http://www.continuumfp.com.au/ Continuum Financial Planners Articles http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=11180 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=11180 A few of our clients have FEA Plantation investments pre-dating our advice in this area and whose plantations were recently Clear-felled; or are nearing either Thinning stage or Clear-fell. When the Banks imposed their account-freeze on the FEA Group, the proceeds of the recent harvesting were held in a Custodial Account that the Banks have not permitted FEAP to pay out to those growers. We understand that negotiations between the... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=11179 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=11179 The plantation forests are where the vast majority of the money that has been invested by us all has been spent in land preparation, planting, and ‘husbanding’ the trees that are growing (well as we understand the situation) from the projects each of our clients are invested into. The protection and continuing maintenance of the forests is in the best interests of the growers: how this can be achieved will depend in the... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=11178 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=11178 The FEA financial demise has given rise to considerable speculation as to what comes next – and there is a lot happening ‘in the background’: the primary sources of publicly-available information are BRI Ferrier (NSW) –as the Administrator; and The FEA Growers Group; the Administrator should be considered formally to be the primary source of reliable information for all creditors, whilst the... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=11149 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=11149 Those of us who work to a plan need to review the progress of that plan at a convenient and consistent time each year: for many of us, this time of year is as convenient as possible. If you started the year with a listing of your assets, your income stream expectations and your goals you can now start to update the list in an adjoining column and determine whether you are able to get a good feeling in answering the question ….... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=11148 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=11148 A question often asked at year’s end: we look at the statement of our salary or profits and then we look at our Bank account and wonder what happened in between the earning of the money and what is now left! For most of us it is fairly obvious where it went – firstly, the tax man took his share; then the Bank wanted its share to cover the interest and repayments on the house mortgage; then we may have had some finance... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=11147 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=11147 30 June is only a fortnight away and it seems only yesterday that we were talking about the financial year that ended 30 June 2009 – and the fact that the year whilst down overall, was finishing with a strong improvement in most markets. When we take the trouble to watch the market movements on a daily basis in so far as shares and bonds are concerned, the time seems to pass incredibly slowly at times (and we can start to think... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=10873 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=10873 We have now concluded the round of mid-year Client Briefings: those who attended and took advantage of this aspect of their service offering were treated to some interesting facts from our own Peter Cashman; from Zurich’s Brad Mackay (alt. Ray Killey); and from Ascalon H3 Global Investors’ Dale Robinson. The events were held in Warwick and Noosa in late March; and Brisbane this week. Attendees have feedback that they... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=10812 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=10812 We have now passed the anniversary of the turn-around in the equities markets and the domestic share market (All Ords) was up over 53% for the twelve months to 10 March 2010; and the Dow Jones was up (in their local currency) around 70% in the same period. Whilst we all know that the share market is meant to anticipate economic change (and price it in), do any of us believe that the economy has lifted by these factors? If we are in agreement... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=10811 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=10811 One of the greatest concerns for all generations is financial security: this concern is held by most at an individual or family level; and it is also the concern of governments and other community leaders from time to time. A concern that we face as a nation is that of being under-insured, even for events that we know are almost inevitable; as well as one that is in fact inevitable! Personal risk insurance is known by that name because that... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=11313 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=11313 The meeting was held in the Launceston Convention Centre, commencing soon after the scheduled time of 9.00 am – and attended by fewer than 100 people (in my estimation). Representatives from BRI Ferrier, accompanied by a Solicitor from Philips Fox, conducted the meeting. It was chaired by one of the Joint Administrators, Bryan Silvia. FEA Plantations management and directors were represented by Tony Cannon, Fergus Lester and Wil... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=10608 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=10608 The Hunter Hall Global Ethical Trust invests solely in International Shares. The Fund aims to outperform the MSCI World Total Return Index; Net Dividends Reinvested in Australian Dollars; over the medium to long-term by 5% p.a. without incurring significant risk to capital. The fund has a higher exposure to small cap stocks within the portfolio which adds a dimension of risk that may not suit all investors. The portfolio is also... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=10353 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=10353 If you can’t answer ‘Yes’ to each of the questions detailed below, you must read more… Why consider Income Protection? To provide an income when the life insured cannot earn one because of becoming disabled or severely ill. To ensure that business continuity is catered for even when the owner can no longer run the business. Are you so sure? If you suffer an illness or injury that takes... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=10352 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=10352 Don’t miss this round of our briefings (being held at Warwick, Brisbane and Noosa). We will be providing an update on activity with Continuum – which we hope you will find as exciting as we do; an overview of what market conditions have prevailed for our decision making – and your entertainment; what our guest Fund Manager view is on the market outlook for the near-term; and our special guest will be telling us... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=10351 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=10351 From time to time we are asked about investing for children’s futures. This is a difficult one to provide a ‘one size fits all’ appropriate response because, like most situations, individual family situations vary from client to client. The most difficult thing for us in this arena is that we are more focused on providing strategic advice than we are product advice (and that is not to say that we don’t... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=10350 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=10350 Investment bonds are provided by life insurance companies and friendly societies. Although the term “bond” is used, they are essentially like managed funds and receive special taxation treatment. Insurance bonds have a range of investment options ranging from the more conservative fixed-interest type assets right up to funds that include growth-style assets such as property, Australian and international shares. The bond... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=10349 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=10349 ‘Children’s Savings accounts’ are ‘high(er) interest’ bank accounts that operate in the same manner as a ‘regular’ bank account. They usually are low- or no-fee accounts and may offer bonus interest rates subject to minimum deposits or no-monthly withdrawals. As with regular savings accounts there are no prescribed payment amounts and parents may deposit money regularly or... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=10348 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=10348 Scholarship funds are managed investments, where contributions from parents and/or relatives are pooled to help save for a child’s future education costs. They are usually only offered by friendly societies. Like managed funds there are fees charged on these products for maintaining the investments – and the provider makes the investment decisions. There is a wide variety of funds, but the majority have a higher... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=10347 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=10347 We have previously advised that our new Administration Assistant – Amy – had started with us (that was four weeks ago already); and that Lisa, replacing Kathy in the Client Services Officer role had started with us: we can now announce that Peter Cashman – who you have all known of as a Joint Venturer with us over the past 2 ½ years – will be joining us as a shareholding partner as from 1... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=10325 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=10325 We are proud to announce our naming as 2010 Practice of the Year at the recent Queensland Securitor Professional Development Day event. Continuum was awarded for its outstanding client communications and highly developed business processes, and also for its contributions to, and advocacy for, Securitor as a Dealer Group. During the recent global financial crisis Continuum’s team, including Eric Walters, Warwick Bragg and Peter... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=10021 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=10021 Is your workplace impacted by the Modern Awards legislation? Why are two particular dates critical in the application of the legislation? What happened in the workplace as from 1 January 2010? As forewarned, the Rudd Labor Government has completed its undertaking to remove the previous government’s Work Choices legislation, replacing it with the Modern Awards legislation – with effect from 1 January 2010; and impacting on... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=10020 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=10020 Every day in every way, we use products, substances and materials that are either mined or grown for our benefit and convenience: why are we now considering ‘commodities’ to be an investment asset or class? It is accepted in investment circles that there are three criteria to satisfy to establish that an ‘investment’ opportunity is indeed an asset class: they are – an asset class must... