This month’s newsletter begins with information on Government super contribution measures, which may help eligible individuals to grow their super for retirement.
Our animation illustrates the Family Home Guarantee — a new Government scheme to assist eligible single parents, with dependent children purchase a home.
Passing away intestate can cause undue emotional and financial distress for loved ones left behind — we provide an update on Australian intestacy rules.
An insurer may include beneficial supplementary provisions alongside the core provisions of their TPD insurance policy offering — we discuss these supplementary provisions.
We also have a thought-provoking TED Talk by Tom Oxley on the importance and benefits of organisations creating a safe and supportive environment for employees — especially when it comes to mental health in the workplace.
Lastly, in Vanessa Stoykov’s latest financial education piece, she talks about limiting thoughts and beliefs around money, and how to change your money mindset for the better.
Don’t forget to make the most of the Bellwether Knowledge Centre by joining today for an exclusive login. Browse member-only industry information and help improve your personal financial circumstances.
Kind Regards,
The team at Bellwether Financial Group
Newsletter Articles
Growing your super: Government super contributions
For some of us, it can be challenging to grow our super. In this article, we discuss several Government super contribution measures, which may help those eligible to grow their super for retirement.
The Family Home Guarantee animation
It can be difficult for someone who is separated or divorced—especially with children—to save an adequate home deposit. In this animation, we illustrate the details of the Family Home Guarantee.
Invalid wills, passing away intestate, and intestacy rules – Part 2
One of the most important things we can do prior to our passing is ensure we have a valid will in place. In this article, we provide an update on various intestacy rules that exist in Australia.
TPD insurance: Core & supplementary provisions
One of the most important things we can do prior to our passing is ensure we have a valid will in place. In this article, we provide an update on various intestacy rules that exist in Australia.
Workplace mental health—all you need to know (for now)
A mental health condition will affect 45.5% of Australians at some point in their lifetime. In this insightful TED Talk, Tom Oxley explores all things related to workplace mental health.
Vanessa Stoykov: How to improve your finances by thinking
Vanessa Stoykov is a renowned Australian money educator. In this special financial education piece, Vanessa discusses limiting thoughts and beliefs, and how to change your mindset for the better.
This month’s newsletter begins with helpful tips on reviewing areas of your annual super statement — that you should be receiving shortly.
Our animation illustrates the three chapters of retirement — early, middle and late — that retirees will often experience as they progress through their retirement years.
For the 2018-19 financial year, the average total tax deduction amount claimed by individuals was $2,498 — we provide an overview of deductions.
In 2020, the total reported losses from scams was over $175 million — we cover different types of scams to be aware of.
Lastly, a thought-provoking video by Bloomberg on combatting distractions as a segue to discuss the power of forethought — and the appropriate use of a received (or expected to receive) tax refund this year.
In addition, we would like to share another insightful financial education piece from renowned Australian money educator Vanessa Stoykov — 3 ways to get your partner on board with money plans.
Don’t forget to make the most of the Bellwether Knowledge Centre by joining today for an exclusive login. Browse member-only industry information and help improve your personal financial circumstances.
Kind Regards,
The team at Bellwether Financial Group
Newsletter Articles
Tips for reviewing annual super statements
Your retirement income (and outcome) can be intrinsically linked to your accumulation, and use, of wealth inside super. In this article, we provide tips on reviewing your annual super statement.
The three retirement chapters animation
Retirees will often experience three chapters as they progress through their retirement years: the early, middle, and late chapters. In this animation, we illustrate these three retirement chapters.
Tax deductions for the financial year ahead
When it comes to deductions, it’s vital to know what you can (and can’t) claim and the appropriate evidence needed to claim. In this article, we explore deductions for the financial year ahead.
Staying alert: The different types of scams
In the 2020 calendar year, the total reported losses from scams was over $175 million (an over $32 million increase compared to 2019). In this article, we cover some of the different types of scams.
Tax refunds and the power of forethought
For the 2018-19 financial year, the average individual tax refund was $2,959. In this Bloomberg video, distractions are covered—a segue to discuss forethought and the appropriate use of tax refunds.
Vanessa Stoykov: 3 ways to get your partner on board with money plans
Vanessa Stoykov is a renowned Australian money educator. In this special financial education piece, Vanessa discusses several ways you and your partner can get on the same page when it comes to money.
This month’s newsletter begins with important information on new rates, thresholds, and legislation that took effect from 1 July 2021.
A new financial year can be an opportune time to take stock of your finances and make changes if needed — we provide a list of questions that may help you with this.
