Building Wealth

Changes to Compulsory Superannuation Contributions from 1st July 2013

admin@localhost.com (Super User) — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:34:10 +0000

We've been hearing much of the changes to compulsory superannuation contributions effective 1st July 2013. But what exactly do the changes mean for individuals and how can you ensure you're getting what you are entitled to? We asked Anthony Bell for advice on sorting super...

Federal Budget 2013/14: What it Means for You

admin@localhost.com (Super User) — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:50:42 +0000

Every federal budget has its own dynamics depending on the circumstances of the time, this year’s budget perhaps more so than most.

By Anthony Bell

Merging Money as a Couple: Tips, Tricks and Common Mistakes

rescueditor@recu.com.au (Rescu Team) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 13:00:00 +0000

When couples start thinking about merging their money or other assets, it is often from the understandable feeling of “what’s yours is mine” Merging assets can work well, but it’s very much dependent on your specific circumstances.

By Anthony Bell.

Anthony Bell on The Benefits of Self Managed Super Funds

rescueditor@recu.com.au (Rescu Team) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 13:16:00 +0000

Over the past 10 years in particular there has been an explosion in the number of Self Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSF’s) in this country.

By Anthony Bell

Anthony Bell On Saving for a Wedding

rescueditor@recu.com.au (Rescu Team) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 10:40:00 +0000

Engagements are being announced left, right and centre in the aftermath of Valentine's Day – but there's more to engagement than celebrating over a bottle of bubbly. Anthony Bell gives his expert advice on saving and budgeting for a wedding.

Financial Planning Tips for the Year Ahead

rescueditor@recu.com.au (Rescu Team) — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 12:57:36 +0000

Finance expert Anthony Bell gives us essential advice and tips on how to get finances in order for a more successful 2013!

Anthony Bell On Investment Advice For Long-Term Savings

rescueditor@recu.com.au (Rescu Team) — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 01:05:00 +0000

In any investment strategy there are number of strategies and tips that can be used to maximise wealth. Whether starting with a lump sum or saving on a regular basis, a long term plan will ensure that you are on your way to building as much wealth as possible.

Finance Expert Anthony Bell's Top Tips for Preparing and Sticking to a Household Budget

rescueditor@recu.com.au (Rescu Team) — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 14:29:00 +0000

As spending and splurging over the Christmas and New Year period is officially in the rear-view mirror, Anthony Bell gives us the top tips for preparing and sticking to a household budget that applies to both single and family households.

Anthony Bell on Superannuation for freelancers

rescueditor@recu.com.au (Rescu Team) — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 11:32:24 +0000

Thinking of leaving full-time employment to work for yourself?

Today, it’s more common for people to work as freelancers and contractors, which means making changes and managing your own super fund.

Finance expert Anthony Bell shares advice on how to find the right fund and tips for keeping your super on track.

Anthony Bell on Switching to an Interest-Only Mortgage Plan

rescueditor@recu.com.au (Rescu Team) — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 20:47:52 +0000

Are you considering switching to an interest-only mortgage payment plan? Anthony Bell shows us the potential pros and pitfalls if we’re looking at this as a short-term solution to release some cash to play with...

by Anthony Bell www.bellpartners.com

11 Ways To Get Successful

rescueditor@recu.com.au (Rescu Team) — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 23:00:00 +0000

Sir Richard Branson believes setting goals is one of the keys to success and we wouldn’t argue with him.

Anthony Bell on How Plan for a Comfortable Retirement

rescueditor@recu.com.au (Rescu Team) — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 11:39:38 +0000

Finance expert, Anthony Bell has whipped up for us the smart girl's guide to super. Find out how you can plan for comfortable retirement in your 30s, 40s and 50s.

by Anthony Bell www.bellpartners.com

Anthony Bell on Saving Up for Private School Tuition Costs

rescueditor@recu.com.au (Rescu Team) — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 23:06:19 +0000

School fees are the subject of many dinner party conversations from the day a couple gets pregnant. Finance expert, Anthony bell teaches us the best strategy and top tips for saving up for private school fees.

By Anthony Bell

Superannuation Changes - What You Need to Know

rescueditor@recu.com.au (Rescu Team) — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 13:17:57 +0000

A recent study has revealed that women are woefully below men in having adequate superannuation. Finance expert, Anthony Bell tells us about the changes to superannuation laws, in plain english, and the tips we need to know to boost superannuation and or manage our own.

Tax Time with Anthony Bell - Get the Maximum Return For Minimum Fuss

rescueditor@recu.com.au (Rescu Team) — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 12:16:42 +0000

Particularly when you are entitled to a refund you definitely want to get everything together quickly and easily so that you can get your tax return lodged and into your bank account as soon as you can.

By Anthony Bell

Anthony Bell's Expert Tips on Pre-Tax Time Preparation

rescueditor@recu.com.au (Rescu Team) — Sun, 13 May 2012 23:45:05 +0000

Anthony Bell prepares us for our looming taxes on what is essential for families, singles and small business to make sure that we get the best possible refund and quickly!

Anthony Bell's Expert Tips on Changing Banks and Re-Financing Mortgages

rescueditor@recu.com.au (Rescu Team) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 01:42:51 +0000

There is a lot of noise about changing banks and re-financing mortgages. Finance expert Anthony Bell tells us the exit fees involved and what his expert tips in evaluating the right financial decision for yourself.