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=10019 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=10019 We should all be interested in what happens on the first Tuesday each month (not just in November!), as we are all impacted in one way or another by the determinations of the Reserve Bank on the interest rate that it applies to loans it makes to the Trading Banks. For some of us it means higher deposit interest on savings and investments; for some it means higher borrowing costs; and for all of us, it affects the flow of money in the... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=9948 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=9948 The default fund for your employees is an important classification – and in the context of the Modern Awards regulatory process plays a significant role in determining the amount of administrative procedure you have to concern yourself with as from 1 January 2010. It is also worth noting that your employees are at an advantage in the present circumstances – and can benefit further if additional members are added to the... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=9946 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=9946 From a Superannuation viewpoint, there are perhaps two critical dates to be considered when determining whether there will be an impact on the way you manage your super-annuation guarantee obligations to employees going forward: they are - 1 January 2010: this is the date on which The Fair Work Act 2009 specified as the date on which Modern Awards would be effective. Within some of those Awards, particular superannuation funds are... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8463 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8463 In our article on Buy-Sell Agreements we disclose how important it is to have a clear understanding well in advance of ‘events’ as to what happens when they occur. One important issue in relation to business succession planning is how any financial arrangements are to be settled at the relevant time. Whilst the business involved will have a given value, it is also the case that any continuing... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8488 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8488 What is negative gearing? Gearing simply refers to the act of borrowing money to invest. Negative gearing occurs when the expenses associated with an investment, including interest on the money borrowed, are greater than the income from the investment. This means that you are making an income loss on the investment which is generally tax deductible. Because the loss is tax deductible, your overall tax is reduced. This helps to reduce the... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8487 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8487 What is a mortgage trust? A mortgage trust is a unit trust investment where your money is pooled with that of other investors. The money is then invested by the manager of the trust in a range of mortgages. The money is invested by lending to another party for the purpose of purchasing a property. In most cases the property will already exist but some mortgage trusts will lend to people undertaking property development. The loan is secured... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8486 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8486 What are listed investments? Listed investments are investments quoted on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) or another stock exchange located overseas and are able to be bought and sold through the sharemarket. Listed investments allow you to gain ownership of any publicly listed company via the purchase of shares. Shares in companies, listed property trusts and investment companies are the three main types of listed investments in... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8483 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8483 Investing in overseas markets opens up a range of potential investments much greater than that available in Australia. In global terms, the Australian market is quite small and is less than two per cent of the total money invested in the world’s sharemarkets. This represents only a small proportion of the world’s investment opportunities and investing overseas allows you to diversify your investment portfolio across the... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8482 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8482 What is dollar cost averaging? Dollar cost averaging is an approach to investing within managed investments which involves investing a set amount of money at regular intervals rather than a larger lump sum at one time. By investing this way you are not attempting to pick the highs and lows of the market but rather the cost of your investment is ‘averaged’ over many periods. What are the advantages of dollar cost... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8468 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8468 One of the most important decisions you make when you join a superannuation fund has nothing at all to do with investment choices. Superannuation is not an estate asset, meaning that it does not automatically get distributed by your Will. It is therefore important that you consider how and to whom you will leave your superannuation benefits. Who can receive your superannuation when you die? Strict superannuation rules govern how your super... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8464 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8464 When businesses are being established, owners usually undertake extensive research and due diligence processes to satisfy themselves that the investment (of time, energy, emotion and finances) is going to achieve particular outcomes. This is all part of business planning. One important aspect of business planning is to ensure that business succession arrangements are in place to deal with risks to the business continuity in the face of... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8510 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8510 Newstart Allowance (NSA) serves to support those who are actively seeking employment or temporarily incapacitated. Certain criteria must be met before the applicant becomes eligible and these include: The applicant must be unemployed, or regarded as unemployed (this can include some people who work), Aged 21 or over but under Age Pension age. Willing to undertake suitable paid employment, Unless exempted, must... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8509 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8509 A Maternity Payment of $5,185 is paid to families for each child born after 1 January 2009. This payment replaces the previous Maternity Allowance and Baby Bonus arrangements. From 1 January 2009 the payment will only be available where the estimated combined adjusted taxable income (ATI) is not greater than $75,000 in the six months following birth and will be payable in 13 fortnightly instalments of approximately $398.85 per fortnight.... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8505 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8505 What is the Liquid Assets Waiting Period test? The Liquid Assets Waiting Period (LAWP) is a period that you must wait before being paid an allowance (Newstart, Sickness and Youth Training), if you have ‘liquid’ funds above the threshold. The maximum LAWP is 13 weeks and is applied from the date that your employment ceased. Liquid assets are any readily available funds, including those of your partner, which you can... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8504 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8504 What is the Income Maintenance Period? Income Maintenance Period (IMP) treats lump sum payments for outstanding leave and redundancy received at termination of employment as assessable income for the period relevant to the leave and the weeks of pay included in the redundancy. The IMP commences on the day that you receive the leave payment. What Centrelink benefits are affected? The IMP is applied to all non-age pension income support... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8503 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8503 In order to prevent you from simply giving away your assets to qualify for age pension and other social security benefits, Centrelink and the Department of Veteran Affairs have introduced rules that impact income support recipients who “gift” away their assets. These gifting rules can be summarised as follows: Two tests apply in respect of asset gifting: a maximum of $10,000 in gifts is allowed... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8474 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8474 By this term, we at Continuum Financial Planners refer to those assets that a family accumulates over time and pass from one generation to another. By medium of well-structured Estate Planning, such assets may pass directly to future generations, or be held in testamentary trusts for their benefit. Those assets that already exist in family discretionary trusts are managed differently, but can still be part of the Estate Planning, albeit not... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8473 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8473 Succession is the passing of something from the current holder to the next holder: you might think of it as a baton in a relay race. Sometimes succession happens in an orderly, planned way – and on other occasions, it is thrust upon us. Business Succession is no different: we can plan for it; or we can wait for events to catch up with us. The two main areas for which Business Succession Planning is undertaken, are:- ... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8472 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8472 A beneficiary is a person who has a legal right to the use or enjoyment of an asset, even though the asset is not owned in his or her name. In Trust and Estate situations, the beneficiary must be named to be able to start to enjoy the status bestowed on them: in a Will for bequest purposes, from an estate; but may initially have recognition eligibility by ‘class’ in Trust situations (whether the Trusts are within estates... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8471 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8471 As is the case in so many professions, the legal fraternity is comprised of generalists and specialists amongst the ‘lawyers’ we generally recognise in legal firms (other than barristers). At Continuum Financial Planners we have developed an extensive network of legal firms from whom specialist advice is available on a range of topics. Areas that are of particular interest to us in our financial planning role, include... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8470 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8470 A document by which a person gives an agent (the attorney) authority to act on his or her behalf. The power is enduring when the document states that the authority to act shall continue regardless of the later mental incapacity of the person giving the power. In Queensland, the Power can be restricted to financial matters or extended to dealing with health issues: in either case, it is possible within the EPA document (which grants the power... