by Jodie | Oct 23, 2017 | Finances, Money
Feeling generous and want to make a difference? Here are five tips on giving to consider.
An estimated 14.9 million Australian adults (80.8 per cent of the population) gave $12.5 billion to charities and not-for-profit organisations in 2015–16.[1]
For many people, donating comes as a response to a specific request, but if you feel strongly about helping out, why not budget for it?
As well, many people plan to leave money to charities in their wills and with some extra thought in estate planning, a bequest can be made in a tax-effective way.
Regardless of how you give, it’s always important to keep accurate records of your donations to give to your accountant at tax time.
Here are five things to consider before donating.
1. Why giving is important
Giving to the less fortunate is a good thing to encourage from a young age. Certain schools make volunteering part of their programs but even parents can encourage philanthropy through their own actions. Giving is good for both the donor and the recipient, and it makes the world a better place.
2. Do you know what the charity does?
It’s an obvious question, but at the very least the charity’s mission and goals should align with yours. Is it doing good works in the areas that concern you? Do you feel strongly about what it is doing with your money?
3. What has the charity achieved?
Most organisations are happy to advertise their successes through videos, photos, testimonials, and their annual reports to help you get a more complete picture.
4. Can you volunteer?
Being charitable can also mean pitching in and helping, which is a great way of finding information and making connections. This will help you decide whether the organisation fits your values and goals, and make you feel more fulfilled knowing you are making a difference.
5. How much are you comfortable giving?
Giving circles are a solution for people who don’t have a lot to give. This just means getting a group of 100 or so people together who each contribute perhaps $1,000 to create a pool of $100,000. They donate the lot to one charity to make a big impact.
If you would like to make giving part of your financial plan, your adviser can help you get the most out of your philanthropic efforts.
[1] www.philanthropy.org.au/tools-resources/fast-facts-and-stats/
by Jodie | Oct 17, 2017 | General
A new study links stress with heart disease, but there are easy ways to stay healthy and protect your heart.
Stress is part of modern life but a new study shows that being stressed takes a serious, and lasting, toll on your health and increases your risk of heart disease.
The multi-year study published in the medical journal The Lancet is the first to pinpoint how stress affects the body. Stress apparently triggers the amygdala – the part of the brain keyed specifically to respond to stress – which then activates bone marrow and inflames the arteries.
This is a survival mechanism that would have been essential for the earliest humans as it prepares the body to deal with a harmful experience. Bone marrow produces the white blood cells necessary for tissue repair. Wider arteries increase blood flow.
However, today, the over-production of white blood cells can cause a build-up of plaque in the arteries and lead to heart disease.
The people in the study with higher amygdala activity had a greater risk of cardiovascular disease and developed problems sooner than those with lower activity.
“Eventually, chronic stress could be treated as an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which is routinely screened for and effectively managed like other major cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as smoking, high blood pressure and diabetes,” says study author and cardiologist Dr Ahmed Tawakol.
“So far, it appears that things like mindfulness and other stress-reduction approaches seem to really nicely tamp down on the amygdala, and they appear to even cause benefits in other areas of the brain.”
The other stress-reduction approaches are diet and exercise.
Regular exercise triggers feel-good chemicals in the brain such as dopamine and endorphins. It also reduces the damage the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline cause.
Physical activity relieves tension and helps enrich your brain with oxygen and nutrients, which can improve cognitive functioning and leave you feeling energised and alert.
Exercise should be teamed with a healthy diet low in refined sugar, saturated fats, salt and alcohol, and high in fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, lean meats and unprocessed foods.
As an added bonus, you may even lose weight.
by Jodie | Sep 18, 2017 | Budget, Budgeting, Debt Management, Finances, Savings, Wealth
Help your teens and young adults manage how they spend and save.
So your teenagers and young adults know how to spend, but do they know how to budget for the things they really want? Learning good money management should be an essential life skill.
A reason to save
For many teenagers and young adults with part-time jobs, spending their entire pay each week is easy if they don’t have pressing financial obligations. This is why it’s important to discuss a long-term goal and find a reason to save.
Perhaps this goal will be a car, a holiday with friends, higher education – or even a rental bond if they want to move out. Just make sure you emphasise that they will still need money after the purchase, either for running costs or to enjoy their social lives, so they shouldn’t blow the lot.
Budget benefits
The envelope method is a great way to learn about budgeting. Label real envelopes – or use tags in an app – with categories such as clothes, nights out, transport, phone, food, and university or school supplies. These should cover all their current expenses. Then allocate money to each envelope every pay day.
They can also use MoneySmart’s Budget Planner and apps such as TrackMySPEND to help them work out their goals and how much to allocate to each envelope.
A handy budgeting formula is the simple 50/30/20 rule. Urge them to dedicate 50 per cent of their pay to bills (if they don’t have many, they could reduce this amount), 30 per cent to fun activities and purchases, and 20 per cent to savings. This will get them into the habit of planning their spending and eliminate the habit of living from pay day to pay day.
Learning budgeting and savings skills early will help them build a solid nest egg for their future.