Pay Off or Save? Finance Expert Anthony Bell Shows Us How to Manage Our Debts

rescueditor@recu.com.au (Rescu Team) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:53:27 +0000

Pay off or Save? If we have credit card/loan/mortgage debt, are we better off paying as much off this as we can or splitting our budget between saving and paying off? Or, should we pay the minimum and save as much as we can? Finance Expert, Anthony Bell tells us the best practices.

by Anthony Bell www.bellpartners.com

Finance Expert Anthony Bell's Top Tips on How to Find the Best Savings Accounts

admin@localhost.com (Super User) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:00:00 +0000

By Anthony Bell, Finance Expert
www.bellpartners.com

When looking at savings accounts, the three things that need to be considered are:

1. Interest rate paid
2. Fees charged
3. Accessibility of the funds

Getting higher interest rates used to lock consumers in to having to take out term deposits. Over the last 10 years there’s been strong growth in the number of high interest accounts available from most financial institutions.

Most of the banks have higher interest accounts that can be linked to your day-to-day transactional accounts. There are also other institutions such as ING Direct who specialise in higher interest accounts that are linked to your normal bank account, even if it is with another institution.

To compare rates, www.cannex.com.au lists the current rates available across a broad range of institutions.

Check the fees that apply to any account you open. A high interest rate can be eaten away if the fees charged are excessive.

With any funds you are saving, consider how quickly you may need access to the funds. Some can give you instant access to the funds, whilst others can require 24 business hours before the funds are available. Some higher interest accounts will also allow your pay or other income to be deposited directly, and some will require funds to be transferred via your regular bank account.

Whether or not a high interest account is the best place for your funds is going to depend on when you will need the money, and how important the higher interest is going to be in helping you save your money. For example, if it is long term savings you are after, you may consider other investment alternatives that could generate higher returns, albeit at higher risk, such as share funds. For shorter term savings, a bank account is likely to be better as you want greater certainty without taking any risks.

If you are looking to invest for the longer term, consider seeing a financial advisor to explore the broader range of investment products that are available that might be able to better assist you reach your personal financial objectives.

More from Anthony Bell...

1. Finance Expert Anthony Bell's Top Tips on Managing Your Mortgage
2. How to Beat the Economic Crises
3. Why Your Need An Insurance Policy

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Finance Expert Anthony Bell’s Top Tips On Managing Your Mortgage

admin@localhost.com (Super User) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 13:00:00 +0000

By Anthony Bell, Finance Expert
www.bellpartners.com

Recent Federal Government legislation should now ensure that the cost of moving banks is relatively cost free and unrestrictive. The guidelines have removed the banks right to hold a borrower with unjustified and high discharge fees. You may incur some small legal and transfer fees of approximately $300 when moving banks. Gone are the days of 1.5% fee of the loan amount for an early release of security!

You should always be open and honest with the banking institution you have chosen and form a direct relationship with a local Bank Manager; this will ensure an easier path to understanding the bank procedures and processes.

Your broker should be providing you with different bank alternatives as they arise and reviewing your mortgage every six months or when your personal /family situation changes. They should also have a thorough understanding of all the different types of loans including Reverse Mortgages and Self-Managed Superannuation Loan facilities.

Be aware of your current interest rates and review them against the rates advertised in the paper or on the net, this will give you a good indication of how competitive your rate is against the market. The interest rates quoted in the media can generally be further reduced by a competent and effective broker who should be accredited with multiple banks and therefore offer you the best product fit and competitive interest rate options. Also confirm that your broker has updated his/her licensing requirements under the new National Consumer Credit Protection Act.

The decision of fixed and variable interest rates always comes down to your personal situation. A variable rate product will give you greater flexibility with off-set accounts, transferring money and making additional payments. Having said this, there is a couple of banks that offer off-set accounts on fixed rate loans! A fixed rate will offer you a guaranteed interest rate for a certain term, generally between 1-5 years in length, although you can request a 7-10 year fixed rate term at most of the majors. At present there are 3 year fixed rates that are as low as 6.4%p.a whereas most clients’ standard variable rates should be 7.1%p.a or lower. This is a good time for discussion on loan structure with your financial planner.

A few questions you should ask yourself are; ‘What would happen to my personal situation if interest rates went up to 9% p.a?’ ‘Could I afford the repayments?’ ‘Would I have to sell my property?’ A good balance of fixed and variable rates can ensure both comfort/security and flexibility for a lot of clients.

Bonus/Inheritance: Generally this should be placed in your offset account in the first instance, and then discussions should take place with your independent financial planner as to the best investment opportunity for these funds. A 100% off-set account is a facility that enables you to hold money in a savings/general account with the same institution as your loan, and reduces the amount of interest charged on your home loan/investment loan.

If you are recommended alternative investments, have a complete understanding of the risk profile associated with this investment, especially given current economic vulnerability.

When speaking with your planner, understand that the return on investment should be greater than the interest charged on your loan account to justify a move into another investment i.e. shares, managed funds. These are also riskier investments.

As always my advice is, do your homework.

More From Anthony Bell..

1. How To Beat The Economic Crisis
2. Why You Need An Insurance Policy
3. How To Start Your Own Business

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