Setting financial goals as a couple

Step one: what are your financial pain points?

When you start making plans, chances are you’ll both come across financial pain points. In other words, the areas that need some attention and possible alterations. These might include:

  • post-wedding or honeymoon debts
  • different earning capacities
  • different savings goals
  • different spending habits
  • disagreements you’ve had in the past
  • different ideas about couples bank accounts.

While it’s normal to have pain points like these, it’s important to recognise them for what they are and work on solutions.

Step two: separate individual goals from couple goals

While you’ll both have personal savings goals, it’s a good idea to talk about what these are and why they’re important to you.

This will help you work on them, without compromising the goals you have as a couple. Examples of couple goals include:

  • buying a home together
  • renovating your home
  • buying an investment property
  • travelling overseas

Step three: create an action plan

With a better grip on your financial pain points and the goals you both want to achieve, it will be easier to start making practical plans.

Setting out a clear timeline can help you visualise your goals, and importantly, make sure you’re staying realistic about how and when you’ll achieve them.

It could be worth talking to a financial planner. We can help you set up the timelines and look at ways of boosting your goals.

Keeping motivated is important, but this often takes incentive. You could set up a separate bank account, that has good interest rates and bonuses. You might also want to consider a term deposit. These savings products offer fixed, competitive interest rates and you can choose a term to suit your needs.

You may also consider whether you want a joint account when opening a new savings account as a couple.

When you hit your milestones, there’s no harm in rewarding yourself. A nice dinner or weekend away can remind you that your couple goals are worth achieving.

Using an online budget planner will help you find out where you can save money, as well as how much. MoneySmart’s savings goals calculator is also a great tool to keep you on track.

Step four: get things moving

You may have already opened up a savings account, but have you thought about applying for a personal loan?

With the right repayment plan in place, personal loans can help you achieve those bigger financial goals, such as paying for the costs of starting a family, moving overseas, or even paying off the engagement ring.

If you’re looking at property instead, it’s best to start the conversation with your lender soon, so you can figure out how much you can afford and where you want to live.

When you apply for a home loan. you’ll want to be prepared. Banks and lenders take into consideration a lot of factors before they decide to approve applications. But the more organised you are, the easier it will be to get things moving.

Source: NAB
Reproduced with permission of National Australia Bank (‘NAB’). This article was originally published at https://www.nab.com.au/personal/life-moments/family/get-married/budgeting-couple
National Australia Bank Limited. ABN 12 004 044 937 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 230686. The information contained in this article is intended to be of a general nature only. Any advice contained in this article has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any advice on this website, NAB recommends that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances.
© 2022 National Australia Bank Limited (“NAB”). All rights reserved.
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How to master FBT compliance

Preparing for the Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) year-end is never a walk in the park and, with the ATO now using increasingly sophisticated data matching programs, it is more important than ever to get your return right.

As part of the ATO’s post-pandemic campaign to improve taxpayer compliance and payment of tax debts, the ATO is using data matching tools to check whether businesses should be reporting employee fringe benefits and paying tax on them.i

As a small business owner, you shoulder full responsibility for accurately calculating the taxable value of all fringe benefits, lodging the FBT return, paying any required tax, and reporting fringe benefits on an employee’s payment summary if the individual benefits exceed $2,000.ii

Areas to check in your FBT return

Vehicle benefits are a continuing source of mistakes when it comes to FBT returns. The ATO is particularly interested in commercial vehicles (mainly dual cab utes) provided to employees. Many employers wrongly believe these vehicles are fully FBT-exempt. But an exemption only applies where private use of the vehicle is minor and infrequent.

FBT rules about the use of employee car parking have also been tightened. FBT usually applies if you provide your employees with parking in a commercial car park, although many small businesses are eligible for an FBT exemption under specific conditions.iii

Dining and EV benefit rules

Entertainment and in-house dining fringe benefits are another area where it’s easy to be caught out.

Ensure you have detailed records related to these types of benefits (including any contributions made by employees) and check the benefits provided have met the ‘minor and infrequent‘ rule.

Also keep an eye on the implications of new rules covering electric vehicle (EV) benefits.

Getting employees to play their part

To simplify the process of putting your FBT return together, it helps if your employees play their part.

