I think it is too much of a generalisation to say managed funds are doing better than property.  True, share and property (ie growth) funds have performed well since 2003 while bond funds have not done so well.  But beware as past performance not being a very good indicator of future performance.There are advantages and disadvantages.  I think man…[Read more]

Hi Elka,Since July 2005 the government has allowed people to access their superannuation if they have reached their preservation age without the need to retire or otherwise stop working.  The superannuation must be taken in the form of an uncommutable pension or annuity.The thinking behind the transition to retirement pensions was to allow people…[Read more]

Hi Richard,I disagree that at age 58 the pension is taxed at the highest marginal rate.If the trust deed allows they could take a transition to retirement pension.But I question what security was offerred for the loan?  Is there another property involved?  And can this be sold?Regards,John CookDIY Investing Pty Ltdwww.diyinvesting.com.au

Yes Terryw,

CGT applies to assets acquired on or after 20 September 1985.

DIY Investing
Discounted Financial Products
http://www.diyinvesting.com.au

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DIY Investing
Discounted Financial Products
http://www.diyinvesting.com.au

Hello,

I don’t think it is possible.

If you had a $5,000 tax return due to a loss, your loss would be in the order of $10,752 to $30,303.

The tax refund reduces the loss. But the end result is you are still out of pocket.

DIY Investing
Discounted Financial Products
http://www.diyinvesting.com.au

Hi Simon,

Thank you for the compliment about our website.

BMC has been around for years. They have offices in Sydney and Melbourne and have competitive rates for residential and commercial mortgages.

Yes, we are involved in many products and we intend to stick with BMC for the time being. If I find we cannot help a client mortgage wise, I can…[Read more]

Yes – I would be very interested in anybody’s feedback.

DIY Investing
Discounted Financial Products
http://www.diyinvesting.com.au

Mat – I agree income protection insurance should be obtained through an Australian Financial Service Licence holder.

If you know what cover you want I suggest getting a number of quotations.

DIY Investing
Discounted Financial Products
http://www.diyinvesting.com.au

If I had any undeductible debt I would use the money to pay that off first.

With any left money over I would consider setting up a fund for emergency purposes; and then start a regular investment plan weighted toward growth assets.

DIY Investing
Discounted Financial Products
http://www.diyinvesting.com.au

Managed funds are just a structure that holds assets. Remember the performance of a managed fund depends on the performance of the underlying assets. And a property fund will perform differently to a share fund.

DIY Investing
Discounted Financial Products
http://www.diyinvesting.com.au

Hi Foundation,

In your analysis you haven’t told us how much the houses are worth after 30 years.

Does the couple paying off their loan over 30 years win because their house is worth more than the 15 year couple’s house and their investments? And don’t forget the 15 year couple will pay tax on their investment income.

Regards,

DIY…[Read more]

Hi Jenny1,

We offer commission rebates on income protection insurance. Please refer to our website for details and we can organise a quote for you.

Regards,

DIY Investing
Discounted Financial Products
http://www.diyinvesting.com.au

Hi Stargazer,

Your daughter can do much better than earning 0.1% bank account interest.

She could consider one of the many e-accounts already mentioned or a Cash Management Trust. Either way, she will earn much more income than if she left her money in the bank.

Your daughter can use one of these higher interest paying accounts until she makes…[Read more]