Get advice
Young adults face many big decisions, but helping them get serious about money management early can make life easier as they get older.
A visit to your financial adviser with your child may also help them develop good money management skills.
by Jodie | Aug 21, 2017 | Finances, Retirement, Superannuation
Many of the federal government’s superannuation reforms came into effect on 1 July. Here’s what’s new.
The government says it has tried to make the superannuation system more sustainable and has introduced more flexibility to suit modern work patterns. This is what has changed.
Additional 15 per cent tax for high income earners and concessional contributions cap
The income threshold at which high-income earners pay additional 15 per cent tax on certain concessional contributions has been lowered to $250,000 from $300,000. The annual cap on concessional (before-tax) contributions has also been lowered to $25,000.
The reduced threshold will affect about 1 per cent of account holders,[1] while the lower annual concessional contributions cap will affect about 3.5 per cent.[2]
Non-concessional contributions
The annual non-concessional contributions cap has been cut to $100,000 and $300,000 for those eligible to use the bring-forward provisions. Non-concessional contributions will no longer be available to people with total super balances of $1.6 million or more by the end of the previous financial year. People under the age of 65 will still be able to bring forward up to three years of non-concessional contributions.
This measure is expected to affect less than 1 per cent of fund members.[3]
Access to concessional contributions
Previously, only people who earned less than 10 per cent of their income from salary or wages could claim a tax deduction for personal superannuation contributions. Now, generally, anyone under the age of 65 – and those aged 65 to 74 who meet the work test – can claim a tax deduction up to the concessional contributions cap.
This will benefit the 800,000 or so people[4] who are partially self-employed and partially wage and salary earners, and individuals whose employers do not offer salary sacrifice arrangements.
The transfer balance cap
There is now a $1.6 million cap on the total amount that can be moved into the tax-free retirement phase. However, subsequent earnings on balances in the retirement phase will not be capped or restricted.
People with existing super income streams were required to take action by 30 June 2017 to ensure that they had no more than $1.6 million in super income streams. Additional time to comply is available for those who have a breach of $100,000 or less.
Less than 1 per cent of account holders[5] will be affected, as the average superannuation balance for a 60-year-old is expected to be $240,000 in 2017–18.
Low-income superannuation tax offset
A low-income superannuation tax offset replaces the low-income superannuation contribution. Under this measure, eligible individuals with an adjusted taxable income of up to $37,000 can get refunds on the tax paid on concessional contributions up to a cap of $500.
This avoids the situation where low-income earners pay more tax on contributions than on their take-home pay. The refunds will go into the superannuation account.
It is estimated that about 3.1 million low-income earners will benefit, including about 1.9 million women.[6]
Catch-up concessional contributions
People with a total superannuation balance of less than $500,000 before the start of a financial year can use any carried forward unused concessional contributions for up to five years. In 2019–20, this will help about 230,000 people.[7]
The spouse tax offset extended
The spouse tax offset is now available to more couples as eligibility has been extended to people whose recipient spouses earn up to $40,000. This is an increase from $13,800, and about 5,000 people are expected to use the change.[8]
Innovation barriers removed
The tax exemption on earnings in the retirement phase has been extended to encourage the creation of a wider range of products. This will provide more flexibility and choice for retirees to help them avoid outliving their savings.
Transition to retirement income streams
Taxable income from assets supporting transition to retirement income streams are no longer tax-exempt at the super fund level. Instead they will be taxed at 15 per cent.
Pension payments continue to be tax free if the individual is 60 or over.
Individuals will also no longer be allowed to treat certain superannuation income stream payments as lump sums for taxation purposes. About 110,000 people will be affected.[9]
Anti-detriment rule abolished
The anti-detriment provision that allows superannuation funds to claim a refund of the 15 per cent tax on contributions paid by the deceased member over their lifetime has been abolished. However, lump sum death benefits will continue to be tax-free.
Seek advice
As these changes are very complex, it’s a great idea to talk them through with an expert who may help you safeguard your financial future.
[1] Australian Government, The Department of the Treasury, ‘Superannuation Reforms’.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid
[4] Ibid
[5] Ibid
[6] Ibid
[7] Ibid
[8] Ibid
[9] Ibid
![Fixed Income: Friend or Foe?]()
by Jodie | Aug 11, 2017 | General
Fixed income has been a friend to investors. Over the past 20 years, the annualised return to the end of last year for both domestic and global fixed income has exceeded global share returns. But with rates so low and bond prices so expensive, will fixed income become your foe?
Read on to find out why fixed income is in fact more relevant for your portfolio than ever before.
Diversification – Not all friends are the same
Traditional fixed income strategies play an important role in diversifying share market risk and cushioning portfolio returns during times of economic downturn. This is because fixed income returns generally have a low to negative relationship to shares. A negative relationship, or what is commonly referred to as a negative correlation, occurs when the value of one asset rises while the value of another falls. For example, in 2008 and 2011 Australian and global shares incurred large negative returns while fixed income funds posted strong positive returns.