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8465 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8465 Even if you’re looking to stay on in your business for longer or have no plan for retirement, a buy/sell agreement ensures the future of the business continues as you wish in circumstances prescribed in the agreement. Some of those circumstances might not be planned – and could arise without notice: accidents, serious illness, even death are amongst the more obvious situations of concern. A buy/sell agreement is a legal... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8394 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8394 The Disability Support Pension (DSP) aims to provide a level of support to people whose physical, intellectual or psychiatric impairment prevents them from working. This pension is also payable to people who are permanently blind. The rate of DSP and the income and assets test are the same as for the Age Pension. Basic conditions of eligibility for Disability Support Pension (DSP) are: Aged 16 or over but less than Age Pension age at... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8393 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8393 What is deeming? Deeming is the term which describes the method used by Centrelink and Veteran’s Affairs to calculate your assessable income from certain investments when determining the level of entitlement to be paid. Deeming means that you are assumed to earn a certain return on ‘financial’ investments, irrespective of the actual rate of interest or capital growth you earn. If you earn more than the deemed... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8154 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8154 A recurrence of life-changing incidents within a circle of contacts often brings the subject of Estate Planning back into focus. This is an area that each of us who has dependants, particularly financial dependants, owe it to them to ensure that what is being provided for their ongoing well-being is both secured for them and delivered in as timely a manner as possible. Some of the issues that need to be considered, include – ... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8502 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8502 What are Family Tax Benefits (FTB)? Family Tax Benefits help families with the cost of raising children by offering ongoing financial assistance. Specific requirements have to be met for a family to qualify for the benefit. The benefits can be claimed fortnightly through Centrelink, as part of your yearly tax return or as an adjustment of PAYG tax. Family Tax Benefits are divided into two categories known as Part A and Part B. Who can... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8395 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8395 What is the Centrelink compensation preclusion period? If you have received, or are about to receive a lump sum payment of compensation, there will be a period during which you will not be able to receive an income support payment from Centrelink or the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). This period is called the ‘preclusion period’ and it will usually date from the time of the accident or the cessation of regular... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=9586 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=9586 Referrals are treasured by our company – and we take this opportunity to reiterate our sincere appreciation to those of you who have made referrals to us: we trust that the tangible expressions of our appreciation have been appropriate – and enjoyed. We will always acknowledge the generosity of those who have been kind enough to let their family, friends or work colleagues know how much they appreciate our service (when... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=9585 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=9585 Commodities are an emerging market in the diversified portfolio space with quite a bit of attention being given to the ‘equity-like’ performance as an asset, but without the shocks that accompany the share markets. Securitor has made a couple of commodities funds available to our clients through their product approval system – and we have given them some consideration and analysis. During 2010 we will most... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=9584 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=9584 Markets are rising around the world on the various stock exchanges in response to the ever-so-slow increase in economic activity – and share prices are generally staying ahead of any foreign currency exchange headwinds to generate continuing improvement in share portfolio values. As Continuum Financial Planners has shared in other places, we anticipate that this trend will continue through 2010 – and we are in the camp... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=9583 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=9583 Interest is increasing in what the Reserve Bank will do when next they meet in February 2010 – and the odds being given by ‘the usual crowd’ of economists suggest that there will be a 0.25% (25 bps – ‘basis points’) rise in the official interest rate on that first Tuesday. Will the Banks have the temerity to increase by a factor greater than the RBA? Will the government have enough... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8549 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8549 What is the superannuation guarantee? The superannuation guarantee scheme requires all employers to provide a minimum level of superannuation support in each financial year for their employees, subject to limited exceptions. Employers who fail to provide the prescribed minimum level of SG support are liable to an SG charge as well as additional penalties. Who is covered under the superannuation guarantee? In general terms an employer is... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8525 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8525 A clearing house facility exists within the Asgard Business Superannuation offering with the effect that all of your employee superannuation contributions can be processed in the one transaction – even those where through Choice of Fund action has meant that particular employees wish their contributions to go to different providers. This is an online facility that saves considerable administrative process and has no extra cost to... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8523 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8523 What is Choice of Super(annutaion)/Fund? Choice of superannuation fund is a law that was introduced to give a significant number of employees the right to choose which superannuation fund will receive their employer superannuation contributions. It has applied since 1 July 2005. Who Does Choice of Superannuation Affect? Employers, employees, superannuation funds and their trustees, and financial advisers all have obligations under choice... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8518 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8518 A death benefit is a payment made following a person’s death and has the benefit of being concessionally taxed. A death benefit cannot be rolled over. Lump sum death benefits are payable: From an employer, superannuation fund, approved deposit fund (ADF) or life company, On the conversion of, or payment of, a superannuation pension or annuity, On the conversion of a reversionary pension or annuity made within the... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8495 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8495 Overview It is widely reported that the costs of raising children from birth until adulthood are very significant (by one recent survey, around $1,000,000 – 2009 value – from birth to age 25). By far the most important aspect of investing for the future of children is to save regularly and start early. There are several different investment vehicles for savings and the preferred option, along with whose name the... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8479 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8479 Why do negative returns occur? Some investments, like cash and term deposits with banks, never fall in dollar value. However, they can create problems for investors over the medium to long-term as they produce only modest returns with no capital growth or no tax effectiveness. The purchasing power of these investments decreases in real terms over time (that is, after taking into account the effects of inflation). In order to achieve higher... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=9409 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=9409 Click here to view our Newsletter online http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8519 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8519 It is allowable for a member to split superannuation contributions across to their spouse’s account. A spouse is defined as a person who lives with another in a genuine domestic relationship as husband and wife. This definition includes de facto couples as well as same sex partners (watch this space). The rules relating to this strategy allow for 85 per cent of concessional contributions (including contributions made by your... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8513 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8513 What are non-concessional contributions? These are contributions made to a superannuation fund by an individual member for which a tax deduction has not been claimed. These used to be known as undeducted contributions and count towards your non-concessional cap. Why make non-concessional contributions? There are many advantages in making non-concessional contributions: Non-concessional contributions are not subject to the 15 per... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8511 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8511 What payments may I get when I leave work? When you leave your job and meet the definition of “bona-fide redundancy” because you have accepted a voluntary redundancy or have been made redundant involuntarily; or accepted an early retirement under an approved scheme, you will generally receive additional payments to those you would normally expect had you resigned or been dismissed for disciplinary reasons. These... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8520 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8520 If you are under 65, you can contribute to superannuation personally or have contributions made on your behalf without the need to be employed. If you are aged 65 or over, the following requirements apply: Aged 65 to 74: You can make personal contributions or receive employer contributions as normal if you satisfy ‘the work test’ (that is, you have been gainfully employed for at least 40 hours in a... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8512 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8512 Why invest in superannuation? Superannuation is a tax effective way of accumulating wealth for your retirement. The Government provides tax incentives to encourage you to utilise superannuation to provide for your retirement. Because of the generous tax concessions, the Government places restrictions on how much can be contributed and concessionally taxed on withdrawal and when you can actually take your benefits out of superannuation. How... