Changes to the Age Pension Assets Test commenced 1 January 2017, and may reduce your Age Pension payment. Following is a summary of the main points of the changes: Only the Assets Tests has been changed - there are no changes to the Income Test. Be aware that your Age Pension payment is determined by completing the Assets Test and the Income Test for your particular financial circumstances, and which ever Test provides the lowest payment w...

Introduction Unfortunately, the vast majority of people do not understand what Trauma insurance covers, and why they should have it. This article attempts to explain what Trauma insurance covers, and why most of us should have at least some Trauma cover, by detailing one of my client's recent Trauma insurance claim experience. For privacy purposes, I have changed the client's personal details, however, the facts about the insurance cover and claims process have not been...

  It is that time of year again when we are faced with the usual dilemma - How to enjoy the Festive Season without breaking the bank?   You don't want to enjoy the Festive Season and then receive a nasty bank balance shock in January, however, with planning (because #everyoneneedsaplan), here are 5 ways to avoid the budget going into the 'red' and still enjoy your Christmas and New Year Festivities.   5 Ways to Avoid A Christmas Budget Blowout...

  Do you know if your Income Insurance Claim Payments are Taxable? The answer is 'Yes, they are' so don't get caught at tax time with an unexpected tax bill!   Life insurance companies are very quick to tell you that your Income Insurance premiums are fully tax-deductible whether you pay the premium, or your employer pays the premium on your behalf.
Unfortunately, most people are not aware that any Income Insurance claim payments received are ta...

Do you know what your tax savings could be if you have Income Insurance? Most people understand that Income Insurance premiums are tax deductible, but are unsure exactly what the savings might be for their particular circumstances.
The actual dollar-cost saving will depend on your Income Insurance premium and your Marginal Tax Rate ("MTR"), which is dependent upon your Taxable Income you can click here to check what your particular MTR might be.
In order to illu...