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Pivotal Planning Newsletter Autumn 2016 Addition
Pivotal Planning Newsletter Autumn 2016 Addition
ASPIRATIONS
YOUR PARTNER IN
MORTGAGE LENDING &
FINANCIAL PLANNING
Anthony Wright
Authorised Representative of
AMP Financial Planning Pty Limited
AFSL No. 232706
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Online source: Produced by AMP Life Limited and published on 28 July 2015. Original article.
Print source: By AMP Life Limited, originally published on 28 July 2015 on amp.com.au/insights
If you're thinking about taking the family on a great Aussie adventure or perhaps considering buying a caravan to see out your golden
years, read on to find out what you need to know.
Did you know that 85% of Australians have been either caravanning or camping at least once in their life? 1 And 73% of buyers cite seeing
more of Australia as their main reason to caravan? But its not just all about long, lazy days in the sun some Aussies want to travel by
caravan to do casual work on the road to early retirement. 2
And, with the Aussie dollar no longer at its strongest the price of a local holiday has become much more appealing than an overseas
holiday.3
Whatever your reason, there are lots of things to consider before you pack the family, the dog and the esky in your caravan. Here are
some of them.
Is it to replace future holidays (43% use their RV 5 to 10 times per year4) or for the occasional weekend away? If its the latter,
rent one instead of buying and put the cash towards something else.
Decide if you want a new caravan or if a second-hand one will do. This will help narrow down your budget and choice of vehicle.
Do you have somewhere to store a caravan? Will you need to update or replace your car to safely tow it?
Consider which rig is right for you. Choose from a caravan or motorhome, a campervan, camper trailer, a fifth wheeler or a tent
which can range from 3 to 10 metres in length.
If you choose a caravan, can you tow it safely? If youre not sure, dont panic there are caravan towing classes available to help
you hone your skills, long before you get behind the wheel!
Why not rent a similar caravan first to make sure you feel comfortable with driving it before putting down a deposit on a new
one?
If you want to ensure the caravan has no money owing and is not stolen, buy from a licensed dealer.
Check the caravan has an Accreditation Key displayed the key is a symbol that the product meets Australian Design Rules,
Australian Standards, and the industry Code of Practice and it can be found by the door of those accredited products.
Where to camp
Check camping and caravanning guides, websites or magazines to help you do your research before you start out (see Sources
at the end of this article).
If you want a campsite with facilities (shower, toilet etc), book into caravan parks, national parks, state forests or even some rest
areas.
If you have your moggy or doggy with you, you cant stay in national parks, but some caravan parks and council sites will let you
book in with your furry friends.
If you dont have a friend or relative to mind your house, consider booking a free house sitter through websites such as Aussie
Housesitters where you can search for a sitter, view their profile and ask for references or police checks.
Take out car and caravan insurance but dont forget to maintain your house and contents insurance, health cover and personal
insurances.
If youre going to be away for some time, set up direct debits to pay your bills and redirect your mail if no-one is collecting it for
you.
Need help?
Speak to us today and we can plan your trip together.
Happy caravanning!
1,4
http://www.thegreynomads.com.au/lifestyle/working-as-you-go/on-the-road-to-retirement/
http://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/economists-say-get-used-to-more-expensive-overseas-holidays-as-aussie-struggles-20150706-gi6a1i.html
Sources:
AMP Life Limited. This provides general information and hasnt taken your circumstances into account. Its important to consider your particular circumstances before
deciding whats right for you. Although the information is from sources considered reliable, AMP does not guarantee that it is accurate or complete. You should not rely
upon it and should seek qualified advice before making any investment decision. Except where liability under any statute cannot be excluded, AMP does not accept any
liability (whether under contract, tort or otherwise) for any resulting loss or damage of the reader or any other person.
Online source: Produced by AMP Life Limited and published on 28 July 2015. Original article.
Print source: By AMP Life Limited, originally published on 28 July 2015 on amp.com.au/insights
Retirement is not a destination, it's another stage in life's journeyand that's never been truer than today, as many over-50s
are rejecting the quiet life and starting their own businesses.