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8466 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8466 There are a number of ways in which a retiree can provide the income stream required to meet their lifestyle (and emergency) needs when not able to qualify for the age pension. We understand that most people – by the time they reach retirement – are looking for two key features about their retirement wealth: consistency of adequate income; and preservation of capital. Falling behind these key requirements is... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8409 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8409 What is a term allocated pension? A term allocated pension is a superannuation account that provides for your super to be paid to you as regular income for a fixed period. They can commence after retirement or as part of a “transition to retirement”. The pension payments made to you are set each year based on your account balance and the term remaining on your pension. After a 6 month cooling off period it cannot be... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8400 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8400 What is an allocated pension? An allocated pension is simply an account within a superannuation fund, designed to pay you regular pension payments. Within the pension account, you can invest into a range of managed investments and shares, or simply hold your money in a cash account. Investment earnings such as dividends and capital growth in underlying investment assets are added to the account and a pension is paid from the account to you... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=9178 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=9178 If your family’s principal income earner meets with a sudden and unexpected accident, illness or death, how would the family survive? Not just the next three years, or thirty years – albeit that those terms are very important – but how about the next month, the next three months or the next year? If there is cash in the bank (or even a pre-arranged line of credit) will this event mean that access is not readily... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=9177 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=9177 What is a Bull – and what is a Bear (– in financial market terms)? What defines a Bull Market, or a bear Market? Whether the Bulls are running or the Bears are roaring – the markets continue to operate: so should you be concerned about the state of the market at any time in your long-term planning? In financial markets a Bull is a positive investor: one with a view that the markets are improving and are yet to... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=9176 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=9176 Is the diversification of your investment portfolio just a way for your financial planner to protect themselves: or is it a valid tool for the design of your portfolio and selection of assets/ managers to achieve your strategic goals? We reveal the elements that need to be assessed to ensure that your portfolio attains optimum outcomes – not mediocrity. Investment assets come in three basic forms: cash (including fixed income... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8970 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8970 The Reserve Bank of Australia recently raised the Bank Lending rate by 0.25% (25 basis points; or bps) and that has caused people to become alarmed about whether they should fix rates now. In response to the RBA action, all of the major banks have increased their Variable – and their Fixed – rates by the same amount. We recently calculated the current disadvantage of fixing at the wrong time in the cycle and found that... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8969 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8969 Our final client briefings for 2009 were held in Warwick, Brisbane and at Noosa during the first week of October. Those who attended have rated the event well and commented that they learned quite a bit about the reasons behind the changes in the market over the past two years – and more importantly for many of them – about the importance of having a correctly drafted, valid Will based on Estate Planning principles. Mr... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8971 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8971 The well-known investment adage that the market foretells economic developments has once again proven correct: watch the move in market prices for a particular sector and the economy for that sector will most likely take that path within 5 to 9 months. Since early March (around 9th), the US and Australian equity markets have risen by more than 50% (at time of writing): whilst a significant portion of this growth is because of a massive... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8788 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8788 You’ve had your say in our most recent Client Survey and we are very gratified by the results as we have analysed them so far. We will continue to analyse the information we have received and make the following commitments:- We will report the ‘warts’ as well as the positives;  We will work to improve performance at all levels; and We will let you know as we make changes as a... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8787 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8787 One of Eric’s clients recently alerted the office that an offer had been put to them by telephone, to participate in an investment in a company in the United States of America. Prudently, the client asked the sales person to contact Eric: needless to say, as at the time of writing there has been no contact with Eric – or with Continuum Financial Planners by this group. This is not an unusual event but it has brought to... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8022 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8022 The financial year is coming to an end. We trust that your budgets have balanced, your portfolios are strategically strong, your tax records are in order and that all those year-end tips we sent out earlier in the month have been helpful. Have a Happy New (financial) Year!! We look forward to bringing you better news over the course of the year as it unfolds. http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8021 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8021 Our regular survey of clients will soon be published – and this year you will be able to undertake your appraisal of what we are doing – or planning to do – online through our own website. Look out for further news on this front in the coming few weeks. Early contributors will be eligible to win some of the prizes we are assembling to send in appreciation of your time taken to respond. http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8020 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8020 A positive finish but still negative returns for our investment portfolios during the 2008/09 financial year. With two major low points on the market during the past year (September/ October 2008; and March 2009) this will be the second year in succession with negative returns reported on most portfolios. Interestingly, as we have reminded clients over the several months from November through until March, there was an exciting upturn from... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=7678 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=7678 The effectiveness of some of the strategies mentioned below will depend on your personal taxation circumstances: whether an employee, a sub-contractor or a self-employed business operator (carrying on business under a structure): you need to confirm any proposed course of action with your accountant, tax agent or financial planner before acting on them. (Please refer to the general disclaimer published with this commentary.) Maximise... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=7677 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=7677 Who is it for? All individuals generating an income from their personal exertion, or from personal management of investment portfolios, need to seriously contemplate – and act on –Income Protection insurance. Initiating cover and/ or revising it are equally important: the latter on a reasonably regular basis. How does it work? A valid and eligible claim under an Income Protection policy is usually paid on a monthly... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=7676 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=7676 All of the following comments are directed towards investment philosophy: readers who follow a more intense trading pattern in their financial management will need to look to other articles for guidance. Continuum Financial Planners work with clients who are traders, but do not advise on timing or product for that purpose. Persisting theme Over any given period of time – and regardless of the market circumstances at the time of an... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=7496 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=7496 It was announced as part of the 2008-2009 Federal Budget that gross tax-free superannuation lump sum and pension income was to be included in the adjusted taxable income test for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card. The Government has decided not to proceed with this measure. http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=7495 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=7495 The qualifying age for the Age Pension will gradually increase from 65 to 67 by 2023. The qualifying age for men and women will be increased by six months every two years, commencing 1 July 2017 and reaching 67 on 1 July 2023. Only new entrants to the pension system from 1 July 2017 will be affected. The qualifying age for the Veterans’ Service Pension will remain at 60. The table below highlights how the pension age will... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=7494 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=7494 The thresholds will increase to $17,794 for individuals (up from $17,309) and $30,025 for individuals in families (up from $29,207) from 1 July 2008. The additional amount for each dependent child will increase from $2,682 to $2,757.   The Medicare levy threshold for pensioners below Age Pension age will increase to $25,299 ensuring pensioners below Age Pension age do not pay Medicare levy when they don’t have a tax... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=7493 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=7493 For eligible first home buyers entering into contracts between 1 July 2009 and 30 September 2009 the First Home Owners Boost will continue to provide $7,000 for the purchase of established homes and $14,000 for the purchase of new homes. This means that first home owners will receive a total of $14,000 for established homes and $21,000 for new homes.   For eligible first home owners entering into contracts between 1 October 2009... