On 11 May 2021, the Government handed down the 2021/22 Federal Budget. Whilst this marks a return to the traditional timing of the budgetary processes, it also reminds us that our economy and way of life have not returned to full normality post the events of COVID-19. Here's a synopsis of the Budget by Barwon Financial Planning Geelong.

On 6 October 2020, the Government handed down the 2020/21 Federal Budget with the Treasurer outlining the economic recovery plan for Australia by providing tax relief, encouraging job creation, rebuilding our economy and securing Australia’s future as the dominate themes.

We discuss the importance of investment risk in the latest blog from Barwon Financial Planning. We have all experienced unprecedented change in our lives over the past months. As we go about adjusting to the ‘new normal’, we examine the interplay between investment risk and investment returns.

In Barwon Financial Planning’s February blog, we discussed a number of changes to the superannuation contribution rules to provide more flexibility for members to save for their retirement via superannuation.

While some changes have been legislated to come into effect on 1 July 2020, the change to the NCC Bring-Dorward rule is yet to be passed. As a result, with Parliament not scheduled to sit again, it is unlikely that this change will become law by its proposed 1 July 2020 start date.

This month we take a look at the Governments ‘new’ First Home Loan Deposit Scheme. This Scheme has been designed to help first home buyers access the housing market sooner by lowering the deposit threshold required to enter the market.

In the Barwon Financial Planning October update we take an in-depth look at the first of 4 new measures available since 1 July allowing clients to boost their superannuation balances.

Welcome to the third Barwon Financial Planning update. As financial markets appear to have settled down over the past few weeks, we thought it may be a good time to get back to basics and discuss income and dividends.

In this month’s Barwon Financial Planning update we take a deeper look at the US-China trade wars and what this means for investors. We also discuss changes to bank lending policies which should allow home buyers to borrow a lot more. Finally, we discuss changes to the way certain superannuation contributions (tax deductible) can be made and how this may help you save more tax each year.

Welcome to the first of the Barwon Financial Planning monthly updates. Each month we aim to provide you with timely, relevant updates and information about the Australian financial system. This month we focus on the ‘Changes to the tax system’, RBA interest rate cuts and reduction to the deeming rates.

The surprise Liberal Party of Australia (LNP) election win over the weekend should have significant consequences for the local market. We believe this is the case because many companies had previously priced in the impact of the (ALP) policy differences. Here’s what to look out for

Damian and Chanthy have been out of the office at conferences, both locally and interstate. They both attended the Fortnum conferences in Sydney and Damian joined past students and industry professionals at the Deakin Commerce Student Society’s Alumni Afternoon.