Do you want to do the same? Groups such as Elderberry, SeniorPreneurs Foundation, The Seniorpreneurs Network, National Seniors and
OverSixty have sprung up to help you get started and connect with others on the same path.
You have to find your purposewhat youre here for, know yourself and follow that, Elderberrys Suzie Graham says. Being involved,
creating something new and giving back gives you fresh energy and purpose. No one should be defined by their age.
Thats exactly what Suzie has done, leaving her previous role two years ago to go out on her own. She is passionate about helping people
cope with change, especially keeping up with the digital age.
She is now involved in a number of projects, including being a board member of vibewire, a mentor at Elderberry, a co-founder and
director of One Million Acts of Innovation Australia, a founding trustee of The Awesome Foundation Sydney and a change consultant to
charitable foundations.
Not ready to retire to the armchair yet either? Here are some tips from Suzie for becoming an entrepreneur.
AMP Life Limited. This provides general information and hasnt taken your circumstances into account. Its important to consider your particular circumstances before
deciding whats right for you. Although the information is from sources considered reliable, AMP does not guarantee that it is accurate or complete. You should not rely
upon it and should seek qualified advice before making any investment decision. Except where liability under any statute cannot be excluded, AMP does not accept any
liability (whether under contract, tort or otherwise) for any resulting loss or damage of the reader or any other person.
Online source: Produced by AMP Life Limited and published on 28 July 2015. Original article.
Print source: By AMP Life Limited, originally published on 28 July 2015 on amp.com.au/insights
The nation's fixation with logging on has people glancing at their devices more than 440 million times a day.
Digital devices in Australia have not only changed the way we communicate, but how we socialise, plan, work, transact, access
information and entertain ourselvesnot to mention, multi-task!
The advancement of digital technology has also given rise to improvements in education, personal development and, in some ways,
reduced our impact on the environment, such as reducing our reliance on printed material.
The rapid evolution of the mobile phone is a prime example, with the brick phones of the late 80s, which cost over $4,000 a pop1, now
replaced by affordable, pocket-sized mini computers offering 24/7 connectivity.
With around 80% of Australians in possession of a smartphone today 2 and the marketplace of digital devices continuing to grow, we
look at what impact digitisation is having on our daily routines.
68% use three or more devices to go online and 23% use five or more devices
70% connect via mobile, 68% via laptop, 62% via desktop computer and 50% via tablet
Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that the most popular use for the internet is educational activities, particularly
among older children. A recent study by Deloitte also highlighted that 340,000 terabytes of data is being downloaded every month in
Australia and that figure is increasing.
Obsessive behaviour
The fascination with smartphones reflects a craving to connectparticularly with one third of the population checking their device
within five minutes of waking up in the morning3.
The fixation with logging on, coupled with the growing fear of missing out, has Australians looking at their smartphone more than 30
times a day on average56 times a day for younger adults and more than 440 million times a day collectively 4.
Devices and apps are simplifying, yet encroaching on everyday life, with 88% saying they use a device on public transport, 92% at work,
88% when talking with friends, and alarmingly 42% while driving5.
Online transactions
While people may be looking at their phones more than whats going on around them, digital devices in many respects are saving us
time and making things easier.
For instance, more people are banking, conducting financial activities and purchasing goods and services6 online, and this is also driving
new mobile, online and smart-pay systems7.
However, cyber security is still a perceived concern for some people, despite 40% of smartphone users making an online payment in the
past year8.
AMP has taken steps to ensure our customers online experience is a safe and secure one. Plus, we enable you to access financial
information your wayvia smartphone, tablet or desktop computer.
On the bandwagon
While older generations have been slower to adopt online devices in comparison to younger age groups, thats quickly changing.
More than 25% of people over age 55 are now using smartphones to connect via social mediaa 45% increase on 2014. And 95% of all
users, including grandma and grandpa, are using smartphones to take photos, including selfies9.
The speed at which technology is changing is undeniably excitingand at timesoverwhelming. The evolution of smart game consoles,
TVs, watches, digitised cars and fitness bands are proof that the expansion of the digital marketplace is not slowing down.
And, if you look at Australias take up rates, it doesnt appear that our appetite for new technology is waning either.
