Newsletter – June 2025
Global share markets rallied in June 2025, with the ASX 200 and S&P 500 gaining over 2% amidst easing inflation and geopolitical tensions. Australia's property market continued its moderate ascent, with a 0.5% national value increase in May led by strong growth in Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. This occurred within an economic context of steady inflation and a 3.85% RBA cash rate, with markets broadly anticipating further cuts to support continued economic growth.
Investment Property Deductions Red Flags
If you own an investment property, the ATO’s message for 2025 is unambiguous: get your deductions right, or expect a closer look. The error rate for rental property claims remains stubbornly high, with the ATO reporting mistakes in up to 90% of reviewed returns. This year, several areas are under particular scrutiny, not just the usual suspects, but also some new developments that property investors need to be aware of.
Tax Deductions Under the ATO’s Magnifying Glass
As the 2025 tax season approaches, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is sharpening its focus on individual taxpayers, particularly when it comes to deductions. With advanced data analytics and real-time reporting now central to the ATO’s compliance toolkit, the days of unchecked or poorly substantiated claims are numbered. Here’s a closer look at the red flags that could put your tax return under the microscope.
Strategies to Multiply Superannuation Benefits for Couples
Building a comfortable retirement together takes more than just topping up your super each year. Couples who plan together and make the most of the rules can enjoy far greater financial security, and perhaps even a few more luxuries, down the track. Rather than simply aiming to even out your balances, it pays to look at the bigger picture and focus on what’s best for you as a team. In this article, you’ll find a mix of tried-and-true strategies, from straightforward contribution tweaks to more involved
Newsletter – May 2025
The ASX 200 (up 5.13%) and S&P 500 (up 7.10%) saw gains, fuelled by improving economic conditions like inflation moving within target ranges (2-3% in Australia), and renewed consumer confidence. The RBA lowered the cash rate to 3.85% in response. Meanwhile, the Australian residential property market continued its upward trend, reaching new record highs despite some moderation due to pre-election caution and tariff concerns, with regional markets outperforming capital cities and houses generally outpacing units in value growth.
From Dreaming to Doing – Preparing for Your Meeting
A dream without a plan is just a wish. Now that you've thought about your ideal life, it's time to structure your goals so your adviser - and you - can actually work toward them. Here's the key: not all goals are created equal. Some are urgent. Some are massive. Some are nice-to-haves. Understanding this will help you (and your adviser) prioritise.
Anticipate Life Changes – Building Flexible Plans
Life is messy, and your financial plan should be flexible enough to handle it. Career changes, relocations, and unexpected family milestones can all bring significant costs. Instead of aiming for a perfect 10-year plan, focus on one that adapts as life evolves.
Breaking It Down – How to Frame Your Goals Clearly
A dream without a plan is just a wish. Now that you've thought about your ideal life, it's time to structure your goals so your adviser - and you - can actually work toward them. Here's the key: not all goals are created equal. Some are urgent. Some are massive. Some are nice-to-haves. Understanding this will help you (and your adviser) prioritise.