IFC Articles
Borrowing power boost thanks to tax cuts
Tax breaks are always good news, but for house hunters they can have an added bonus. Not only do tax cuts mean potential buyers have more cash in their pocket at the end of the financial year, but they’re also looking at increased borrowing power.
Investing in the property market
Are you thinking about buying an investment property? Buying a property that you do not plan to live in can help you increase your wealth and accelerate your financial wellbeing. Property is usually viewed as a long-term investment with many advantages. It is, however, important to understand how property investment works, the costs involved and the potential risks before you decide if this is the right option for you.
CGT when selling your rental property
When you sell or dispose of a rental property you may make a capital gain or loss.
Retirement income
Retirement means different things to everyone. It may be a definite point in time when you stop work, and begin a new phase of life.
Or it may be a gradual process where you vary working hours as your priorities shift. You might decide to leave employment and return to part-time work later.
Weighing up the Age Pension and the assets test
Why having less super isn't necessarily a financial sweet spot for retirees.
Why many of us need a super savings nudge
Making extra contributions into super can go a long way.
Surviving the silly season
Ah, Christmas! - the time of year when your bank account shrinks, your social calendar explodes, and your family dynamics resemble a poorly scripted soap opera. As we navigate this festive minefield of shopping, social gatherings, and feasting, it’s common to feel a little frazzled.
Adding bonds to your investment mix
Bonds can play an important role in investment portfolios, but what exactly are they, what are their benefits, and how do you invest in them?
How do retirement income options compare?
Retirement is filled with opportunities and choices. There’s the time to travel more, work on long-delayed personal projects or volunteer your help to worthwhile causes.
Keeping records of shares and units
When you sell your shares in companies or units in managed funds, most of the records you need will be given to you by the company, the fund manager or your stockbroker.
Are you an impulsive spender?
A ‘money mindset’ is a way of thinking about personal finance. Your money mindset can change over time, and it may help explain your spending and savings habits. Understanding this can help you build habits and strategies to better manage your money.
Super contributions
If you're employed, your employer should be paying a percentage of your earnings into your super account.
It's worth checking to make sure you're being paid the right amount.
If you can afford it, making extra contributions is a great way to boost your retirement savings. And it can reduce your tax. If you're on a low income, you may be eligible for extra contributions from the government.
Five useful budgeting tips for a growing family
It can be surprising just how much you need to spend before your baby even arrives.
Transition to retirement: Access your super while you keep working
A 'transition to retirement' (TTR) strategy lets you access some of your super and keep working.
Five ingredients of a great super fund
If you stay with the default super fund provided by your employer there’s a chance you’ll miss out on thousands in super.
To sell or not to sell is the question for moving into aged care
Moving into residential aged care can trigger a range of emotions, particularly if it involves the sale of the family home.
Investing cycles - Lessons from the Magnificent 7
When it comes to investing in shares, it’s often said that time is your friend.
Outright home ownership is the great retirement dream
Retiring without a mortgage has a large positive impact on retirement confidence.
Getting on top of debt
While the Federal Government’s recent announcement about providing some relief for those with student debt is anticipated to help those with student loans, debt can hold you back financially, so let’s look at some ways to free yourself if debt is becoming a burden.
Disposing of shares
How to dispose of shares