The ‘Your Future, Your Super’ legislation recently passed through parliament — in it are key super changes, which we cover for you.
Our animation illustrates specified traumatic events including, but not limited to, cancer, stroke and heart attack, that a trauma insurance policy can often cover.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a catalyst for reflection and change — here is a thought-provoking and relevant TED Talk from Simon Sinek that you may find of value.
In addition, this month, we would like to share something a little different from our usual financial education content — an insightful piece from renowned Australian money educator Vanessa Stoykov. We would also like to let you know that our learning modules and quizzes have been updated for the financial year ahead.
Don’t forget to make the most of the Bellwether Knowledge Centre by joining today for an exclusive login. Browse member-only industry information and help improve your personal financial circumstances.
Kind Regards,
The team at Bellwether Financial Group
Newsletter Articles
1 July 2021: New rates, thresholds, & legislation
The commencement of a new financial year can see rates and thresholds increase (or decrease) and legislation take effect. In this article, we provide important information on changes from 1 July 2021.
Personal finances: Taking stock & making changes
A new financial year can be an opportune time to take stock of your overall personal finances and make changes if needed. In this article, we provide a list of questions that may help you with this.
Update: ‘Your Future, Your Super’ legislation
Super is, without a doubt, complex and ever-changing. In this article, we share an important change to super following the recent passing of the ‘Your Future, Your Super’ legislation.
Trauma insurance: Specified traumatic events
An unexpected traumatic event has the potential to have a serious financial impact on you. In this animation, we illustrate specified traumatic events that can be covered by trauma insurance policies.
How to discover your ‘why’ in difficult times
The COVID-19 pandemic has been impactful in many ways. For some, it has been a catalyst for reflection and change. In this TED Talk, Simon Sinek covers several quite deep and thought-provoking topics.
Vanessa Stoykov: 3 things you need to get a life plan that works
Vanessa Stoykov is a renowned Australian money educator. In this special financial education piece, Vanessa discusses the concept of life planning and money—and being the author of your own story.
In this month’s newsletter, we provide an important status update on the Government’s COVID-19 economic response measures.
Next, learn more how super can be a tax-effective investment structure for building and holding a retirement nest egg as a couple.
When you’re looking to make the move into residential aged care, deciding what to do with your family home can be complex. We share an animation illustrating the various options and the potential impact of each.
Our jargon buster article clarifies commonly used terms in residential property investing to help you make better informed personal finance decisions.
Lastly, watch an informative video to learn how contents insurance can cover you against loss or damage to your property contents due to events like fire, storms, and theft.
Don’t forget to make the most of the Bellwether Knowledge Centre by joining today for an exclusive login. Browse member-only industry information and help improve your personal financial circumstances.
Kind Regards,
The team at Bellwether Financial Group
Newsletter Articles
Update: COVID-19 economic response measures
The JobKeeper Payment program, which began on 1 March 2020, has now ended (on 28 March 2021). In this article, we provide a status update on several of the other COVID-19 economic response measures.
Building super together: Spouse contributions
According to ASFA, the lump sum savings required at retirement for a comfortable lifestyle is $640,000 for a couple. In this article, we cover building super savings together via spouse contributions.
Residential aged care: Family home
Whether to keep or sell your home can be a complex decision when looking to enter residential aged care. In this animation, we illustrate the various options, and the potential impact of each on you.
Jargon buster: Property investing edition
In the finance industry, there can be a considerable amount of jargon. In this article, we help you to understand some of the commonly used jargon in the residential property investing environment.
General insurance: Home & contents insurance
The loss or damage to property due to storms and fire can be devastating. General insurance can help in this regard. In this video, the Bureau of Meteorology explains the recent weather conditions.
Welcome to our March newsletter and to the start of a beautiful autumn here in Perth.
Our first article in this month’s newsletter provides useful information about the Age Pension eligibility tests. The Age Pension remains a vital source of income for many older Australians in retirement, however it is important understand how it will shift your financial resources.
Learn about several strategies you can use to boost your retirement income through the Government’s Pension Loans Scheme in a helpful video.
In the unfortunate event that you were to become totally and permanently disabled due to a sickness or injury and unable to work again, a total and permanent disability (TPD) insurance policy could play a vital role. Read and understand your options through our ownership structures article.
Did you know that contribution caps to limit super contribution amounts are set to increase from 1 July 2021? We provide suggestions for how to make the most out of your existing super and future contributions under the new rules.
Lastly, we leave you with a short but insightful TED Talk from Jennifer Petriglieri, who offers guidance on how working couples can support each other.