AMP Life Limited. This provides general information and hasnt taken your circumstances into account. Its important to consider your particular circumstances before
deciding whats right for you. Although the information is from sources considered reliable, AMP does not guarantee that it is accurate or complete. You should not rely
upon it and should seek qualified advice before making any investment decision. Except where liability under any statute cannot be excluded, AMP does not accept any
liability (whether under contract, tort or otherwise) for any resulting loss or damage of the reader or any other person.
Online source: Produced by AMP Life Limited and published on 23 March 2016. Original article.
Print source: By AMP Life Limited, originally published on 23 March 2016 on amp.com.au/insights
A transition to retirement strategy could allow you to work less, or work the same hours and increase your superannuation, without
reducing your take-home pay.
Even if youre nearing retirement age you mightnt be looking to leave the workforce just yet. Maybe you want to save more money or
perhaps you enjoy the interaction and mental stimulation.
Whatever the reason, a transition to retirement (TTR) strategy could provide financial flexibility as it enables you to access a portion of
your super while continuing to work full-time, part-time or casually.
We answer some of the commonly asked questions about TTR strategies.
Whats a transition to retirement strategy and how does it differ to other options?
Generally, you can access your super under a TTR strategy when you reach your preservation age. This will be between 55 and 60
depending on when you were born.
A TtR strategy will allow you to access up to 10% of your super through periodic payments. And, if you want to keep working, you can also
continue receiving an income from your employer.
Usually, your two options with a TTR strategy include either working less, or, working the same hours while sacrificing some of your salary
into super. In both cases, you can use your TTR pension to supplement any reduction in your take-home pay.
If, after you reach your preservation age, you decide youd rather retire from the workforce, you can take your super as a lump sum or
move your super into an allocated pension (also known as an account-based pension). This provides you with a regular income stream in
retirement and youre not limited to what you can withdraw.
Checking your super fund, as not all funds accommodate TTR pensions
Figuring out whether you want to reduce your work hours or work full-time and salary sacrifice
Finding out what your social security entitlements are, as there may be implications
If you have life insurance through your super fund, checking it wont be affected in any way.
AMP Life Limited. This provides general information and hasnt taken your circumstances into account. Its important to consider your particular circumstances before
deciding whats right for you. Although the information is from sources considered reliable, AMP does not guarantee that it is accurate or complete. You should not rely
upon it and should seek qualified advice before making any investment decision. Except where liability under any statute cannot be excluded, AMP does not accept any
liability (whether under contract, tort or otherwise) for any resulting loss or damage of the reader or any other person.
Online source: Produced by AMP Life Limited and published on 31 July 2015. Original article.
Print source: By AMP Life Limited, originally published on 31 July 2015 on amp.com.au/insights
Imagine taking a year to volunteer abroad on a conservation project or to build houses for the poor. Or you may wish to
share the skills you've learned with others or learn a new skill yourself...
Gap years are not just for school leavers. You can take one at any age.
Some companies even have sabbatical programs that encourage staff to take time out of their jobs to further their education, travel or
find other ways to increase their value.
There are so many possibilities!
Be prepared to travel
No matter what you decide to do, usually your gap year will involve at least some travel.
A real benefit of being free of the shackles of employment is that you will be able to spend time exploring your location.
There will be time to find the spots only the locals know or take those side trips to special out-of-the-way places.
You also may have the opportunity to do something a little more daring than relaxing in a resort, be it bungee jumping, sailing or trekking
in the Himalayas.
Make it happen
Once youve decided what you want to doand when you'd be able to take time output a savings plan in place and explore your
options for funding your break. Consider how your money could be put to work while you take time off, and how youll create an income
when you return.
If taking a whole year off doesn't seem possible at the moment, consider taking a week or even a month instead. And in the meantime,
work towards saving a lump sum that could help you take more time off down the track.
And were here to help to plan and make your gap year a reality.