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=7492 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=7492 Effective from the 1 July 2010 there will be three new tiers applying to the Private Health Insurance Rebate. Under the existing arrangements tax payers who have private health insurance are entitled to a 30% rebate of their premiums. From the 1 July 2010 this will remain unchanged for singles with income less than $75,000 per annum and families with incomes less than $150,000 per annum. The table below outlines the different rebates that... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=7491 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=7491 The matching rate and maximum co-contribution payable will beb reduced from 1 July 2009. For the 2009, 2010 and 2011 financial years where you make a non-concessional contribution to superannuation and are eligble to receive the Goverment Co-contribution the government will match this contribution 100% upto a maxiumum payment of $1,000.  For the 2012, and 2013 financial years where you make a... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=7490 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=7490 The Government has announced that the minimum pension payment required to be withdrawn from an account base pension (Allocated Pension) will be halved for 2009/10 financial year. The table below outlines the minimum pension you must draw from your pension account during the 2009/10 financial year based on your age. http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=7489 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=7489 Federal Government announced that the concessional contributions cap are proposed to halve to $25,000 per annum with effect from the 2009-2010 financial year, limiting the ability to salary sacrifice into super for higher income ear earners. 'Transition to Retirement’ pensions remain, however the strategy will be somewhat limited with the transitional cap of $100,000 for those aged 50 or older also being halved from 2009-2010 to... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=7488 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=7488 A number of reforms and new annoucements were made in the Budget handed down by the Federal Government on Tuesday 12 May 2009. The links below outline these reforms and announcements and how they affect you. For further details on these budget annocuments please click on the links. Superannuation Contribution Limits Increase in Age Pension Age Reduction in Private Health Insurance Rebates Temporary Reduction... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=7268 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=7268 As the ‘dark becomes less dark’ (perhaps there is a light at the end of the tunnel after all?) we are recording improvements in client portfolios and believe that even greater gains are yet to be made. We have been encouraging investors to consider their investment objectives and their timeframes – and then acting to benefit from the changing level of confidence. We are pleased to see that a number of clients... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=7267 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=7267 Have you received your ‘bonus’ from the government? How are you planning to ‘spend’ it? In a recent newsletter from the people at Vanguard Investments, an article by James Dunn (a financial journalist and media consultant) took our eye here at Continuum. The article complements the AXA article "The Economy and Investor trends: de-leveraging" also published in the article... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=7266 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=7266 Saving .. clearing debt and investing - In a recent article in which the CIO of AXA – Australia and New Zealand published his point of view to advisers: the following comments show a favourable view for the long-term investor (and probably a better outlook for households generally) – beyond the next several months. His headline indicates that “far from lagging the rest of the world, there are signs that... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=7066 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=7066 Peter Thornhill, Author, recently addressed the Asgard Investor Forum in Queensland and those attending were given an entertaining and statistically forceful argument as to what proves that the sharemarket is a rational vehicle, why shares are a safe, dependable, boring, high income investment, as opposed to highly RISKY Term Deposits. Peter is passionate in his faith in Industrial Shares on the Australian share-market. He cleverly showed... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=7067 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=7067 Economics and some market facts As most investors will be aware, Central Banks, such as the Reserve Bank of Australia, play an important role in managing their economies through a combination of both fiscal policy and monetary policy. Fiscal policy relates basically to the level of interest rates. For example, when Central Banks raise interest rates they are said to be “tightening” liquidity with the result that... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=7065 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=7065 Dr Chris Caton, Economist, recently addressed the Asgard Investor Forum in Queensland and those attending were given statistical ‘argument’ making the case that, even if the Markets haven’t bottomed, now is an ideal time to be investing – for the LONG TERM. In a series of slides – that you may wish to contact our office to receive a copy – Chris demonstrated that from an economic... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=6660 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=6660 Investors who have a portion of their portfolio invested in some of the mortgage and/ or income funds, or wanting to do so have been frustrated since the government decided to provide a guarantee for deposits at ‘Banks’ – which has led to a run on other ‘cash deposit’ managers, including these funds. They have had to respond in turn by restricting further deposits and only allowing redemptions... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=6655 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=6655 Clients being serviced from our Noosa office and in the Warwick District should be on the lookout for an invitation to our update seminars being held on March 10 (Noosa Lakes) and Clients being serviced from our Noosa office and in the Warwick District should be on the lookout for an invitation to our update seminars being held on March 10 (Noosa Lakes) and March 11 (The Jackie Howe Motel). We are pleased that BT Investment... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=6963 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=6963 Since the spring, and most acutely this autumn, a global contagion of fear and panic has choked off the arteries of finance, compounding a broader deterioration in the global economy. Much of the past year has been deeply humbling for our industry. People are understandably angry and our industry has to account for its role in what has transpired.   Financial institutions have an obligation to the broader financial system. We... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=5570 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=5570 Our 2008 season of Client Briefings are now concluded and because of the number of apologies from clients who were unable to make the particular occasions we finally settled on for the year, we are pleased to circulate this overview of the presentations made. At the same time, we take the opportunity to thank the clients who attended – and express our appreciation for the warm, open and high level of confidence you have expressed... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=5560 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=5560 ‘Fundamentally, the Australian economy is in much better shape than previous recessionary episodes. Whilst time can dim our memories, the environment and financial strains that existed in the early 1990s were a greater risk to the Australian economy than the current global slowdown.’ As investors fret over the uncertainty in both the global and local economy I was reminded by an experienced central banker that it always... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=5559 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=5559 How should we respond in these most uncertain times? It is not helpful to focus on the failure of regulators and the greed of executives of free-wheeling financial institutions that resulted in an untrammelled expansion of debt. (You can count on the system to be overregulated in the near future).   The key is that we are in the midst of a massive deleveraging process which causes risk assets to be re-priced.   In this... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=5178 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=5178 The announcement this morning that the US Government’s financial rescue package “Troubled Assets Relief Program” (TARP) was not approved by the US House of representatives (with a vote of 228 against and 205 for), has had a significant impact on global financial markets overnight. Equity markets have had sharp declines while bond markets (Sovereign Government Bonds) moved sharply higher in price, benefiting from... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=5179 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=5179   Market Volatility Questions and Answers     Q. What is causing market volatility?   A. The Australian and international stockmarkets have been subject to a range of global pressures such as the US sub-prime mortgage ‘crisis’ and the fear of recession in the US. In our own backyard, we have seen relatively successful companies have their share prices dramatically fall. These... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=5055 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=5055 There is always a light at the end of the tunnel! Whilst we are surrounded by doomsayers and headline seekers, be aware that the current level of volatility in market valuations is not unusual in the cycles of market trading. We at Continuum, remain optimistic about the long-term prospects for the share and property markets – and have been working with our clients to understand that what is happening is part of the working of... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=5054 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=5054 more of what you pay to staff and sub-contractors is now considered to be OTE, which now includes (performance-related) bonuses; regular over-award payments; commissions; and expense allowances. The statutory rate has not changed from 9%, but with these inclusions the cost of meeting your superannuation guarantee obligations may have increased as from 1 July 2008! [Note - If you engage sub-contractors in your business who are principally... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=5052 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=5052 Should I be investing more – or withdrawing??       The most important consideration in these times is whether or not you are working to a carefully – and personally-customised strategy for your investments (whether inside or external to, your superannuation account). In the formulation of that strategy, your financial adviser – particularly at Continuum – will... