In this month’s top article, we provide an exercise on future self-continuity, which may help with getting ahead financially to realising goals.
For some of us, it can be difficult to get ahead financially and stay the course, this struggle can sometimes be due to a disconnect between our present and future self, which can arise from one or a combination of reasons.
Kind Regards,
The team at Bellwether Financial Group
Newsletter Articles
Finance exercise: A letter from your future self
“Our future self is the beneficiary or unfortunate inheritor of all our major decisions and daily choices.“ (Ganschow et al., 2021). In this article, we share a future self-continuity exercise.
Ageing in place: The liveable and adaptable home
Many older Australians desire to age in place, though housing and care needs change as people age. In this article, we cover retirees ageing in place—and the ‘liveable and adaptable home’ concept.
Personal insurance: Claims process
Making an insurance claim after an unfortunate health event can add additional stress, especially if you are unfamiliar with the claims process. In this animation, we illustrate the claims process.
Carry-forward (catch-up) concessional contributions
If you work casual or part-time, take time out of work, or have ‘lumpy’ income, it can mean periods where no super contributions are made. In this article, we discuss the carry-forward provision.
Working remotely: Productivity and wellbeing tips
The increase in remote working is likely here to stay—one way (fully remote) or another (hybrid). In this video, there are tips on working remotely without having productivity or wellbeing suffer.
Vanessa Stoykov: 3 steps to building a safety net
Vanessa Stoykov is a renowned Australian money educator. In this special financial education piece, Vanessa explains the benefits of safety nets—and 3 steps to consider when looking to build one.
Welcome to 2022. We hope you had a happy and safe festive season.
Our top article pick this month focuses on reflecting on 2021 and planning for 2022.
Vanessa Stoykov explains the intrinsic value, and potential benefits, of setting aside time to reflect on 2021, which was a most unusual year with changes to work, friends and family. She then looks to 2022 and the benefits on planning for the future and your financials, for the new year now standing before us.
Kind Regards,
The team at Bellwether Financial Group
Newsletter Articles
Vanessa Stoykov: Reflecting on 2021 and planning for 2022
Vanessa explains the intrinsic value, and potential benefits, of setting aside time to reflect on 2021 (a most unusual year) and plan for 2022 (the new year now standing before us).
Key financial habit considerations for the New Year
Reflection can be a useful tool when entering a new year and looking to build upon what you have already achieved towards your goal. Reflection can help identify present habits that are either aiding (desirable), or hindering (undesirable), you on your path to achieving your future goals.
First homebuyers: Saving a home deposit
Given the climate (eg housing prices, wage growth and living costs)—and despite several targeted Government initiatives—saving a home deposit can be a significant hurdle.
Boosting retirement savings with super contributions
Whether you dream of retiring and travelling the world, caravanning around Australia, or pottering in the garden, the question remains the same for the vast majority of us: “How much money will I need in retirement?”
Investor behaviour: Research on investment switching behaviour
Unfortunately, for some of us, when making a decision that affects our short, medium or long-term financial wellbeing, a behaviour gap can arise between what we should do (rationally) and what we actually do (irrationally).
Google: Year in search 2021
Undoubtedly, 2021 (much like 2020) was a challenging year for many of us, both individually and collectively—again, due predominantly to the ongoing issues, and subsequent impact, of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This month’s newsletter begins with information on key super changes. Recently introduced into parliament, these changes are relevant to wealth accumulators and retirees alike.
Our animation illustrates longevity risk, likely one of the greatest risks retirees can face.
Child care is a cost many families struggle with – we cover two incoming changes to the Child Care Subsidy.
Upon assessing an individual’s formal insurance application, an underwriter may issue revised terms – we discuss what revised terms are.
We also share a TED Talk, in which psychiatrist Robert Waldinger offers practical wisdom on how to build a fulfilling and long life.
Lastly, Vanessa Stoykov’s latest financial education piece explains the importance of setting investment goals and following through with a plan to achieve them.
We wish you a happy and safe festive season and look forward to seeing you in 2022.
Kind Regards,
The team at Bellwether Financial Group
Newsletter Articles
Update: ‘Enhancing Super Outcomes For Australians’ legislation
In the 2021-22 Budget, key proposed measures were announced in relation to super. In this article, we provide an update on several of these measures currently sitting in parliament.
Retirement planning and longevity risk
In pre-and post-retirement, it’s important to understand the risks retirees can face and have a retirement plan in place to help weather them. In this animation, we illustrate longevity risk.
