November
My brother died without a will. Will the government take his money?
Intestacy laws direct that the estate is to be distributed among family members, starting with partners and children.
- Penny Wise
October
Financial advice is expensive – is it tax-deductible?
A change from the ATO has broadened the tax-deductibility of some financial advice fees, which should make seeing an adviser for the first time a bit cheaper.
- Penny Wise
How will the ATO view an inheritance from New Zealand?
Estate planning can be difficult for those with family ties on both sides of the Tasman.
- Penny Wise
My son is off to uni. Should I give him a credit card for emergencies?
Set clear guidelines around what constitutes an emergency. Does a late-night taxi ride home from the pub qualify?
- Penny Wise
September
Can I access my super to save my business?
Using your superannuation for anything other than its intended purpose – your retirement – can be a legal minefield.
- Penny Wise
We have $360,000 in super. Are we wealthy enough for an SMSF?
There has been much debate about the appropriate dollar threshold for do-it-yourself super.
- Penny Wise
August
Can I get a mortgage without a credit score?
Credit scores are a shortcut used by credit providers to assess your history in repaying debt. But what happens if you don’t have one?
- Penny Wise
Help! My parents want to invite 20 of their friends to our wedding
What to do when mum and dad help out financially but expand the guest list beyond your comfort zone.
- Penny Wise
Is it possible to pay no income tax?
It is nonsensical to spend money just to get a tax deduction because you’re still out of pocket.
- Penny Wise
July
Not rich enough! Why my financial adviser dumped me
Half a million Australians have been ‘sacked’ by their financial planners as firms clamour to win wealthier clients.
- Penny Wise
We inherited dad’s house in the UK – where to pay capital gains tax?
Sisters who moved countries find tax and administration penalties could eat into their inheritance.
What’s worse for a mortgage application: a gambling or BNPL account?
If you want to buy a house, lenders will go through your expenses with a fine-tooth comb – and Sportsbet and Afterpay accounts can be red flags.
- Penny Wise
June
I’ve saved $50,000 but have a large HECS debt – what should I do?
Banks do take tuition debt into consideration when assessing mortgage applications.
- Penny Wise
Can I do anything to maximise my tax return this close to June 30?
Though the end of the financial year is just days away, there are still some last-minute ways small businesses can reduce their tax liabilities.
- Penny Wise
The four biggest mistakes downsizers make, according to this expert
Many people overestimate how much they will have left over after downsizing, but smaller doesn’t necessarily mean cheaper.
- Penny Wise
May
I’m a risk-taker but he plays it safe. How do we invest as a couple?
Mismatched risk appetite is a common problem in relationships. How can couples get over this hurdle when investing together?
- Penny Wise
My partner earns far more than me. Should we still split bills 50/50?
One partner in the relationship earns $200,000, while the other earns much less. What’s the fairest way to divide their living expenses?
- Penny Wise
How do I avoid a messy, hostile divorce?
Don’t hire a bulldog lawyer and or make any sudden moves with your finances, lawyers say.
- Penny Wise
Should we pay off our mortgage or keep it for a line of credit?
A line of credit can serve as a financial lifeline – the trick is to know when to let go.
- Penny Wise
April
I’m an expat with shares and property. What are my tax obligations?
One of the most common mistakes expats make is not adjusting their investment strategy to minimise tax, advisers say.
- Penny Wise