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=5051 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=5051 There is always a light at the end of the tunnel! Whilst we are surrounded by doomsayers and headline seekers, be aware that the current level of volatility in market valuations is not unusual in the cycles of market trading.   We at Continuum, remain optimistic about the long-term prospects for the share and property markets – and have been working with our clients to understand that what is happening is part of the... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=5050 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=5050 superannuation guarantee charge is imposed on employers who fail to meet their superannuation guarantee pay-ments in a timely fashion. The charge itself is extremely penal and should be avoided at almost any cost: it applies if you do not meet your payment obligation within 28 days of the end of the quarter in which an amount becomes payable. The above changes (and updates) should be carefully considered as the charge also applies to... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=5049 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=5049 Be aware of your rights and entitlements     Whether in times of volatility in share-market valuations or otherwise, the superannuation guarantee legislation is designed to ensure that, with careful attention and appropriate management your superannuation will substantially subsidise your lifestyle in retirement.  If you have any concerns that your entitlements are not being paid correctly, or timely, you... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=5053 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=5053 finding that the current market volatility is stressful – and particularly if you genuinely lose sleep over it – please contact our office and arrange for an updated ‘Comfort Test’ and/ or a psychometric evaluation of your investor risk aversion profile.   Is my investor risk profile standing the test? If you are http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=5108 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=5108 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=4453 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=4453 Market volatility has been front page news recently. The Australian and international stockmarkets have been subject to a range of global pressures such as the fear of recession in the US and the sub-prime mortgage ‘crisis’.   You’ll soon be receiving your Asgard 2007-08 investor report and I wanted to let you know in advance that your results are unlikely to be positive, and may leave you feeling... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=4427 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=4427 The Heron Quality Star Ratings for 2008-09 have recently been announced, with Asgard super products retaining their highest award rating. Five Heron Quality Stars has been awarded to Asgard Employee Super in the ‘Corporate Products’ category, along with Asgard Elements Super/Pension and Asgard eWRAP Super/Pension in the ‘Retail Products’ category. The Five Star rating means the product is recognised... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=4328 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=4328 Now that the very volatile year has closed off, most investors are looking over the results and considering their short-term approach to where their investments sit and what to expect into the future. When considering your investment portfolio it may be helpful to understand the following data as it may apply to your situation. On the above basis, a Balanced Investor should anticipate at least one negative year in every... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=4256 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=4256 The Continuum Financial Planners 'debt recycling strategy' utilises debt in appropriate structure to convert ‘bad’ debt to ‘good’ debt. This strategy will reduce the 'after-tax' interest cot on your private home loan borrowing(s). You will lower the interest costs by borrowing to build an investment portfolio Directing investment income and tax benefits... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=4076 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=4076 Establish a Philanthropic Endowment Fund – This is a rewarding experience and is more achievable than might appear at first consideration. The initial capital contribution will give an immediate tax deduction and the ongoing benefits from the investment of the endowment capital will provide a source of funds to allocate to charities from your selection. http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=4074 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=4074 If you have made a capital gain during the year due to the sale of an investment asset did you know that the capital gain can be offset by either business losses or carried forward capital losses. You may also consider the use of following strategies help reduce your taxable gain for the year Rebalancing your investment portfolio, taking losses on underperforming assets (and reinvesting to others if cash flow permits: beware buying... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=4072 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=4072 If you make a personal after tax contribution to your superannuation before the end of the financial year, the government will match your contribution on a three-for two basis up to $1,500. Using this strategy you can generate a 150% tax free return on your investment within one year. To see if you are eligible for the Government Co-Contribution and to see how much you will receive click on the links below. Am I eligible for the Government... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=4071 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=4071 If you are self employed or a partner in a partnership, you can make personal deducted superannuation contributions that will reduce your taxable income for the financial year. The amount that you can contribute to Superannuation and claim as a deduction will depend on your age (refer to the table below for limits). These contributions must be made before the 30 June 2008 to ensure you are entitled to claim a deduction for the 2008 financial... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=4062 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=4062 As an Employer you are aware that you must make ensure your Superannuation Guarantee Contributions and Salary Sacrifice Contributions for the June quarter must be made before the 28 July. However did you know if you want to claim a deduction in the 2008 financial year for the Superannuation Guarantee Contributions and Salary Sacrifice Contributions made in the June quarter you must pay it before the 30 June 2008. http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=3935 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=3935 CONTINUUM welcomes Peter Cashman As part of our strategy to strengthen the financial strength of and advice experience available through Continuum Financial Services we are pleased to welcome Peter Cashman (Cashman Financial Services) into a Joint Venture under which we will provide wealth accumulation and protection advice to a growing range of clients. A profile on Peter appears in our website 'About Us' page. We also take this... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=11905 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=11905 A number of our clients who have invested in FEA Plantation projects over the past several years have received correspondence from a southern-State legal firm inviting participation in a Class Action against FEA Limited and its Directors. We are not authorised to provide advice on such invitations but strongly suggest you seek legal advice before taking any action through an unknown legal firm (whose history with such actions is unknown to... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=11904 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=11904 The FEA Growers Group (FEAGG) has been made aware of the development of at least one proposal for the restructure of some of the projects that our clients are invested into: at this stage, we are unable to share the details of the proposal because it has not been sufficiently developed for us to be certain as to its likely effect – and because the information we have seen to date is ‘commercial in... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=11903 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=11903 The Administrators (BRI Ferrier) have issued invoices to some growers in the contributory group of projects (pre-2003) for the Rent and Maintenance for their woodlots, in their capacity as the Responsible Entity (RE) for the Projects. We are being regularly asked whether or not these should be paid: our advice at present is as follows:- In most cases the invoices appear to have been legitimately raised under the terms of the... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=11845 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=11845 Your home, your furniture and other personal assets, your superannuation account and your insurance policies – what does all of that add up to? Is your family responsibly able to manage the wealth you have worked hard to accumulate; that you have taken care to protect; that you have set up into an appropriate Estate Plan? Continuum Financial Planners Pty Ltd is working with a number of clients to ensure that their next generation will... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=11844 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=11844 So the end of the financial year finds you short in the tax credit department and you have to plan payment of the last year’s tax – and think of ways of managing your tax affairs so as to not be ‘caught short’ for the current financial year. There are a number of ways that you can effectively reduce your potential tax liability: not all of them are effective. Remember that for every dollar spent on a tax deduction, only a maximum of 46.5... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=11843 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=11843 Around this time of year some of us will be receiving a refund from the ATO: this is not a generous gesture on behalf of the Tax Commissioner, it is a return to you of what you should have had working for you during the past year. Now that you have it back under your control, we offer the following suggestions as to how you might make it worth more to you: Check that you have enough insurance to provide peace of mind to your family that... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=11555 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=11555 Dollar-cost-averaging (DCA) is a tried and tested financial wealth strategy that has proven itself effective in the continuum of market cycles: what is it? And why does it work? What is it? DCA is a process of investing a similar amount at regular intervals into one portfolio. An example of this is say, $100 per month into a bank passbook account. (Before you jump to the obvious, yes – this is an example of ‘the magic of... