Financial Information

View financial information by our specialist financial advisors;  Brisbane based financial planners and advisers Hastings Financial.

Financial Information and Advice

Basics of insurance

Insurance is essential for your peace of mind. Whether you’re covering your life, your ability to work, your business, property or possessions, having insurance helps protect your lifestyle and the people who depend on you. Insurance is never a luxury. You may go for years without making a claim, t...

Basics of investing

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between saving and investing? Saving is setting money aside in cash accounts (generally bank savings or cash management accounts) for immediate expenses, emergencies and short-term plans. The money earns interest, which is added to your assessable inc...

Basics of retirement

Retirement is a milestone marking the start of a new phase in your life. If you’re well-prepared, you can look forward to freedom from a set routine and the opportunity to enjoy many things you haven’t had time to do while working. Your quality of life and financial security after work will depend...

Basics of super

When the time comes to retire, it would be nice to feel confident that your life after work will be comfortable and that you’ll have the time and money to enjoy many things you weren’t able to do while working. The Age Pension provides only a very basic retirement allowance that most people would f...

Centrelink assessment of account based pensions

The way account based pensions are assessed under the Centrelink/DVA income test changed from 1 January 2015. From this date, there will be two categories of account based pensions (ABPs) – those that are grandfathered under the pre-2015 income test treatment and those that are subject to deeming. W...

ESTATE PLANNING

Estate planning involves much more than having an up to date Will. It is important to ensure that your assets are distributed in the most effective manner and without adverse tax consequences for your beneficiaries. What is estate planning? Estate planning involves considering what will happen to...

Gearing

Gearing can be an effective and tax-efficient way of building your investments over the long-term. While it can increase your investment returns, you need to be aware of the risks involved. Snapshot Gearing allows you to increase your investment returns using borrowed funds tax-effectively. Gearing...

Glossary

Understanding investment and insurance jargon isn’t easy. Here’s a list of some frequently used financial terms. Age Pension: a social security benefit paid by the Federal Government to people who have reached the qualification age, being age 65 for men and between ages 63 and 65 for women, dependi...

Home and residential aged care

Some retirees who need aged care may prefer to stay at home. Whilst others may need or prefer the assistance that a residential aged care facility can provide. This document provides information on the fees and charges that apply to those who first receive home care or residential aged care on or af...

Interest rates understanding the basics

Snapshot The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) controls monetary policy by adjusting the official cash rate based on indicators including employment, inflation, economic growth, the consumer and the housing market. If the economy is growing too fast it can lead to high inflation, while weak econo...

Investment Fundamentals

If you’re just starting out as an investor, there’s a lot of information to absorb. This fact file defines and explores the pros and cons of each asset class, why certain asset classes are more appropriate for different types of investors and why no asset class consistently outperforms the others....

Market Volatility

Many investors become concerned when volatility occurs in global financial markets – particularly about the impact on their superannuation and other investments. In times like these, it is important to understand the causes of market movements and how to minimise your risk. Why do markets move so m...

Nominating Beneficiaries

Super is one of your biggest investments so it’s important to plan ahead to ensure that if you were to die, your super balance is paid to your loved ones according to your wishes. What happens to your super after you die? You may be surprised to know that your super balance does not automatically...

Protecting You and Your Family

Insuring your car, home or other possessions makes sense. So why do so few of us insure ourselves? If illness or injury stopped you from working for an extended period, could you keep paying your bills? Personal risk insurance gives you peace of mind that if the unexpected occurs, you and your famil...

Reduncancy

If you have been made redundant, it is important to understand the financial issues involved, your entitlements, and how to make the most of your redundancy payment with the help of your adviser. Components of a redundancy payment If you have been made redundant, you may be entitled to receive cer...

Retirement Income

One of the most effective ways to provide some or all of your required level of income in retirement may be via a regular retirement income stream such as an account-based pension or an annuity. Some retirees may also be eligible for an Age Pension or other benefits from the Australian Government. I...

Risk and Return

When deciding which investments are right for you, it is important to understand the trade-off between risk and return and how to manage investment risk. A risk profile can help identify the type and mix of investments that will best help you achieve your financial and lifestyle goals. Snapshot...

SMSFs What you need to know

Self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) are a popular option for investors seeking greater control over their retirement savings. However, the decision to establish an SMSF should not be taken lightly. Whether an SMSF is suitable for you will depend on your needs and circumstances and whether you...

Savings and Budgeting

By setting goals, planning ahead and being smart with your savings and debt strategies – you can actively grow your wealth even from a modest start. Snapshot Start by setting your short, medium and long term goals. Be specific and add in realistic timeframes. Avoid the common debt traps....

Smart Super Strategies

Superannuation can be one of the most tax effective ways to build your retirement nest egg. There are a range of strategies you can consider to boost your super savings. Consolidate your super If you’ve had several jobs since you started working, you may have money in more than one super fund. More...

Transition to Retirement

A transition to retirement strategy may give you more flexibility and allow you to take advantage of tax concessions to help achieve the lifestyle and super balance you want. Beginning the transition to retirement The years before you retire can be challenging. While you are probably looking forwar...