A recent relaxation of lending requirements may seem like a win for borrowers, but it’s not all cause for celebration. Like all things financial, the devil is in the details. Ahead of its much-anticipated budget, the federal government unveiled plans to relax responsible lending laws. … [Read more...]
Understanding self-managed superannuation funds (SMSF’s)
Self-managed superannuation funds in Australia are a way of saving for your retirement with full control. Australian Taxation Office figures indicate there were nearly 600,000 of these privately run super funds in Australia in March 2019. Less than 5 per cent of the population are members of … [Read more...]
How to be in charge of your money – superannuation, budgets and investments
Helen Baker appears on Ticker TV to explain the importance of getting the full picture when making decisions about your personal finances, especially in these times of COVID-19 and government support programs. For example, do you know the actual real-world cost of taking out (and repaying over many … [Read more...]
COVID-19 six-month eviction freeze spells trouble for landlords
This article was originally published in Smart Property Investment Landlords are greedy monsters, right? They’re slow to fix maintenance issues, yet quick to complain if the rent is even five minutes late. Oh, and they’re filthy rich, too. In fact, most property investors are just the sort of … [Read more...]
Investments during COVID-19: hold on tight and don’t look
This article was originally published in The CEO Magazine "If watching your life savings dwindle is depressing, stop watching. There is no point getting regular updates on the markets if you are committed to a long-term strategy," said financial adviser Helen Baker Many investors and … [Read more...]