The cost of raising children: Child care subsidy changes
One particular cost many families can often struggle with is the cost of child care. In this article, we cover incoming changes to the Government’s Child Care Subsidy – due to commence shortly.
Underwriting: Revised terms (eg loadings and exclusions)
When an underwriter assesses the information contained in an individual’s insurance application, the need to take risk-reduction action may be identified. In this article, we discuss revised terms.
What makes a good life? Lessons from a study on happiness
What keeps us happy and healthy as we go through life? In this TED Talk, Robert Waldinger shares lessons learnt from a study on happiness, and practical wisdom on building a fulfilling, long life.
Vanessa Stoykov: Investing is nothing without goals
Vanessa Stoykov is a renowned Australian money educator. In this special financial education piece, Vanessa shares why it’s key to set investment goals and also have a plan to achieve them.
This month’s newsletter begins with a discussion around retirement and key considerations in terms of housing and homeownership.
Our animation illustrates the finer details of contributing to super via non-concessional contributions.
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) recently announced changes to both home loan serviceability for new borrowers and income protection insurance products — we provide coverage of these changes.
For some high-income earners, an additional 15% contributions tax (Division 293 tax) may apply on some or all of their concessional contributions — we outline the main points surrounding this tax.
We also share an insightful National Geographic video, which showcases the powerful impact that positive reinforcement can have on us when confronted with completing a task.
Lastly, Vanessa Stoykov’s latest financial education piece looks at how having children can profoundly alter our priorities, and subsequently change our approach to long-term planning.
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
Retirement and housing (homeownership)
Housing (homeownership) is a key factor influencing retirement outcomes—not just financially speaking. In this article, we discuss retirement and several things to consider with regard to housing.
Non-concessional contributions animation
Come retirement, many factors will have impacted your super account balance, such as time along with contributions. In this animation, we illustrate the details of non-concessional contributions..
APRA updates: Home loan serviceability and income protection insurance
APRA supervises institutions and promotes financial system stability. In this article, we discuss APRA’s new guidance and direction on home loan serviceability and income protection insurance.
High-income earners: Division 293 tax
When it comes to tax on concessional contributions, some high-income earners may have to pay an additional 15% tax (Division 293 tax). In this article, we provide a brief overview of Division 293 tax.
Money & life: The power of positivity
Your thoughts on money, and the support around you, can play a key role in how you manage your money. In this video, National Geographic conducts an insightful experiment on the power of positivity.
Vanessa Stoykov: What your kids teach you about wealth
Vanessa Stoykov is a renowned Australian money educator. In this special financial education piece, Vanessa shares how children can alter our priorities and change our approach to long-term planning.
This month’s newsletter begins with an overview of accumulating wealth inside super via personal deductible contributions.
Our animation illustrates investing and the benefits associated with the goals-based investing approach.
In retirement, there may come a time when you need help looking after yourself – we provide information on the different types of aged care services.
COVID-19 continues to impact many of us financially – we cover the Government’s support available to those eligible.
We also have a candid, heartfelt TED Talk by Michelle Knox, which touches on a subject that can often be difficult to discuss – our life and legacy.
Lastly, Vanessa Stoykov’s latest financial education piece looks at ways to mentally navigate the challenge of money-related stress and focus on more positive areas of your life.
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
Contributing to super: Personal deductible contributions
For the 2018-19 financial year, 436,952 individuals claimed on average $13,395 in deductions for personal super contributions. In this article, we briefly cover personal deductible contributions.
Goals-based investing animation
Goals-based investing can involve allocating investment assets that target a certain investment return to achieve a certain goal. In this animation, we illustrate the goals-based investing approach.
The different types of aged care services
In our retirement years, a time may come when we need to consider aged care services to help with looking after ourselves. In this article, we discuss several different types of aged care services.
Update: COVID-19 financial support measures
Unfortunately, the potential to experience financial difficulty due to COVID-19 still persists. In this article, we provide a brief overview of two key Government COVID-19 financial support measures.
Talking about death while you’re still healthy
Do you have wishes when you pass away? Do you know how you would like to be remembered? In this candid, heartfelt TED Talk, Michelle Knox touches on a difficult subject to discuss with loved ones.
Vanessa Stoykov: How to lower your money stress
Vanessa Stoykov is a renowned Australian money educator. In this special financial education piece, Vanessa shares ways to mentally get around the challenge of money-related stress.
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.