Aussie stocks set for modest early gain

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ATO Guide to self-managed superannuation funds

Overview

Like other superannuation (super) funds, self-managed super funds (SMSFs) are a way of saving for your retirement. The difference between an SMSF and other types of funds is, generally, that members of an SMSF are the trustees. This means the members of the SMSF run it for their own benefit.

MLC 'Super or the Mortgage' analysis in the AFR Smart Money

The following below is a link to an MLC analysis on using surplus cashflow to invest in super or pay off the mortgage and insights from Gemma Dale, this article recently appeared in the Smart Money section of the Australian Financial Review (AFR):

Click here if you are interested in reading more..



http://afr.com/p/business/property/home_debt_can_wait_kBGetyWZyNNmW9lpDKpVQN
http://afr.com/p/personal_finance/smart_money/mortgage_savings_which_wins_AeqpDlWP3uRKEvWtlcitSM

SMSF and the War of the Roses

The War of the Roses

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ebv3i_9Ltc

The Facts

The Notaras brothers, Basil and Brinos, were the only two trustees and members of their self-managed superannuation fund. Following a breakdown in their relationship, Brinos used his power as trustee to sell shares held by the fund and, in the name of the brothers as trustees of the fund, made withdrawals from the fund's bank accounts that exceeded his entitlement.

After completing the withdrawals, Brinos refused to take part in the management of the fund by failing to sign documents that were required to be lodged with the ATO.

The Court decision...

Please click here to read more..

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BwxEiu6UUke9d1lxU3k4ZDVKZWM/edit

Negotiating Aged Care Accommodation Bonds

Negotiating Aged Care Accommodation Bonds

Aged care support is a big mysterious subject to a lot of people. Yet it will be one thing that we will ultimately face up to one day ourselves. Some see it to be a long way away but for those who are older or have elderly parents then the stress is imminent.

I read an article today by Ms Louise Biti, Director of Aged Care Steps on “Negotiating aged care accommodation bonds” which I think is interesting to share.

It is common that we focus on prices when doing our shopping. Sometimes going from Coles to Woolworths next door or vice versa could save quite a few dollars in our weekly groceries bills. But here we are talking about the quality life and easy access for our love ones or ourselves. So focusing too much on prices could cause us to miss out on our Choice of Accommodation.

The article explains what is an accommodation bond, what is counted for the bond, Centrelink assessment, who gets to keep the bond, how much the accommodation provider deducts from the bond etc. The article also has a case study to illustrate the process when applying for aged care accommodation.

Please click the link below to read the article.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1IP5SEE_rI5CYE4iwrk1rmupPN-z85f5nBuGBgRcajhQ/edit

How low will the cash go?

Read Oliver's Insight Edition 33, dated 5th October 2012

Key Points:

• The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will have to cut interest rates further to boost the non-mining sectors of the economy as the mining boom fades at a time when the Australian dollar remins strong and fiscal cutsbacks are intensifying
• After the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) caution has likely resulted in a reduction in the neutral level for bank lending rates as they are only now starting to be come stimulatory
• Our assessment remains that standard variable mortgage rates will need to fall to around 6% which implies that the official cash rate will need to fall to 2.5%. We expect this to occur over the next six months, with the RBA cutting again next month by another 0.25%
• Bank deposit rates will fall further, but the Australian share market is likely to be beneficiaries as lower interest rates eventually boost housing activity and retailing.

Click the link below to read more

• https://docs.google.com/open?id=0BwxEiu6UUke9ZVVRd1NyQVFnVzA

Warren Buffett's wise sayings

Warren Buffett is widely acknowledged to be the world’s most successful ever share market investor. Over a 60 year business and investing career, Buffett has amassed a US$47 billion fortune, making him the world’s 3rd richest person.

What rate cuts mean for Australians

Interest rate cuts can be good news for mortgagees, however have you considered how it could affect your savings or investments? Jeff Brunton, AMP Capital’s Head of Credit Markets, Fixed Income, discusses what rate cuts mean for Australians"

Is it all good news? Click on the AMP's  video and listen to what Jeff Brunton have to say.

S&P 100 Bell Potter Coverage and valuations

The following are some share investing articles in today’s Australian Financial Review.

 Value stocks’ time may have come

Value stocks look attractive as many companies are trading at a discount to their book value, but a fractured marco-economic backdrop means investor should be cautious, warned equity strategist David Cassidy.

Mr David Cassidy of UBS issued the warning as many investors remain preoccupied with yield stocks in a low-growth environment – companies such as major bank with solid dividend streams.

Reported by Jane Searle, AFR dated 3rd October, 2012


 Value stocks

If you are think it’s time to buy value stocks, you’ll be best served by adopting a target approach, according to UBS equity strategist David Cassidy.

Reported by Peter Wells, AFR dated 3rd October, 2012

Read more about the articles in today’s Australian Financial Review

Bell Potter Securities Ltd has recently updated their S&P 100 Bell Potter Coverage and valuation. Please tick “Follow Me” for a copy of the report.