When it comes to investing, often people don’t know where to start. Should I buy an investment property (then I have to deal with tenants!)? Should I dabble in shares (but what if we have another GFC!)? Should I chase […]

There’s not much to be said about the first two, other than that they are unavoidable (unless there is a fountain of youth in the Cayman Islands that I haven’t heard about). But as the John Farnham example shows, retirement […]

We have seen a substantial market correction in Australian and International shares since September 2018. However, economists believe that a nearterm recession will be avoided. In short, economic growth should shift down but not out. From an asset return standpoint, […]

There are over 17,000 businesses in the Gippslandregion, from coffee shops to construction companies. Some are more successful than others, but success does not always equate to riches when it comes time to retire. In fact, more than 350 businesses […]

ROPAN is excited to announce a new strategic partnership with Horizon Motor Yacht Australia, effective September 2017. The alliance in particular opens up a host of exciting opportunities for a clientele who enjoy their rest and relaxation with a healthy […]

Amid calls for more affordable infant formula options here, supermarket chain Sheng Siong launched a new formula milk range from Australia, priced between $25.50 and $29.50 for a 900g tin, on Thursday (Aug 24). The formula is manufactured by Nature […]

The 2016-17 financial year is your last opportunity to make a non-concessional (after tax) contribution of up to $180,000 to your super account, or as much as $540,000 under the ‘bring forward’ rule. This rule allows people under age 65 […]

What trauma insurance is and isn’t Trauma insurance —sometimes known as critical illness insurance— provides a lump sum payment in the event of a major illness or injury, such as a cancer diagnosis, heart attack or stroke. The full list […]

There could be a scientific explanation. Seasonal effective disorder (SAD), otherwise known as the winter blues, is a real condition. It’s more common than you might think in this country as it’s estimated that up to 54% have some of […]

There’s a reason kids’ quotes are popular topics everywhere from Twitter and Instagram to forums and blogs. Before little ones learn manners and pick up on the subtle ‘rules’ of social interaction in different contexts, they’re pretty happy to say […]

Until then, individuals can make a non-concessional (after-tax) contribution of up to $540,000 under the bring-forward rule which allows you to bring forward two years’ contributions . That means couples can put up to $1.08 million into super while the […]

Since 2001, we have built a broad regional clientele that have appreciated our ‘specialist’ style advice process, implementation services and our ongoing financial management offering in relation to superannuation, investments and cashflow management for both employed and retired families. We […]

Australia’s strong performance is even more remarkable in a year characterised by ongoing uncertainty and volatility on global markets, culminating in the shock British exit – or Brexit – from the European Union. Locally, investment plans were on hold during […]

Now is the time to make any last minute adjustments to reduce your tax bill and maximise your long-term savings. Pay expenses, delay income Start by looking for ways to bring forward tax-deductible expenses to the current financial year and […]

If you are planning to put after-tax money into super before June 30 you now need to work out whether you will be in breach of the new $500,000 lifetime cap on non-concessional contributions. This cap is calculated from 1 […]

Budget 2016: Blueprint for an election Treasurer Scott Morrison promised it would be no ordinary budget but instead an ‘economic plan for jobs and growth’. With the federal election to be held on July 2nd 2016, the focus has shifted […]

Low oil prices have weighed heavily on global markets in 2016, with investors and pundits alike unsettled by the speed and size of the fall. But where there are losers there are also winners, depending on whether you are a […]

Family is a risk that many don’t consider when planning for retirement. After all, you probably have little or no debt now the kids are independent and you are retired or close to retirement. Hopefully you feel you have enough […]

One of the toughest financial and emotional decisions when moving in to residential aged care often involves the sale of the family home. Sometimes turning the home into a rental property is a more appealing option. Not only does renting […]

The New Year’s festivities were barely over, signing off on a difficult year for investors, when the fireworks started all over again on global markets. In the first two weeks of 2016 Australian and US shares recorded their worst start […]

New Year is traditionally the season of fresh starts and personal resolutions. Along with diet and exercise, getting ahead financially makes it onto many wish lists year in and year out. But a brighter financial future is likely to remain […]