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=11554 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=11554 Whether looking at investment opportunities or making lifestyle decisions, living beyond one’s means can lead to terrible outcomes – outcomes that we won’t detail here, but our readers will know that spending more than earning can only result in negative outcomes. When investing, choose assets that are diversified from each other, have different income and capital risk characteristics and that have different... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=11553 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=11553 2011 is a new financial year with challenges, opportunities, disappointments and great expectations: have you made adequate preparation to seize the best of these issues for the coming year? Some matters you might want to pay attention to before the year gets away include – if your Will hasn’t been reviewed in the past 3 years, or if you have experienced a ‘major event’ since the last review,... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=11552 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=11552 The 2010 financial year saw a number of our clients and associated professionals call on the services of the Continuum Team to resolve issues, both financial and ‘personal’ for themselves, their clients or related families. We did this in a number of ways: reviewed asset allocation (what investments monies are put into) to ensure the appropriate strategic goals were still achievable; initiated, or in some... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8558 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8558 What are the income and assets tests for the pension? These tests are designed for use by Centrelink in determining the level of pension, allowance or other support you will be entitled to under the government’s welfare regulations and legislation. The tests apply so that you will be paid the least benefit allowable after each test is considered – with the effect that if one of the tests ‘rules you... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8556 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8556 Testamentary trusts can best be thought of as trusts that you create to look after some or all of your estate after your death. If correctly written Testamentary Trusts can reduce the amount of tax that your beneficiaries will pay on income earned from the estate. In particular, they will reduce the impact of the penalty tax that children under the age of 18 pay on unearned income. They can also protect beneficiaries from the possible loss... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8550 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8550 Business Expenses allows you to insure monthly business expenses on a monthly reimbursement basis, to help keep your business viable if you can’t work because of sickness or injury. How would your business survive without you? What would happen if you had to take time off work because of sickness or injury? Or worse, if you could never go to work again? If you run your own business, the consequences could often be dire... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8524 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8524 As part of our service to business superannuation clients we provide seminars and printed material for their employees. These resources are directed at improving the awareness of employees about the value of their superannuation account (and maximising that); and the importance of prudent financial management of their affairs otherwise. These services, usually in the form of newsletters and occasional direct mail, are provided at no cost to... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8522 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8522 Check you have met your reporting and administration obligations Some of the functions that must be performed annually on behalf of a superannuation fund include – Appoint an approved auditor to audit your SMSF. Lodge your SMSF annual return withy the ATO for your SMSF each year by the due date, providing all the information required – and paying the supervisory levy. If you are having trouble lodging by... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8521 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8521 As an SMSF trustee, you are ultimately responsible for running your SMSF. It is important you understand the duties, responsibilities and obligations of being a trustee. As a trustee of an SMSF, you need to act according to the following: your fund’s trust deed the provisions of the super laws, including – Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (SISA) – Superannuation Industry (Supervision)... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8517 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8517 A spouse contribution refers to when a person makes a contribution into their spouse’s superannuation account. Provided certain income thresholds are met, the contributing spouse can receive a tax rebate of up to $540 on the contribution. Whilst there are no limits on the age of the person making the contribution, the receiving spouse must be under 70. Further, if the receiving spouse is over 65, they must meet a work test before... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8516 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8516 What are self-managed superannuation funds? A self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) is your own private superannuation fund that you manage and control. They are sometimes referred to as DIY funds – although they are rarely able to be a completely Do-It-Yourself arrangement. You may have up to 4 members in the fund and both you and your employer can contribute to the fund. There are many benefits to starting your own SMSF.... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8514 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8514 If you have reached your preservation age (currently 55), and wish to continue working, you will not have full access to your super – full access is only possible once you fully retire or reach age 65. However, you can access your super as an income stream. The income stream must be a non-commutable income stream (meaning that you can not take lump sums from it). The most common form of this is an allocated pension. If an allocated... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8494 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8494 Wealth Protection advice What would be the financial consequences if you were injured, became ill or died? Would your family or other ‘dependants’ (including business partners) be adequately provided for and remain financially secure? How would you cope financially if you were no longer able to work either for an extended period of time; or permanently? Wealth protection is an essential part of every wealth creation... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8493 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8493 Wealth creation advice Wealth creation occurs when sound investment strategies are implemented with account of your personal and financial circumstances, available resources, needs and goals being matched with your investor risk profile and relevant timeframe(s). Wealth is more than a financial score: it is also a feeling of well-being. Your Continuum adviser will work with you to devise the personal plan that suits you; and will help you... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8492 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8492 What is a blended portfolio? Put simply, a blended portfolio is a portfolio comprising of a mix of carefully constructed assets, which complement each other with the aim of producing the optimal outcome for the investor. Modern portfolio theory is the common basis on which investment portfolios are constructed for both private individuals and large institutions. One of the essential elements of modern portfolio theory is the need to hold a... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8491 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8491 Children under 18 years (‘minors’) are subject to special tax rules on their investment income. These rules were introduced to discourage people from investing in children’s names and accessing the lower marginal tax rates multiple times. The special tax rules apply to what is called ‘unearned income’. This generally includes bank interest, share dividends and distributions from trusts where... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8490 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8490 What are share trusts? Share trusts, sometimes called equity trusts, are unit trust investments that allow you to pool your money with other investors and purchase a portfolio of shares. They provide you with the means of participating in the sharemarket without the need to purchase shares directly. Why invest in a share trust? A share trust allows you to have a portfolio of shares managed by a group of professionals who are skilled in... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8489 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8489 Why invest in property? Most Australians believe that property is a sound ‘growth’ investment that produces rental income and long-term capital growth. However, this also means that it has the capacity to fall in value in poor market conditions. Most major institutions that manage large amounts of money, eg. Superannuation funds, life insurance companies and fund managers, may have some of their portfolio invested in... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8485 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8485 Different types of managed investments are used to achieve different investment sector allocations and varying investor goals. Managed investments can be categorised according to four main criteria: Investment Tax Structure – Superannuation (including Rollover funds), Trusts, Insurance Bonds, Friendly Society Bonds, Term Allocated Pensions, Allocated Pensions/Annuities. Asset Classification – Income... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8484 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8484 What is a unit trust? A unit trust is an investment vehicle for pooling the money of investors. Unit trusts are a form of managed investment that can include superannuation and rollover funds, insurance bonds and friendly society bonds. The essential differences between the different forms of managed investments are their legal and taxation structures. However, the common feature of managed investments is that they allow people to combine... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8481 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8481 What does risk mean? Risk, in its simplest sense, is the possibility that things do not turn out the way you expect. To investors it has many different meanings. For some, it means the risk of losing capital, others see it as the risk of not getting the best returns on their money. For retirees it may be the risk of not producing enough income to live on or running out of money. Risk is both a positive and a negative for investors. There... