The tax advantages of using a family trust are well known – in particular, the ability to split income among family members so that a lower effective tax rate applies to the income unlike where one person derived all the income or the trust itself was liable to pay tax on it.  A family trust,…

Superannuation is a great way to save for retirement, but the government sets strict limits on how much you can contribute each year. These limits are called contribution caps. If you go over them, you could face extra tax. But don’t panic – here’s what you need to know and the steps to take if…

When someone passes away without a valid will, this is known as intestacy. In this situation, the law in each state and territory sets out a formula for how your estate is divided. These rules often follow a standard order – spouse first, then children, then other relatives, but they may not align with what…

If you buy a property in an off-the-plan purchase, there are some important CGT issues to be aware of – especially in the context that an off-the-plan purchase may not actually settle until many months or even years after the initial contract is signed. The first thing to note is that assuming the off-the-plan purchase…

Many Australians are finding themselves part of the “sandwich generation” – adults who are juggling the demands of raising their own children while also caring for ageing parents. It’s a tough spot to be in, emotionally and financially. Whether you’re still working and trying to build your own wealth, or you’ve recently retired and expected…

Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) are a key part of Australia’s superannuation system, offering control over retirement savings. As of March 2025, about 650,000 SMSFs manage $1 trillion in assets – a quarter of the $4.1 trillion superannuation pool. Let’s take a quick look at who uses SMSFs, why they’re chosen, costs and setup essentials for…