For example, encourage employees who use salary packaging to spend all of their available annual balance before 31 March to avoid the headache of unspent or claimed benefits rolling over into the next FBT year.

If employees do not use their unspent balance, it still needs to be reported and deducted from their cap limit in the new FBT year, which can create additional paperwork.

Employee declarations

If you plan to use the FBT exemptions and concessions on offer, you may also need to obtain detailed records from your employees (such as travel diaries, logbooks, declarations and odometer records).iv

Any change in car usage due to a new work role needs to be noted and the business use percentage adjusted, or a new logbook started.

Start collating this information as early as possible to simplify the calculation and lodgement process.

Meeting the lodgement deadline

Unlike the normal tax year, the FBT year ends on 31 March, with the 21 May lodgement and payment deadline giving you only a short window to get your paperwork in order. If you lodge with an accountant the deadline is 25 June.

You need to determine the taxable value of the different fringe benefits your employees have received during the year, calculate the tax you need to pay and collect any required employee declarations.

All employee declarations must be obtained by the time your FBT return is due to be lodged. Even if you do not have to lodge a return, you must have the declarations by 21 May.

We can help with any questions you may have and assist you with preparing your FBT return.

 i Addressing collectable tax debt – Tax Institute’s Tax Summit 2023 | Australian Taxation Office

ii Reportable fringe benefits | Australian Taxation Office

iii Fringe benefits tax – a guide for employers | Legal database

iv Employee declarations | Australian Taxation Office

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Market movements and review video – March 2025

Stay up to date with what’s happened in the Australian economy and markets over the past month.

The RBA dropped the cash rate to 4.10%, the first reduction since November 2020, however the RBA remains cautious regarding further cash rate cuts.

While tension continues between Russia-Ukraine and the Middle East, and a trade war looms due to Trump’s proposed tariffs, the global economic outlook remains unpredictable and markets are volatile.

Click the video below to view our update.

Please get in touch if you’d like assistance with your personal financial situation.

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How to financially ease into retirement

Deciding when to retire is a big decision and even more difficult if you are concerned about your retirement income.

The average age of Australia’s 4.2 million retirees is 56.9 years but many people leave it a little later to finish work with most intending to retire at just over 65 years.i

If you’re not quite ready to retire, a ‘transition to retirement’ (TTR) strategy might work for you. It allows you to ease into retirement by:

  • supplementing your income if you reduce your work hours, or
  • boosting your super and save on tax while you keep working full time

The strategy allows you to access your super without having to fully retire and it is available to anyone 60 years or over who is still working.

Working less for similar income

The strategy involves moving part of your super balance into a special super fund account that provides an income stream. From this account you can withdraw funds of up to 10 per cent of your balance each year.

As you will still be earning an income and making concessional (before-tax) contributions to your super, this approach allows you to maintain income during the transition to full retirement while still increasing your super balance, as long as the contributions continue.

Note that, generally speaking, you can’t take your super benefits as a lump sum cash payment while you’re still working, you must take super benefits as regular payments. Although, there are some exceptions for special circumstances.

Take the example of Alisha.ii Alisha has just turned 60 and currently earns $50,000 a year before tax. She decides to ease into retirement by reducing her work to three days a week.

This means her income will drop to $30,000. Alisha transfers $155,000 of her super to a transition to retirement pension and withdraws $9,000 each year, tax-free. This replaces some of her lost pay.

Income received from your super fund under a TTR strategy is tax-free but note that it may affect any government benefits received by your or your partner.

Also, check on any life insurance cover you have under with your super fund in case a TTR strategy reduces or stops it.

Give your super a boost

For those planning to continue working full-time beyond age 60, a TTR strategy can be used to increase your income or to give your super a boost.

To make it work, you could consider increasing salary sacrifice contributions into your super then using a TTR income stream out of your super fund to replace the cash you’re missing from salary sacrificing.

In another example, Kyle is 60 and earns $100,000 a year. He intends to keep working full-time for at least another five years. Kyle transfers $200,000 from his super to an account-based pension so he can start a TTR strategy then salary sacrifices into his super.

This will reduce his income tax, but also his take-home pay. So, he tops up his income by withdrawing up to 10 per cent of his TTR pension balance each year.iii

A TTR strategy tends to work better for those with a larger super balance, a higher marginal income tax rate and those who have not reached the cap on concessional contributions.

