
IFC Articles

Federal Budget Analysis - March 2025
With the next Federal Election due to be called any day, the Treasurer named five priorities for his fourth budget: helping with the cost of living, strengthening Medicare, building more homes, investing in education, and making the economy stronger.
He called it a plan for “a new generation of prosperity in a new world of uncertainty” that would help “finish the fight against inflation”.

Investment scams
Be suspicious of anyone offering you easy money. Scammers are skilled at convincing you that the investment is real, the returns are high and the risks are low. There's always a catch.

The steps to aged care
Find services in your area that fit your needs or to learn more about the aged care journey.

Salary packaging
Salary packaging is when you and your employer 'package' your salary into income and benefits. It's also known as salary sacrifice.

Retiring with debt? Experts explain downsizing, using super for your mortgage, and pension eligibility
About 36% of homeowners still have a mortgage when they retire, up from 23% a decade ago.

Setting financial goals as a couple
Step one: what are your financial pain points? When you start making plans, chances are you’ll both come across financial pain points. In other words, the areas that need some attention and possible alterations.

The hidden drain of decision fatigue
As we kick off the new year, many of us are excited to embrace fresh beginnings, set new goals, and maybe even tackle those pesky resolutions. But if you’re feeling more drained than invigorated, you’re not alone.

Helping the kids without derailing your retirement plans
As parents, the instinct to support our children never truly fades, even when they become adults but when you are looking at giving them a financial helping hand there is a bit to consider.

How much super you need
Take some of the guesswork out of planning for the future. Work out how much super you'll have when you retire, and if it will be enough to fund the lifestyle you want.
It's never too soon to start planning for a better financial future.

CGT when selling your rental property
When you sell or dispose of a rental property you may make a capital gain or loss.

Estate planning: why it's important to have a will
What is your ‘estate’? Your ‘estate’ includes everything you own – your ‘earthly possessions’, if you will. It can include for example cash, property, cars, boats, furniture, jewellery, family heirlooms, art, shares and more.

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.

2024 Year in Review: Successfully navigating uncertain times
The many unpredictable events of 2024 could easily have been disastrous for investment markets. Instead, we saw remarkable resilience and growth despite occasional volatility as investors reacted to the extraordinary times.

Five financial steps for the new year
The start of 2025 is a good opportunity to take decisive financial steps.

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?