-term wealth accumulation. While super remains highly valuable for retirement planning, it is also subject to preservation rules and ongoing legislative change, which has led some Australians to seek diversification outside the super system.

Historically, many Australians used a combination of:
• Superannuation
• Investment property
• Family trusts
• Share portfolios
• Small business ownership

to build both retirement wealth and accessible pre-retirement capital.

The direction of current policy appears to place greater emphasis on wealth accumulation within superannuation, while reducing some of the tax advantages previously available for building wealth outside of it.

Supporters of the reforms argue this improves equity and housing affordability.

Critics argue it may reduce flexibility and make it harder for future generations to build accessible long-term wealth compared to those who invested under previous settings.

Regardless of political views, the broader takeaway is clear:

The rules around wealth creation in Australia are changing, and younger Australians entering the system in the coming years may face a materially different investment environment from those who came before them.

Disclaimer: This is general commentary only and does not constitute personal financial, tax or legal advice. The information is based on currently proposed policy settings and publicly available information at the time of writing, which may change. Individuals should seek professional advice specific to their own circumstances before making financial decisions.

Super insurance costs are rising — here’s what it means for youInsurance inside super just got a lot more expensive.Cbus...
04/05/2026

Super insurance costs are rising — here’s what it means for you

Insurance inside super just got a lot more expensive.

Cbus members are facing an average 46% increase in death and TPD cover from 1 July.

And it’s not just one fund…

* Commonwealth Super Corporation (PSSap) → ~43% increase in TPD cover
* AustralianSuper → ~40% increase in TPD cover

Why is this happening?

Across the board:

* Claims are rising (especially injuries + mental health)
* Insurance costs are going up
* More people are relying on cover inside super

In short: insurers are paying more out, so premiums are going up.

What most people don’t realise

This doesn’t just affect your insurance…

Higher premiums mean:

* Less going into your retirement savings
* Your super balance grows slower
* You could be paying for cover you don’t actually need

What you should do (this is the important bit)

✔ Check what cover you actually have
✔ Make sure it still suits your situation
✔ Look at whether it’s structured properly
✔ Compare costs — not all funds price the same

The bottom line

Insurance in super is important — but it’s not “set and forget”.

With increases like this, it’s worth checking you’re not overpaying or set up the wrong way.

If you want me to take a look at yours and tell you if it still makes sense, just send me a message.

Your employer's 12% super contribution is a fantastic starting point, but for most individuals, it's merely the beginnin...
01/05/2026

Your employer's 12% super contribution is a fantastic starting point, but for most individuals, it's merely the beginning of an incredible journey, not the final destination.

Why 12% is just the starting point
Superannuation has taken decades to reach 12%, which is a remarkable milestone. However, if you aspire to a truly comfortable retirement, relying solely on employer contributions often falls short, particularly with increasing life expectancy and rising living costs.

The upside is that you can take control and unlock your full potential
Adding extra funds to your super is one of the most tax-effective strategies available, and it's a great way to invest in yourself.

Two simple ways to boost your super

1. Concessional (before-tax) contributions
• Includes salary sacrifice or personal deductible contributions
• Cap: $30,000 (including your employer's 12%)
• Taxed at 15% (versus up to 47% personally)

This is where most individuals derive the greatest tax benefit and can make a real difference in their retirement savings.

2. Non-concessional (after-tax) contributions
• From money you've already paid tax on
• Cap: $120,000 (or up to $360,000 using bring-forward rules)
Great for building wealth once debt is under control or after receiving a lump sum.

Three smart strategies to help you thrive

1. Salary sacrifice
Put a small amount of your pre-tax salary into super, reducing tax and building your balance faster. It's a simple yet powerful way to take control of your finances.

2. Carry-forward contributions
If your super is under $500k, you may be able to contribute more using unused caps from the last 5 years. Some older amounts expire soon, so don't miss this incredible opportunity.

3. Government co-contribution
Earn under ~$62k? Put in after-tax money, and the government may add up to $500. It's one of the easiest wins available, and it's a great way to boost your retirement savings.

Important thresholds to know

• Earn over $250k → extra 15% tax (Division 293)
• Earn under $37k → government refunds your contributions tax (LISTO, up to $500)

What's changing

From 1 July 2026:
• Concessional cap → $32,500
• Non-concessional cap → $130,000

Good news, but acting now (especially for carry-forward) can be more valuable than waiting. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take control of your retirement savings.

Bottom line

Your employer gets you started, but it's up to you to create the retirement you deserve. Your strategy determines how comfortable retirement actually is. Even small contributions today can make a significant difference later. So, take the first step towards a brighter financial future today.

General advice only. Consider your personal situation and speak with a financial adviser before making decisions.

Why the Stock Market Can Rise While People Feel Worse OffIt feels confusing right now. You hear about job cuts, rising c...
30/04/2026

Why the Stock Market Can Rise While People Feel Worse Off

It feels confusing right now. You hear about job cuts, rising costs and pressure on households, but the share market keeps going up.

The reason is simple. The stock market is not the economy.

The economy is about people – jobs, wages and cost of living. The market is about company profits and what investors think those profits will be in the future. They don’t always move together.

Right now, companies are getting more efficient. AI and automation are helping businesses do more with fewer people. That can increase profits even if it means job losses. Good for markets, tough for workers.

Big companies also benefit first. The large listed businesses that dominate the market have the money and scale to invest in AI and grow. Smaller businesses and everyday workers often don’t see those benefits straight away.

The market also looks ahead. It doesn’t focus on how things feel today. It focuses on what profits might look like in the future.

What we’re starting to see is a split. Investors and people with assets benefit from growth, while some workers face job pressure or slower wage growth. AI is likely to make that gap more noticeable.

So what does this mean?

Just because things feel tough doesn’t mean markets will fall. Staying invested still matters. Your super is already invested in these markets, so you are part of it whether you realise it or not. But it also means it’s important to understand where your money is invested and how it’s positioned.

The bottom line is this. The market can do well even when people are struggling. That’s always been true, but it may become more obvious in the years ahead.

If you want to understand how your super or investments are positioned in this environment, reach out. Happy to have a chat.

Do you have your super or insurance with AustralianSuper?There’s been a noticeable increase in insurance premiums lately...
02/04/2026

Do you have your super or insurance with AustralianSuper?

There’s been a noticeable increase in insurance premiums lately — especially for TPD.

This isn’t just one fund. It’s happening across the whole industry.

Why premiums are going up?

Most insurance inside super:
• Is set up automatically
• Doesn’t require health checks

So people who are already unwell can still get cover. That sounds good — but it means more claims, which pushes premiums up for everyone.

On top of that:
• A lot of people have default income protection (usually 2 years)
• These policies get claimed on more often

What this means for you?

There’s a good chance:
• You’re paying more than you need to
• Your cover might not be as strong as you think

In many cases, you can:
• Get better quality cover
• Have more certainty long term
• And sometimes even pay less

And yes — you can still pay for it through your super if needed.

Bottom line!

Insurance isn’t “set and forget” — especially right now.

Want to check yours?

If you haven’t reviewed your cover in a while, it’s worth a quick look.

Send me a message and I’ll help you work out:
• What you’ve got
• What it actually does, and;
• If there’s a better option

No pressure — just clarity!

Address

1126 Summerland Way WIANGAREE
Wiangaree, NSW
2474

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 7pm
Tuesday 9am - 7pm
Wednesday 9am - 7pm
Thursday 9am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 12pm

Telephone

+611800767396

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