Nonetheless, it can still be useful for those with lower super balances and on lower incomes, but the benefits may not be as great.

Some things to think about

TTR won’t suit everyone. For example, be aware that you cannot withdraw more than 10 per cent of your super balance each year.

Also, if you start withdrawing your super early, you will have less money when you retire.

The rules for a TTR strategy can be complex, particularly if your employment situation changes or you have other complicated financial arrangements and investments. So, it’s important to seek professional advice to make sure it works for you and that you are making the most of its benefits.

If you would like to discuss your retirement income options, give us a call.

i Retirement and Retirement Intentions, Australia, 2022-23 financial year | Australian Bureau of Statistics
ii, iii Transition to retirement – Moneysmart.gov.au

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Recharging for Success

As a small business owner, you may find it difficult to justify taking time off. After all, your business demands your attention, and you worry what will happen if you step away for a break. However, taking a break from the business can be one of the best decisions you make for your business.

In fact, regular vacations can lead to significant benefits, including process improvement and automation, while also rejuvenating your spirit. Let’s explore how taking time off can be a game changer for you and your business.

Operating at your peak

If you are dragging your heels the impact on your business is profound. Constantly working without breaks can lead to fatigue, irritability, and impact your motivation and productivity.  Taking regular time off helps to maintain your mental and physical health, ensuring you return to your business refreshed and ready to tackle challenges with renewed vigour.

Charge your creative batteries

When you’re immersed in your work, it can be challenging to think outside the box. A change of scenery—whether it’s a beach, mountain retreat, or a new city—can spark new ideas and perspectives. Many entrepreneurs report that their best insights come during moments of relaxation when their minds are free from the pressures of daily operations. By taking time off, you allow yourself the mental space to brainstorm innovative solutions and strategies that can drive your business forward. 

Regular breaks can enhance your decision-making abilities. A fresh mindset can help you see the bigger picture and prioritise what truly matters for your business’s growth. This clarity can help you identify potential pitfalls and opportunities that you might have missed while entrenched in day-to-day operations.

Strengthening your team’s contribution

When you take a vacation, it’s not just beneficial for you; it can also strengthen your team. Delegating responsibilities while you’re away empowers your employees, helping them to develop their skills and confidence. It shows that you trust them to handle tasks without your constant oversight. Upon your return, you may find that your team has grown stronger and more cohesive, which can enhance overall productivity. Additionally, allowing your team to see you prioritise work-life balance encourages them to do the same, leading to a healthier workplace culture.

Automate your processes

Planning for a break can give you a reason to consider how automation can improve your business processes. Many small business owners find themselves overwhelmed by repetitive tasks that can easily be automated. As you plan to take some time out, take the opportunity to research tools and technologies that can streamline operations.

For example, investigate customer relationship management (CRM) software to manage client interactions, or explore project management tools to keep your team organised. When you return these solutions can remain in place to save you time and increase your efficiency.

Tips for a stress-free vacation

While the benefits of taking a vacation are clear, the thought of planning one can be daunting. Here are some practical tips to ensure your time off is stress-free:

Communicate clearly: Inform your clients and colleagues about your absence in advance. Setting up an out-of-office message can help manage expectations and redirect urgent inquiries to your team.

Delegate wisely: Identify team members who can handle various responsibilities while you’re away. Provide them with the authority to make decisions and access to necessary resources. Trust is key here!

Unplug and unwind: Resist the urge to check emails or take business calls during your vacation or arrange specific time you are available if needed. Create boundaries so you can fully enjoy your time off.

Reflect and recharge: Use your vacation not just for leisure but also for reflection. Consider what’s working in your business and what changes you’d like to make when you return.

Vacations are not just an indulgence; they can be a crucial component of sustainable business success. From enhancing creativity to preventing burnout and improving decision-making, the benefits of taking time off extend far beyond personal relaxation. So go ahead—book that trip, recharge your batteries, and return ready to lead with renewed energy and vision.

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Things to do today that your future self will thank you for

Achieving your long-term financial goals doesn’t need to be overwhelming. If you can put in place some basic financial steps, you are on the road to a successful outcome.

