Search Apt.

Financial services firm Vanguard released their landmark How Australia Retires report recently, exploring Australia’s attitudes to retirement. In the wake of COVID-19, attitudes have shifted in many areas, but finances remain a mainstay concern for Australians across all age groups. According to the report, 50% of working-age Australians want to retire with a yearly income […]

As a new partner in a professional services firm, you will likely experience a significant change in income. This usually comes in the form of a large salary increase and a change to employment conditions that will see you go from being an employee with the firm withholding tax to getting paid gross income. This […]

Impersonation scams, where a person pretends to be an authority, such as the police or an organisation (e.g. your bank or the Australian Tax Office) are on the rise. Unfortunately, it can take a scammer mere minutes via phone, email, SMS or other messaging application to obtain the information required to change a password, access […]

With interest rates rising, many Australians are revisiting their mortgage options. Here, we talk to Apt Wealth Home Loans Broker Matthew Baker about what to consider when it comes to refinancing.   Matthew Baker:  For most of us, a mortgage is the biggest debt we will ever have, and it’s important to revisit it regularly. […]

Summary The tax landscape for expats can be complex. You need to understand your tax residency status before making any financial moves, which can be complicated. Remaining a resident of Australia for tax purposes means you will be taxed in Australia on worldwide income and assets. Treatment of assets can vary dramatically for non-residents, and […]

In March 2020, responding to the emerging COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Government temporarily halved minimum pension drawdown amounts. This allowed pension members to withdraw less of their retirement savings and keep a greater amount invested. The reduced minimum was extended into FY 21, 22 and 23. However, the government has recently announced that the minimums […]

Summary The General Transfer Balance Cap (TBC) is set to be indexed to $1.9 million from 1 July 2023. Not everyone will receive the full increase. Your personal transfer balance cap is determined by how much of the cap you have used when you commenced retirement phase income streams. If you are retiring soon, it […]

Summary Cost of living measures include energy bill relief for eligible households and small businesses, cheaper 60-day scripts for some medications, and a tripling of the bulk-billing incentive. In superannuation, the tax concession for those with $3M+ super will reduce on 1 July 2025, no extension to the halving of pension minimum has been announced, […]

Toby Simpson is an experienced financial planner with deep expertise in all matters related to UK expat finances. Originally from and starting his career in the UK, Toby also has experience working in Australia, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, giving him a first-hand understanding of the challenges faced by expats. He has over 25 years of international […]

ANZAC Day is one of the most important days on the Australian calendar, a day when we remember and honour our servicemen and women who have helped to protect the wonderful country and way of life we enjoy today. It’s a day to celebrate everyday Australian values – mateship, courage and sacrifice – values that […]