The idea of downsizing can be very appealing to empty-nesters. There will be less cleaning, gardening and maintenance, more time for hobbies and travel, and the icing on the cake comes if you can use the cash surplus you created to give your super a significant tax-effective boost.
But is the picture totally rosy, or are there some drawbacks to downsizing?
You may be one of many Australians who make an interest-free loan to the federal government every year. That’s because, when you receive a tax refund, you’re not getting free money. All that’s happening is that cash which is rightfully yours is being returned, somewhat late. So it makes sense to make it work as hard as possible once it’s back in your hands.
A client once shared a poignant regret:
“When I was working and the kids were young, I saved too much. It restricted what we did when the family was together.”
This simple reflection struck a chord with me. It got me thinking about the delicate balance between saving for the future and living fully in the present. While we all know the importance of financial security, is it possible to save too much—at the expense of the moments that matter most?
Why Traditional Budgeting Fails We’ve all been told that the key to managing money is to create a budget and stick to it. Track every dollar, set spending limits, and…
When I run retirement projections for clients, one thing I do differently is stop the projections in the early to mid-80s—despite knowing there’s a high probability that one partner in…
Achieving a high income is a significant accomplishment. You’ve put in the hard yards, climbed the ladder, and now you’re pulling in the big bucks! But don’t be mistaken; a…
In a recent media release, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) warned about a new scam doing the rounds. Scammers attempt, through cold calls to superannuation savers, to extract…
The new financial year provides an opportunity for a fresh start for your finances. Make this the financial year you get on top of yours… for good! We’ve broken it…
Adjusting to life after divorce, particularly later in life, is akin to navigating through some of life’s most challenging events, psychologists say. It’s a journey comparable to coping with loss,…
Looking to give your super a boost before the end of the financial year? Look no further! Follow these five strategies to maximise your contributions and make the most of…
In his 2024 Federal Budget speech, treasurer, Jim Chalmers, announced that ‘The number one priority of this government and this Budget is helping Australians with the cost of living’. But…
When it comes to getting the most (money) from your annual tax return, there is usually a lot to think about, so we’ve identified a few options that could open…
When you’re at the helm of your own business, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of the present – chasing sales, generating leads, and growing your business….
The dream of retiring young is one that captivates many peoples’ imaginations. The freedom to live life on your own terms, doing what you want, when you want is undeniably…
Many people think that Estate Planning is only for people who are close to retirement, especially if we fall into the trap of thinking that Estate Planning is just about…
Lady Luck has once again looked down fondly upon Australia, creating the first Federal Budget surplus in 15 years, through a higher tax take on record export earnings and increasing…
While millennials have for decades been treated like ‘the children of Neverland, who never grew up’, reality is fast catching up with this generation, who are now young adults between…
As the end of financial year fast approaches, there is still time to consider the strategies available to you this June 30 to build your wealth, some of which are…
If the ins and outs of superannuation leave you confused, the answers to these frequently asked questions will help you understand the basics. How much do I need to retire?…
If you are in your thirties, chances are life revolves around children and a mortgage. As much as we love our kids, the fact is they cost quite a lot….
Despite frequent changes to its governing rules, superannuation remains, for most people, a tax-effective environment in which to save for retirement. Here’s a quick Q&A on the ‘what, why and…
Superannuation statements. Boring, right? But if, like many people, you toss your annual super statement in a drawer or hit delete, you could be depriving yourself of many thousands of…
Who decides what happens to your superannuation savings when you die? You may think that you do, but that isn’t always the case. The ultimate decision may be made by…
Employment surprise JobKeeper was a cornerstone of Australia’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. It provided millions of Australians with an ongoing income and kept thousands of businesses afloat, so when…
End of content
End of content