It means keeping on top of your options and devising strategies for investment, debt reduction and risk protection. The start of the year is a perfect time to take a few proactive steps, that your future self will thank you for.

Building your nest egg

Adding to your superannuation is one of the most powerful and tax-effective ways to build your wealth over the long term. If you’re an employee, consider salary sacrifice to add to the mandatory contributions made by your employer. Even a small amount, paid regularly, will make a big difference over time. Don’t forget that there are some limits on how much you can invest before tax is affected, so it’s a good idea to keep track of any before-tax, or concessional, contributions.i

Small business owners, sometimes struggling with cash flow issues, may be tempted to neglect their own super contributions but you risk missing out on the benefits later in life.

Finding ways to cut living expenses and reducing or eliminating debt, including paying off the mortgage as quickly as possible, are also obvious ways to attain financial security, although not always easy to implement with cost-of-living pressures. But, again, any small and regular steps towards your goal are a positive contribution.

Preparing for the unexpected

Apart from finding ways to build your wealth and reducing debt, being prepared for unexpected losses is another way to secure your future.

For example, losing your home, business premises or vehicle in a catastrophic event when you’re not adequately insured creates a significant financial burden.

As natural catastrophes increase in frequency and intensity so does the ‘protection gap’, the economic losses caused by underinsurance or no insurance. One study estimated these losses in Australia at more than $18 billion in the nine years to 2023.ii

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) says there are some common reasons for underinsurance.iii

  1. Making an incorrect guess about how much it would cost to repair, rebuild or replace property and contents. The ICA suggests using a building insurance calculator and a contents insurance calculator. Most insurers include both types of calculators on their websites.
  2. Forgetting to update your insurance after upgrades to your home and belongings. Renovations, new furniture, and upgraded appliances can all add to the value of your home. It’s a good idea to reconsider the value of replacement at least every time you renew your policy.
  3. Adding the extra costs such as demolition, clean-up, asbestos removal, council applications, architect, and surveyor services, and even the cost of temporary accommodation during a rebuild.
  4. Not accounting for all your assets – you probably own a lot more than you realise. Have you included the contents of your garden shed and you wardrobe?

Financial protection for personal events

Protecting yourself financially against unexpected personal events is also worth weighing up.

A survey of more than 5000 working Australians shows that, on average, almost 80 per cent have car insurance while just one-third have life insurance.iv

Life insurance is a valuable protection for your family if something happens to you. There is also income protection insurance and various other personal insurances that can ensure you continue to receive an income when you’re unable to work.

While cost-of-living pressures might make insurance or self-insurance seem like a luxury you can’t afford, making an informed choice is the best you can do. That means the financial risks associated with events that affect yourself or your property and carefully weighing your options.

We’d be happy to help you review your wealth building and risk strategies and solutions for a financially safer 2025 and beyond.

i Concessional contributions cap | Australian Tax Office

ii Insurance Catastrophe Resilience Report | Insurance Council of Australia

iii The risk of underinsurance | Insurance Council of Australia

iv Financial security takes back seat exposing advice crisis | CALI

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2024 Year in Review: Successfully navigating uncertain times

The many unpredictable events of 2024 could easily have been disastrous for investment markets. Instead, we saw remarkable resilience and growth despite occasional volatility as investors reacted to the extraordinary times.

While economic growth in Australia and overseas was underwhelming, share markets rode out the ups and downs to finish 2024 strongly. 2024 was the ‘super election year’, when almost 2.5 billion people in 70 countries voted.i One result that has captured the attention of governments and analysts around the world is Donald Trump’s return to office in the United States. He has promised massive tariffs, tax cuts and increased spending on defence. All measures are likely to increase inflation and budget deficits which will affect global markets and economies.ii

Continuing geopolitical upheaval also marked the year. Tension in the Middle East grew as Israel expanded its campaign and European Union economies came under increased pressure when Ukraine stopped the flow of Russian gas.

The US dollar ended the year on a two-year high but that, and a weakening Chinese Yuan, led to a two-year low for the Australian dollar, which ended the year just below 62 US cents.iii

Cost of living falls but interest rates steady

Around the world, interest rates fell during the year but in Australia, after five interest rate increases in 2023, the Reserve Bank (RBA) held steady at 4.35 per cent, believing inflation is still too high.