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8480 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8480 What is dividend imputation? When shareholders receive dividends, they are essentially treated as having received a distribution of the pre-tax profits of the company. That is, they must include in their assessable income the actual amount of the dividend received plus the amount of company tax paid on that dividend (referred to as the ‘grossed up dividend’). However, to ensure the dividend is not taxed twice, (once in... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8477 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8477 A measure of CGT relief is available for the disposal of certain assets by qualifying small business taxpayers. This relief applies in addition to any CGT discounting relief the taxpayer may be entitled to. What are the concessions available? The small business CGT concessions available include: Where you are over 55 and retiring, a total exemption of the gain on “active assets” held for 15 years, A 50 per... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8476 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8476 Capital gains tax (CGT) is a tax payable on the increase in the capital value of investments when a CGT event occurs. There are a number of CGT events that can happen in relation to an asset, however the two main ones occur when an asset is sold, or when an asset is transferred. Assessable income from a capital gain is taxed in your hands in the same manner as other assessable income. The actual amount of the gain that becomes subject to tax... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8475 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8475 Asset protection is about reviewing the way you carry on your business, trade or profession, how you own your private and business assets and how to ensure that if the worst occurs, you do not lose everything you have worked so hard to create. Asset Protection is about sensibly organising your affairs while things are going well to minimise the risk to the wealth diligently created in the event that things go wrong. This is not just a... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8469 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8469 A Will is a written declaration describing how a person's assets are to be distributed after his or her death. It is revocable during the lifetime of the person who made the Will. The Will must be executed properly for it to be accepted as a valid statement of the deceased's intentions. The Last Will and Testament validly prepared and signed, is the last opportunity for a testator to provide for the distribution of their estate –... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8467 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8467 A discretionary trust is a structure that holds assets and earns income on behalf of the beneficiaries. It may be created as the result of a Will (a testamentary trust) or to hold a family’s investments (a family trust). A discretionary trust is created by a written document called a trust deed. Contained in this deed is a set of rules, which in conjunction with trust law, determine what the trustee can and cannot do with the... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8462 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8462 Income Protection Insurance covers a person against a loss of income whilst they are unable to work due to illness or injury. The policy will pay the insured a benefit after the waiting period is over. Generally, to qualify for an income protection benefit the insured must be unable to perform at least one of the duties of their occupation, not be working, and be under the care of a doctor. Users Income protection insurance may be most... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8461 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8461 Trauma insurance offers cover in the event of a major one off event which may render a person unable to return to work for a period of time. Trauma insurance, (also known as dread disease insurance) is available as either a component of a life insurance policy or as a separate product. Trauma insurance is not normally available within a superannuation fund. Although there are some rare exceptions, trauma insurance policies are usually only... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8460 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8460 Total and permanent disability (TPD) insurance generally covers a person against an illness or injury that prevents them from returning to their previous type of work. It forms part of wealth protection strategies, providing asset protection when needed most. TPD is offered as an extension to a term life, trauma, whole of life policy or standalone policy. TPD insurance means the 100% disability of the insured. A lump sum may be paid in the... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8459 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8459 Term life insurance is the most common form of life insurance policy. It provides cover in the event of death and terminal illness. How they work These policies are usually available to people aged between 16 and 70, though cover can be renewed to 99. The standard term life insurance policy offers no surrender value – that is, there is no investment or savings component. There is a cooling off period of 14 days following the... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8458 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8458 Recognise that your personal risk insurance is an important part of your financial plan: even if you don’t currently work to a documented plan. Personal Risk Insurances (Life (Death) Insurance; Total (Temporary) and Permanent Disability – TPD; Trauma (Critical Illness); Income Protection – Salary Continuance; and Business Expense) are part of your Wealth Protection strategy. We at Continuum... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8457 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8457 What is personal risk management? A well-constructed financial plan has two parts – wealth creation and wealth preservation. Wealth creation is designed to build and preserve capital based on the assumption that you will have continued good health and live to a certain age. However, wealth preservation is transferring the risk to another party in the event that something may happen that will prevent you from meeting your long-term... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8410 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8410 What is a defined benefit pension? A defined benefit pension is a regular income stream paid to you from a superannuation fund. The income can be payable for your lifetime (and in some cases, the lifetime of your spouse), or it can be payable for a pre-determined term. It differs from an allocated pension in that the level of payments received each year set at the start of the pension is either fixed or indexed to inflation. Unlike an... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8408 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8408 The Age Pension is a safety net for older people who are not able to fully provide for themselves in retirement. This is to ensure that these people have enough income to meet basic living expenses. To qualify for the Age Pension, a male must be aged 65 years or over. Depending on their date of birth women will qualify at different ages. Due to changes in the legislation in 2009 budget the Age Pension age will be lifted to 67. This will be... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8407 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8407 take advice on it always being the case that in business or financial management, as in many other ‘project’ circumstances, well-devised strategy will always outperform ad-hoc decision-making over the longer-term: ensure that your strategy is based on current information and regularly reviewed to ensure that your own changing needs are reflected in the ongoing strategic plan. Economic cycles are just that: cycles... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8405 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8405 Give us your feedback in the survey that was sent to your email Inbox and provided a broad enough cross-section of clients respond, we promise to act on the information to improve the content and frequency of the items in our service packages. Whilst it may appear to be something of a cliché, we do value your feedback as to how you think we are going in providing our services to you. There has been much talk in the media over the... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8404 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8404 Client Briefing seminars coming up in Warwick, Brisbane and Noosa in early October. They will be in a similar format to those over the past couple of years – but with a little extra this time: we will present speakers who will address the topic of Estate Planning. Clients will be aware that this is an area to which we pay a lot of attention: this is not just about your Will; nor is it just about Insurance – what it is... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8399 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8399 What is an annuity? An annuity is an income producing investment that provides you with a guaranteed level of income. It is purchased with either superannuation or non-superannuation money. Life insurance companies are the main providers of annuities. An annuity is a contract between you and the provider. It is the responsibility of the provider to invest the underlying asset and bear the risk of the investments. The annuity will pay you... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8152 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8152 There are certain actions we can take early in the year to ensure tax costs are managed effectively from a cash flow and financial advantage perspective: by planning now, you can avoid a last-minute rush (that may prove an expensive action) at year’s end. Some of the things you can get in place now to ensure your tax burden is minimized for the 2009/10 financial year include – Ensure that you carry adequate Income... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8151 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=8151 Interest Rates: should you fix them; or risk them dropping further before climbing again? This is a question that has arisen more frequently again recently and so we set out below some of the issues that need to be considered when making such a decision. Which direction do you anticipate interest rates moving next? [A fixed interest rate may look attractive when signing up, but prove expensive if rates either fail to climb at the anticipated... http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=3936 http://www.continuumfp.com.au/?process=views/article.php&articleId=3936 Merger and Acquistion Strategy Continuum Financial Services is growing.... and that growth has brought a need to expand its resources. To ensure economic viability of this expansion, compatible financial planning practices are being actively sought to merge into our business or to be bought outright by us. If you know a financial planner who is seeking to move out of the industry (whether because of retirement, to seek other opportunities...