Don’t forget to make the most of the Bellwether Knowledge Centre by joining today for an exclusive login. Browse member-only industry information and help improve your personal financial circumstances.
Kind Regards,
The team at Bellwether Financial Group
Newsletter Articles
Age Pension entitlement: Eligibility tests
The Age Pension remains is a key source of income for many older Australians in retirement. In this article, we discuss the Age Pension and the eligibility tests that need to be met to qualify for it.
Pension loans scheme animation
Our retirement income—and subsequent retirement outcome—can be affected by how we use our assets. In this animation, we illustrate one option to boost retirement income, the Pension Loans Scheme.
TPD insurance: Ownership structures
When establishing an insurance policy, it’s important to choose an appropriate ownership structure. In this article, we cover total and permanent disability (TPD) insurance and ownership structures.
Update: Indexation of contributions caps
The contributions caps limit the amount that can be contributed to super. In this article, we provide details on the future indexation of the contributions caps (concessional and non-concessional).
How working couples can support each other
In June 2020, there were roughly 3.3 million couple families with both partners being employed. In this TED Talk, Jennifer Petriglieri offers guidance on how working couples can support each other.
Welcome to our February newsletter.
This month we share an insightful video from Bloomberg which explores the shift from physical to digital workplaces and the future of work.
Insurance premium styles are generally an important consideration when establishing your personal insurance. Read our article on different insurance premium options and options to keep in mind when making your selection.
A tax offset reduces the amount of tax you have to pay, increasing your take home income. Learn more about several common tax offsets and how to get the most out of each.
Next, we provide an important update on the future indexation of the transfer balance cap.
Watch our animation about Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investing — a practice where investors can align their investment values with their personal values.
And don’t forget to make the most of the Bellwether Knowledge Centre by joining today for an exclusive login. Browse member-only industry information and help improve your personal financial circumstances.
Kind Regards,
The team at Bellwether Financial Group
Newsletter Articles
The future of work: The digital workplace
For many, the 2020 calendar year and the COVID-19 pandemic brought about a sudden and dramatic workplace shift. In this Bloomberg video, there are insightful discussions on the future of work.
Personal insurances: Insurance premium styles
A number of variables influence the insurance premiums payable on a personal insurance policy. In this article, we cover one such variable, insurance premium style and the options available.
Individual taxation: Tax offsets (or rebates)
The income you receive will often be assessable for income tax purposes. However, there will also be instances where the tax payable may be reduced. In this article, we discuss several tax offsets.
Update: Indexation of the transfer balance cap
The transfer balance cap limits the amount of super benefits that can be transferred to retirement phase. In this article, we provide information on the future indexation of the transfer balance cap.
Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) investing
For some investors, there may be a desire to align their investment values with their personal values. In this animation, we illustrate Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) investing in detail.
We hope you had a happy and safe festive season — welcome to 2021!
In our first newsletter of the year we begin with tips to help boost your personal finance resolutions for the year ahead.
Did you know that the gap widens between what borrowers pay as home loans get older? Read our article about home loan refinancing and switching to learn more.
Watch an engaging video created by Google which showcases some of the most influential moments and topics of interest from the past 12 months.
Learn through animation how time, together with contributions, can play a crucial role in the build-up of an appropriate super nest egg for retirement.
Lastly, learn about using diversification as a key risk management strategy when constructing and maintaining an appropriately aligned investment portfolio.
Make the most of the Bellwether Knowledge Centre by joining today for an exclusive login. Browse member-only industry information and become better informed about your personal financial circumstances.
Kind Regards,
The team at Bellwether Financial Group
Newsletter Articles
Personal finance-related New Year’s resolutions
The making of a resolution can often be sparked post-reflection by our need or want to seek positive change in an area of our life. In this article, we discuss personal finance-related resolutions.
Borrowers: Home loan refinancing (or switching)
There are over 100 lenders in Australia offering a combined total of nearly 4,000 different home loan products. In this article, we provide a general overview of home loan refinancing (or switching).
Google: Year in search 2020
2020 was a year unlike any other in recent memory—testing us financially, physically, mentally, and emotionally over an extended period. In this video, Google showcases searches that shaped 2020.
Concessional contributions animation
Come retirement, many factors can impact your super balance—such as time coupled with contributions. In this animation, we illustrate the finer details of concessional contributions.
Investment portfolios and concentration risk
Diversification is a key risk management strategy used when constructing an appropriate investment portfolio. In this article, we provide information on investment portfolios and concentration risk.