Nonetheless, the cost of living has fallen significantly, down to 2.8 per cent in the September quarter from a high of 7.8 per cent two years ago and 3.8 per cent in the June quarter.iv

Falls in electricity and petrol prices contributed to the easing.

Australia’s economy grew by 0.8 per cent in the three quarters to the end of September – it’s slowest in decades.v

House prices mixed across the country

The housing market appeared to cool by the end of the year with average national home values falling by 0.1 per cent in December to a median of $815,000.vi

CoreLogic’s Home Value Index data shows four of the eight capitals recording a decline in values between July and December. These included Melbourne, Sydney, Hobart and Canberra. While in Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide and Darwin, home values increased.

Share markets survive and prosper

Global share markets were unsinkable in a year of stormy economic and political conditions.

The Nasdaq surged more than 30 per cent for the year. The S&P 500 was up 25 per cent – pushed along by the ‘magnificent seven’ tech stocks – and the Dow rose 14 per cent.

Although not quite in the same league, the ASX performed strongly, recording 24 new record highs during 2024. The S&P/ASX 200 closed the year at 8159, up 7.5 per cent, with some analysts predicting 2025 will close around 8800.

Commodities

Gold came into its own as a safe haven for those concerned about events around the globe, reaching an all-time high in October and adding more than 28 per cent for the year.

Oil prices were subdued with investors cautious about a glut, the risks of wider conflict in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine and the change of government in the US. Although there is some optimism for improved growth in China in 2025.

Iron ore prices have continued to decline, now down to about half of the peak US$200 a tonne in 2021.

Looking ahead

Economists’ forecasts vary on the timing of a cut in interest rates in 2025 but some believe there will be as many as four cuts, reducing the rate to 3.35 per cent by year end.

Share price volatility is expected to continue as investors roll with the global political and economic punches and the upcoming Australian Federal Election is likely to introduce uncertainty until the results are in.

If you’d like to review your goals for the coming year in the light of recent and expected developments, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Note: all share market figures are live prices as at 31 December 2023 and 2024 sourced from: https://tradingeconomics.com/stocks.

i Why 2024 is a record year for elections around the world | World Economic Forum

ii The economy and markets will boom under Trump | AFR

iii Australian dollar now at risk of plummeting to pandemic-era lows | ABC News

iv Consumer Price Index, Australia, September Quarter 2024 | Australian Bureau of Statistics

v Australian economy grew 0.3 per cent in September Quarter | Australian Bureau of Statistics

vi National home values record first decline in almost two years | CoreLogic Australia

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Gifting for future generations

At this time of year, when giving is particularly on our minds, some might turn their attention to how best share their wealth or an unexpected windfall with their loved ones­.

You might be thinking about handing over a lump sum to help them with a major purchase or business opportunity, or be keen to help reduce or extinguish their student loans. Alternatively, it might be about helping to solve a housing problem.

Whatever the reason there are some rules that it is worth being aware of to ensure both you and they are protected.

Giving a cash gift

You can give anyone, family or not, a gift of cash for any amount and, as long as you don’t materially benefit from the gift or expect anything in return, no tax is paid on the amount by either you or the receiver.i

The same applies if you’re planning to pay out your child’s student loans.

However, be aware that if the beneficiary of your cash gift is receiving a government benefit, such as an unemployment benefit or a student allowance, there is a limit on the size of the gift they can receive without it affecting their payments.

They may receive up to $10,000 in one financial year or $30,000 over five financial years (which can not include more than $10,000 in one financial year).ii

Helping out with housing

Many parents also like to help their children get into the property market, where possible.

It’s been a difficult time for many in the past few years in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, the rising cost of living and interest rates, and a housing crisis.

A Productivity Commission report released this year found that while most people born between 1976 and 1982 earn more than their parents did at a similar age, income growth is slower for those born after 1990.iii

With money tight and house prices climbing, three in five renters don’t believe they will ever own a home even though most (78 per cent) want to be homeowners, according data collected by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI).iv

Just over half of those surveyed (52 per cent) were renting because they didn’t have enough for a home deposit and 42 per cent said they couldn’t afford to buy anything appropriate, the AHURI survey found.

So, in this climate, help from parents to buy a home isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s becoming a necessity for many.

