The following are the latest articles and news from the team at Clarity Wealth.
One of the most common questions people ask when they’re thinking about getting financial advice is pretty straightforward: “Can I claim the fees on tax?”The answer is… sometimes. And like most things with tax, it depends on what the advice is actually for.The simple versionIf the advice you’re getting is directly related to earning income, there’s … Continued
If financial jargon has ever made you second-guess a decision about your super, your mortgage, or your investments, you are not alone. Finance has a language of its own, and understanding the key terms is often the first step towards feeling genuinely in control of your money.Below are ten of the most important financial terms … Continued
There is no crystal ball when it comes to property. No one can tell you with certainty whether prices will rise, fall, or plateau in the months ahead. Yet the question persists: is now the right time to buy?It is one of the most common questions we hear from clients across all stages of life, … Continued
Most of us know we should have a budget. Fewer of us actually have one that works. If you have ever started a spreadsheet in January only to abandon it by March, you are not alone. The good news is that budgeting does not have to be complicated, restrictive, or time-consuming. With the right framework … Continued
Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s most exciting milestones, but it also brings a significant shift in your financial landscape. Between reduced income during parental leave, the cost of childcare, and the need to protect your family if something unexpected happens, there is a lot to think about beyond choosing a pram and … Continued
Planning for retirement involves understanding all potential income sources, and for many Australians, the Age Pension forms a crucial part of their retirement strategy. Whether you’re nearing retirement or planning years ahead, knowing if you qualify for the Age Pension can help you make informed decisions about your financial future.Understanding Age Pension BasicsThe Age Pension … Continued
Your superannuation represents one of your most significant assets, often worth hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. Yet many Australians are surprised to discover that their carefully drafted will doesn’t actually control where their super goes after they pass away. This disconnect between expectations and reality can create unnecessary stress for families during … Continued
Making the decision to downsize your family home after 60 represents one of the most significant financial transitions in retirement planning. While the prospect of selling a long-held property can be emotionally challenging, understanding the complex web of tax implications, superannuation opportunities, and pension considerations can transform this major life change into a strategic financial … Continued
The Federal Government has announced significant changes to its previously stalled superannuation tax increase plan. After extensive feedback and industry concerns, the revised proposal is designed to better target high-balance superannuation accounts and ensure fairness across the system.What Has Changed?p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0″>No Tax on Unrealised Gains:Unlike earlier proposals, the government has removed tax on unrealised … Continued
For many families, one of the biggest long-term financial goals is providing children with a quality education. Whether your goal is to cover school fees, university tuition, or even extracurricular programs, the costs can quickly add up. Studies show that education expenses rise year after year, and waiting until the last minute can leave parents … Continued
Approaching retirement doesn’t have to mean an abrupt end to your working life. For many Australians, the transition to retirement (TTR) pension offers a strategic middle ground, allowing you to access your superannuation whilst continuing to work. However, navigating the complexities of TTR arrangements requires careful consideration of current legislation and potential pitfalls.With Australia’s superannuation … Continued
The Australian superannuation landscape experienced a significant shift on 1 July 2022 with the introduction of the Retirement Income Covenant. This landmark legislation has fundamentally changed how super funds approach retirement planning, placing your retirement outcomes at the centre of their strategic focus. Understanding this change is crucial for anyone planning their financial future, whether … Continued
Guide Clients Through Their Aged Care Journey with ClarityThe landscape of aged care in New South Wales is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades. From 1 July 2025, sweeping reforms under the new Aged Care Act 2024 will fundamentally change how Australians plan for and fund their aged care needs. As financial advisors, we … Continued
In today’s rapidly changing Australian economic landscape, building an investment portfolio that can withstand market volatility while continuing to grow is more important than ever. With the Reserve Bank of Australia’s ongoing adjustments to monetary policy and unique domestic market dynamics, Australian investors face both challenges and opportunities. At Clarity Wealth, we guide clients towards … Continued
What Your Daily Coffee Could Mean for Your RetirementDid you know that the cost of your daily café coffee – around $5 – could contribute over $100,000 to your retirement if redirected to your superannuation?¹ With End of Financial Year (EOFY) approaching, now is the perfect time to consider how small, regular contributions to your … Continued
Gender plays a significant role in shaping financial outcomes in Australia, particularly when it comes to superannuation. Women consistently retire with smaller super balances than men, a disparity with serious consequences for financial security and independence in later life. Understanding the causes of this gap and the strategies women can use to boost their super … Continued
How U.S. Tariffs Could Influence Australia’s Property Investment LandscapeThe introduction of a new 25% tariff on steel and 10% on aluminum imports into the USA has raised concerns about ripple effects on Australia’s property market, particularly for investors. However, while there are challenges to consider, investors may also find opportunities in a shifting economic landscape. Australia’s … Continued
The journey to parenthood through IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is often filled with hope, determination, and emotional challenges. However, it also comes with significant financial implications that can add stress to an already sensitive time. Engaging with a financial planner and understanding the financial planning process can be invaluable for individuals or couples embarking on … Continued
Thinking about making changes to a loved one’s accommodation can be emotional, particularly when it relates to a loss of independence or mobility. Where circumstances are appropriate, a granny flat right may provide much-needed support and care for an elderly family member. This arrangement is often used by older people to secure housing while maintaining … Continued
No-one likes to talk about getting old, but when you or a family member needs help, there’s no getting around it. Many of our clients want to know what choices they have in their older years – and before the crisis hits. When Should You Start Thinking About Aged Care?Any age is a good time … Continued
Bank Hybrids Face Phase-Out Under APRA Decision What used to be a reliable source of income for investors will no longer be an option due to the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) deeming them not risky enough. As a result, they have called time on bank hybrids. The Origins of Bank Hybrids Bank hybrids were … Continued
Superannuation is an element of our lives that runs in the background, unassuming, until we get to an age where we really have to consider how our super measures up come retirement time. If you’re super balance is on the right track, then you’re on your way to reach a comfortable retirement. Its important to … Continued
When a Financial Advisor and an Accountant collaborate, that means one thing: you benefit financially. Having a financial planner and accountant on your team– together they can provide a complete picture for your personal or business. Both are interconnected in a way that they can deliver powerful strategies by having great combined discussions that will … Continued
Does It Pay To Downsize? Recently, two separate pieces of legislation were passed by the federal government, the combination of which is set to supersize the incentive for retirees to downsize their homes in 2023. One key change is lowering the eligible ages for making a superannuation downsizer contribution from 60 to 55 from the … Continued