Patricia Howard

Another financial year closes

While it is great to be putting the pandemic years behind us, it seems every cold and flu and respiratory bug that has not been able to run through the population in the past four years, is suddenly making their appearance this year. As anyone who has spoken to me

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Superannuation and tax

Just a bit of super can make a bit difference

To often hear people complain about their super. That they have left it too late, that they’ve had some bad experience in the past concerning their super and worse still, that they have been ripped off by some ‘fly by nighter’, or by an outright scam. While that’s

Why super is such a good idea

Most Australians hate super. Typically, they don’t understand it, they’ve had it forced upon them and most will tell you they have this feeling in the pit of their stomach that they know someone is making a lot of money from their super, it’s just not them.

Why You Should Have a Will

It’s just part of the way we all live in Australia that typically we don’t like to talk about death or what will happen to our ‘stuff’, both financial and non-financial, after we do die and I believe this is a great mistake. This is one of the

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Why you should close your SMSF today

Is this the winter to really worry?

For those of you who saw my appearance on Sky News on Saturday morning, either live or on their website, you will know just how pessimistic I am about the Australian economy and the continued inflationary pressures facing it. Recent figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistic figures released last

When will the scammers be stopped?

Once again, the media is being flooded with various stories of retirees being scammed out of their life savings and that despite a lot of huff and puff by politicians, very little seems to be done about it. Just this week, the Australian Financial review has highlighted how one retiree

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Is copper the new gold?

The happiest retirees have these things in common.

Recent research from the giant investment firm, Colonial First State, suggests a quarter of retirees who do not have a financial adviser find retirement harder than expected compared to just 12 per cent of retirees who do have a financial adviser. More, the same research found that 48 per cent

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Why is a drop in inflation a disappointing result?

Do you need risk insurance?

Many people make the mistake of thinking superannuation is simply about saving significant amounts of money year after year with the vague hope that when they reach retirement, there will be enough money there to see them through financially. While many people don’t want to think about taking out

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Dividends boost returns

Tough economic times continue

The economy continues to give off mixed signals this year with employment remaining strong and the rate of inflation remaining high, despite a surge in business bankruptcies, home loan delinquencies and falling consumer sentiment. Although there have been some encouraging signs regarding price increases, it’s unlikely the Reserve Bank

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Is now the time to speak with a financial planner?

The cost of pet ownerhsip surges

Without doubt owning a pet, be it a cat or a dog, is one of the great joys in life regardless of your age and there are plenty of studies showing that owning a pet as you get older leads to improved mental and physical health. From reducing heart disease

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Pension boost welcome

What lies ahead?

Everyone is talking about the cost-of-living crisis. The big question is just how bad will things get before they get better and will the Reserve Bank’s efforts to control inflation by lifting interest rates, prompt the local economy to slide into recession. It’s a difficult question. The share

The big six retirement horror stories

Potential clients always enter my office with the same look on their face. They are worried about their retirement and whether they will be able to successfully make the transition into what should be the best years of their lives. While I can sort out their finances and make sure

How to make the most of your tax cuts

Most Australians are looking to the July 1 tax cuts as a way of boosting much needed take home pay to help pay the bills, but if you’re not in that position you should take advantage to making the most of this bit of extra cash. Helpfully at the

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What I heard at dinner last week!

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Why didn’t I get more franking credits with my last ANZ dividend?

Doom or Boom in 2024?

As the Australian share market continues to trade at or near record highs, the question more and more people are asking is, what lies ahead? Are we on the brink of falling into recession or will the local economy build on past gains? The first fact to state is that

Welcome to a wonderful new year!

The summer holidays are always a good time to reflect, to take time out, read, relax, and so recharge your batteries for the year ahead. This year was no different for me although I did spend more time than usual reading. What struck me was what seemed to be an

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Ensure your beneficiary details are up to date