Table 1: Australian and Global Equity returns verse Australian and Global Fixed Income returns in 2008 and 2011
| Year |
Australian shares |
Global shares |
Australian fixed income |
Global fixed income |
| 2008 |
-37.7% |
-28.4% |
11.2% |
3.6% |
| 2011 |
-11.1% |
-7.9% |
10.1% |
7.9% |
Source: Morningstar
Morningstar Categories: Australian Shares – Australia Equity Large Blend, Global Equities – World Equity Large Blend, Australian Fixed Income – Australia Fund Bonds – Australia, Global Fixed Income – Australia Fund Bonds – Global
The correlation between fixed income and shares can change over time and vary between different fixed income securities. Certain fixed income securities with higher credit risk, which is the risk that the issuer of the security will default, have historically become more correlated to shares when the share market is in freefall, while government bonds, with low credit risk, have generally remained a true diversifier.
Common Australian and global fixed income indices have a large proportion of their holdings weighted to government bonds. For example, the Bloomberg Barclay’s Global Aggregate index comprises of around 51% global government bonds. As traditional fixed income managers track these indices they will tend to hold a reasonable proportion of their portfolio in government bonds, and therefore continue to offer true diversification benefits.
Income – it’s nice to have friends that shout you
In addition to being a good diversifier, fixed income provides a positive, regular source of income returns. Income is provided by the coupon payments, which are essentially interest payments.
Currently, there are no investment-grade bonds (BBB or higher credit rating) that have been issued with a negative-rate coupon. So even if price returns for fixed income are negative, the income return via the coupon is currently positive. Even in Japan, where zero interest rate policies are in place, the coupon rate on investment-grade fixed income has remained positive.
Fixed income sceptics may point out that coupons are currently at very low levels. However, this is not to say opportunities don’t exist. Divergent interest rate cycles present opportunities for unconstrained bond funds.
Unconstrained bond funds are those managed without traditional indices or benchmark constraints. These strategies have the flexibility to ‘go anywhere’ and will invest across fixed income sectors, geographies and currencies. In practice this means unconstrained bond funds are able to tactically invest in countries where interest rates are rising and in emerging markets which offer higher yields. While this means taking on additional risk, there is the opportunity for higher returns.
Downside protection – Friends are there to protect
Fixed income is designed to help provide downside protection, meaning that steep losses should be more infrequent and limited in size compared to shares.
Historically, this has been the case and is illustrated by the below graph. The graph shows the global bond index, Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate index in dark blue, where the largest drawdown over 25 years was 4.9%[1] in 1994. This negative return is relatively small compared to Australian and global shares which have had maximum drawdowns of -47.2%[2] and -48.3%[3] respectively.
Graph 1: Drawdown of global fixed income verse global and Australian shares
Source: Lonsec Global Fixed Income – Bloomberg Barclays Global Agg TR (AUD hedged);
Australian Shares – S&P/ASX 200 TR Index AUD: Global Equiteis – MSCI World NR Index AUD
While negative returns for fixed income securities have been historically less severe when compared to shares, it is important to realise that just as friendships can have downturns, fixed income can also produce negative returns in certain periods of the investment and interest rate cycle.
For example, traditional fixed income strategies may struggle in a fast rising interest rate environment.
Nevertheless, certain unconstrained bond funds have absolute return targets and aim to achieve positive returns in all market conditions, including in rising interest rate environments. These style funds do not manage to an index and as a result typically have lower sensitivity to changes in interest rates.
Don’t break it off just yet
Those advocating a break-up are likely to tout that increasing interest rates are going to hurt fixed income funds, particularly the traditional variety. While in the short term there may be some pain, over the longer run a rising rate environment offers investors the opportunity to reinvest at higher interest rates (coupons), which is a positive.
Despite the US Federal Reserve hiking rates four times since December 2015, we have seen both Australian and Global Fixed Income return positive 2.5% and 2.7% over the last 12 months[4]
So when considered for the sum of all its parts, fixed income can offer great attributes to your portfolio. Whether it is traditional or unconstrained – each has different benefits to offer your portfolio making fixed income a true and long term friend.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this document, including any tax information, is general information only and does not constitute personal advice. It has been prepared without taking into account any of your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this information you should consider its appropriateness, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs. You should read the relevant Product Disclosure Statements and seek personal advice from a qualified financial adviser. From time to time we may send you informative updates and details of the range of services we can provide. If you no longer want to receive this information please contact our office to opt out. Financial Services Partners Pty Ltd ABN 15 089 512 587, AFSL 237590
[1] BBgBarc Global Aggregate TR Hedged AUD Data from Morningstar between 1 Jan 1994 to 31 Dec 2016
[2] S&P/ASX 200 TR AUD from Morningstar between 1 Jan 1994 to 31 May 2017
[3] MSCI World NR AUD from Morningstar between 1 Jan 1994 to 31 May 2017
[4] Australian fixed income – Bloomberg Composite Bond All Maturities, International Fixed Income – Barclays Global Aggregate Bond Index (hedged) as at 31 May 2017