Moving home

Allowing your adult child, perhaps with a partner and family, to share the family home rent-free is common option, giving them the chance to save up for a deposit.

One Australian survey found that one-in-10 people had moved back in with their parents either to save money or because they could no longer afford to rent.v

If it gets too much living under the same roof, building a granny flat in your backyard may be an option.  Of course there are council regulations to consider, permits to be obtained and the cost of building or buying a kit but on the upside, it may add value to your home.

Becoming a guarantor

Another way to help might be to become a guarantor on your child’s mortgage. This might be the best way into a mortgage for many but before you sign, think it through carefully, understand the loan contract and know the risks.vi

Don’t forget that, as guarantor, you’re responsible for the debt. You will have to step in and repay if the borrower can’t afford to repay, and the loan will be listed as a default on your own credit report.

Any sign that you are being pressured to be a guarantor on a loan may be a sign of financial abuse. There are a number of avenues for advice and support if you’re concerned.

It’s vital that you obtain independent legal advice before signing any loan documents.

If you would like more information about how to provide meaningful financial support to your children, we’d be happy to help.

i Tax on gifts and inheritances | ATO Community

ii How much you can gift – Age Pension – Services Australia

iii Fairly equal? Economic mobility in Australia – Commission Research Paper – Productivity Commission

iv Rising proportion of ‘forever renters’ requires tax and policy re-think | AHURI

v Coming home: 662,000 Australian households reunite with adult children – finder.com.au

vi Going guarantor on a loan – Moneysmart.gov.au

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Surviving the silly season

Ah, Christmas! – the time of year when your bank account shrinks, your social calendar explodes, and your family dynamics resemble a poorly scripted soap opera. As we navigate this festive minefield of shopping, social gatherings, and feasting, it’s common to feel a little frazzled.

In fact, research has found that the holiday season is one of the six most stressful life events we go through, in the same category as moving house and divorce.i

But it does not have to be – before you let the silly season get the better of you, here are some ways to not just survive, but thrive, to make it through the festive chaos and bring in 2025 feeling energised and on track to reaching your goals. 

Get organised

Let’s face it, the silly season is a whirlwind. Between work parties, family catch-ups, and obligatory gatherings with distant relatives you only see once a year, it’s enough to make anyone want to retreat to a deserted island.

However, rather than running off to Bora Bora, if you want to survive the silly season relatively unscathed, planning ahead is a must. With the social calendar filling up quicker than you can say cheers, it becomes easy to overcommit and leave yourself feeling a little stretched. Rather than maintaining a constant schedule of parties and social engagements, why not learn the power of saying ‘no’. Choose the events you really want to attend and think about each invitation before you send that RSVP. Remember to allow for some guilt-free ‘down time’ amongst all the festivities.  

Shopping shenanigans

Shopping during the silly season can be akin to a scene from an action movie—chaotic, frenzied, and with a distinct chance of an all-in brawl.

Channel your inner Santa Claus and make a list. And yes, check it twice! A good list keeps you focused and reduces the chances of impulse buys—like that life-sized inflatable Santa that seemed like a good idea at the time. (Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.)

Consider shopping online, too. You can sip your coffee in your pyjamas while avoiding the chaos of the shops. Just remember: the delivery cut-off dates are real! Don’t be the person frantically searching for gifts at 9 PM on Christmas Eve.

The present predicament

Let’s talk presents. It’s lovely to give and receive gifts, but when did we all agree that every adult needs a new mug or another pair of socks?

To combat the gift-giving madness, consider doing a Secret Santa among adults. Set a reasonable budget and unleash your creativity. Who doesn’t want a mysterious gift that could range from a novelty toilet brush to a box of chocolates? 

Navigating the family dynamics

Family gatherings can be a delightful mix of love, laughter, and the occasional argument that would make for great reality TV. You know the drill—everyone has an opinion, and even the Christmas ham can become a hot topic of debate.

Before the big day, set some ground rules. No politics, no discussing that relative’s questionable life choices, and absolutely no karaoke unless everyone is fully prepared to participate. If tensions start to rise, a little humour can go a long way. Embrace the absurdity of it all. If Uncle Bob starts arguing about the best way to cook prawns, counter with a story about how Auntie Sheila once tried to deep-fry a turkey—because that’s a Christmas classic in its own right.

