Financial planning and investment articles 
We provide you with the latest information and commentary
Superannuation contribution eligibility
A regulated superannuation fund can accept contributions (subject to more restrictive fund rules) provided the following conditions are met...
Housekeeping tax offset
The maximum housekeeper tax offset for the 2008/09 financial year was $2,108 if the taxpayer had a dependent child or student and $1,759 if the taxpayer did not have a dependent child or student.
The Great Commission debate
The financial planning “profession” grew out of the life insurance industry. This industry consisted for many decades of insurance sales people who professed to be nothing more than that. They were generally tied agents who sold one companies products for commissions. During the 1980’s and early 1990’s many of these agents started to sell investment products along side their traditional risk offering and continued to be paid by product providers for intermediating with clients. Again, as a general rule these sales people did not claim to be other than representatives of the product provider.
Business succession planning
Most people are familiar with the concept of personal Wills, but how many would consider the same issues for their business? For many business clients, their own business will be the source of much of their personal wealth, and therefore their rights in that business should be protected.
If correct documentation has not been put in place when a key partner exits a business, a number of unfavourable outcomes can occur. The exiting partner (or their estate) may not receive any value from the business. Alternatively inappropriate people may enter the business in their place. This can lead to management issues, and affect the future of the business.
Consumer Price Index – CPI Update
Inflation can be both the investors friend and foe. For the mortgage holder Inflation can help ease the pain of mortgage payments over the long term with the real cost of repayments reducing. For a retiree however the constant increase in the cost of goods over the period of retirement can have an extremely detrimental impact on their standard of living. As a result good retirement planning needs to take into account inflation and ensure the right mix of assets is held in a portfolio to help the portfolio withstand the significant impacts of inflation over the long term.
Contributions splitting update
Super splitting can be a very powerful tool to help couples who have an age difference between them qualify for extra or some social security. Clients with too many assets to qualify for a aged pension and benefits in usual circumstances have gained over $15,000 a year in extra benefits through obtaining advice in this area. Super Splitting can also be used to aid estate planning and for taxation management.
Non-concessional contributions advantages
Non-concessional Contributions can be extremely powerful in reducing investment income tax and boasting social security payments particularly for those aged over 55. They are also they useful way to aid future generations to pay no capital gains tax upon inheriting money. Client selling investment properties, businesses or receiving compensation payouts may wish to take advantage of these rules. There are many traps for the unwary and the penalties are high (up to 46.5% of contributions) for breaching contribution cap limits so anyone considering making these contributions should get professional advice first.
Pension drawdown relief extended
Managing pension payments and capital redemptions well can dramatically prolong the life of a retiree’s pension. Combined with prudent asset allocation and risk management and a wholistic view of a retiree or pre-retiree’s financial situation and lifestyle needs through active management it is possible to extend the life of income streams by many years. For some client’s poor income management can result in reduced social security entitlement and even unnecessary taxation. Good advice can improve lifestyle now and increase wealth in the long term.
Same-sex relationships recognised
These changes are significant for same sex couples and those eligible should review their overall circumstances. Transfer of assets concessions, main residence CGT concessions and Super spouse contribution offsets are significant changes that need careful examination as they may affect future financial outcomes.
Financial planning services
- Retirement planning
- At Dolfinwise Retirement Planning is about helping people achieve the life style goals and objectives that are important to them. Retirement means different things to different people...
- Superannuation
- Superannuation is a complex area and the rules are forever changing. Almost all Australian’s have a Superannuation account due to legislative requirements however few understand all the opportunities that a well managed Superannuation account can bring...
- Investment Advice
- After helping clients get the right strategies and structures in place we put significant emphasis on getting the investment portfolio right for the individual clients...
- Goal Setting & Financial Security
- All of Dolfinwise client’s having different circumstances, different aspirations and therefore need different advice...
- Risk Management & Estate Planning
- Protecting the outcome against things going wrong is an important aspect of a well made plan.