Don’t try to do it all

If you’re hosting this year, congratulations! You’re officially in charge of managing the chaos. But you don’t have to shoulder the entire load.

Encourage those who are coming to bring their ‘special’ dish. Not only does it lighten your load, but it also allows everyone to show off their culinary skills (or lack thereof). Plus, you might discover that Aunt Margaret’s “special” potato salad is actually a hidden gem—just don’t ask what’s in it. 

Survive and thrive

At the end of the day embrace the chaos, lean into the hilarity of when things don’t go to plan, don’t take it all too seriously and be prepared to step back a little when you need a break from all the festivities.

Here’s to a joyful festive season filled with laughter and the wonderful chaos that is Christmas. We’ll catch you on the other side. Cheers!

i Christmas stress | Relationships Australia

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SMSFs: keeping it in the family

Self managed super funds (SMSFs) can offer their members many benefits, but one that’s often overlooked is their potential as a multigenerational wealth creation and transfer vehicle.

Family SMSFs are relatively rare. According to the most recent ATO statistics (2022-23), the majority of SMSFs (93.2 per cent) have only one or two members.i Just 6.6 per cent have three or four members and only 0.3 per cent have five or six members (the maximum allowed).

Advantages of a family SMSF

An SMSF is sometimes established when two or more generations of a family share ownership or work in a family business. The fund can then form part of a personal and business succession plan, potentially making it easier to pass on ownership and management of assets to the next generation.

With more members, SMSFs also gain additional scale, allowing them to invest in larger assets (such as property). You can add business premises to the SMSF and lease it back without violating the related parties rule and 5 per cent limit on in-house assets.ii

Reduced tax and administration costs are also a benefit of multigenerational funds.

Running a family SMSF means the costs of establishing and administering the fund are spread across more members. This can be particularly helpful for adult children just beginning to save for their retirement.

In addition, more fund members means more people to share the administrative burdens of running an SMSF, which may be helpful as you get older.

A family SMSF does not need to be automatically wound up if you die or lose mental capacity and they can simplify the process of paying out a member death benefit as well as potentially allowing it to be paid tax-effectively. Note that death benefits paid to non‑tax dependent beneficiaries incur a tax rate of up to 30 per cent plus the Medicare levy.iii

More fund members also make setting up a limited recourse borrowing arrangement (LRBA) easier because their contributions reduce the fund’s risk of being unable to pay the borrowing costs. (An LRBA allows an SMSF to borrow money to buy assets)

Funding pension payments

Another advantage of an SMSF with up to six members may be when the fund begins making pension payments to older members.

If younger members are still making regular contributions, fund assets don’t need to be sold to make pension payments, which avoids the realisation of capital gains on assets.

Family SMSFs can also provide non-financial benefits, helping to transfer financial knowledge and expertise between the generations. And, while your children gain a solid financial education from participating in the running the SMSF, they can also provide valuable investment insights from a different perspective.

Risks and responsibilities

It is important to note that a multigenerational SMSF may not be right for everyone.

SMSFs of any size come with some risks and responsibilities. You are personally liable for the fund’s decisions, even if you act on advice from a professional, and your investments may not provide the returns you were hoping for.

Before you start adding your children and their spouses to your fund, it’s essential to spend time thinking about the challenges in running a family SMSF. Developing an asset allocation strategy catering to different life stages can be complex. Older members may prefer a strategy designed to deliver a consistent income stream, while younger members are usually more focused on capital growth.

Risk profiles are also likely to vary. Typically, younger fund members have a higher appetite for investment risk than members closer to retirement.

Family conflict can also be an issue when relationships are under pressure from divorce, blended families, and personality clashes.

The death of a parent can also create disputes over the distribution of fund assets or forced asset sales. Decisions about the payment of death benefits by the remaining trustees can derail carefully made estate plans and result in expensive legal battles.

Larger families with multiple adult children and partners may also find the six member limit an obstacle, forcing them to look at other options such as running a number of family SMSFs in parallel.

If you would look more information about establishing a family SMSF, call our office today.

i SMSF quarterly statistical report June 2024 | data.gov.au

ii Related parties and relatives | Australian Taxation Office

iii Paying superannuation death benefits | Australian Taxation Office

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