AMP Life Limited. This provides general information and hasnt taken your circumstances into account. Its important to consider your particular circumstances before
deciding whats right for you. Although the information is from sources considered reliable, AMP does not guarantee that it is accurate or complete. You should not rely
upon it and should seek qualified advice before making any investment decision. Except where liability under any statute cannot be excluded, AMP does not accept any
liability (whether under contract, tort or otherwise) for any resulting loss or damage of the reader or any other person.
Online source: Produced by AMP Life Limited and published on 15 March 2016. Original article.
Print source: By AMP Life Limited, originally published on 15 March 2016 on amp.com.au/insights
Are you dreaming about early retirement, but unsure how to go about it?
You might be surprised to learn that Aussies are retiring earlier, with 25% of men retiring before age 55 and 50% retiring between 55 to
64 years. For women, the figures are higher, with 55% stopping work before they reach 55 and 36% retiring between the ages of 55 and
64 years1.
But while these figures sound encouraging, one in three people between the ages of 18 to 64 years still think retirement is too far way to
plan for2.
So if your goal is to retire early, how can you put in place a plan and make sure youll have enough money to live on?
2.
Have a financial roadmap. Its a good idea to map out things like your financial goals, major payments, health care needs and any
government benefits youll be able to receive at different stages in your life. Part of the roadmap could be ensuring you have a
solid credit rating and looking at how you can cut back on the more optional expenses over time so you can wind down work.
3.
Live modestly. Get serious about living more modestly, to spend less money and save more. Do other things like signing up for
DIY courses to fix things yourself instead of paying to have them done.
4.
Invest wisely. You could generate income through avenues such as rental properties or your own online business. Or downsize to
a smaller house and invest the proceeds. Get professional advice first to navigate through the legal, tax or financial issues,
including whether it will affect your ability to receive the government Age Pension.
5.
Manage your debt. The number of people over the age of 65 who are still paying off a mortgage has increased by 54% in recent
years3. So consider refinancing or consolidating your debts sooner rather than later to reduce interest, fees and charges. Its no
using trying to save for an early retirement if you still have debt hanging over your head. Find out more about how to pay off
your debt.
6.
A little salary sacrifice goes a long way. The more you can put into your super, the sooner you may be able to retire. By salary
sacrificing some of your before-tax income and putting it into your super, youll generally only be taxed at 15%, which is lower
than most peoples income tax rate. Try our salary sacrifice calculator to find out how much this could make a difference.
7.
Make your after-tax dollars go the distance. If you make personal after-tax contributions to your super, you could be eligible for a
government co-contribution of up to $500 per year4 or your spouse could receive a tax offset by contributing to your super on
your behalf.
Roy Morgan 6238.0-Retirement and Retirement Intentions, Australia, July 2012 to June 2013
http://www.roymorgan.com/findings/6634-long-term-nature-of-super-negative-impact-on-engagement-201601192225
http://www.finder.com.au/press-release-when-youre-64-will-you-still-be-in-debt
https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/super/in-detail/growing/super-co-contribution/
AMP Life Limited. This provides general information and hasnt taken your circumstances into account. Its important to consider your particular circumstances before
deciding whats right for you. Although the information is from sources considered reliable, AMP does not guarantee that it is accurate or complete. You should not rely
upon it and should seek qualified advice before making any investment decision. Except where liability under any statute cannot be excluded, AMP does not accept any
liability (whether under contract, tort or otherwise) for any resulting loss or damage of the reader or any other person.
Online source: Produced by AMP Life Limited and published on 11 December 2015. Original article.
Print source: By AMP Life Limited, originally published on 11 December 2015 on amp.com.au/insights
Time passes by so quickly that sometimes before we can cross the first item off our to-do list we've already added another.
Here are some easy steps you can take to help simplify your life.
If managing lifes everyday complexities only seem achievable when youre daydreaming about the chef, cleaner, personal assistant or
nanny that you dont have, youre probably not alone.
And, if turbulent is the way youd describe your day-to-day routine, these tips may help you get back the hours you need for the things
that matter most.
And when it comes to being organised, less can often be more. Why not keep your mail and filing to a minimum by switching to online
statements? Going paperless is faster, more convenient and better for the environment.
https://unclutterer.com/2011/03/29/scientists-find-physical-clutter-negatively-affects-your-ability-to-focus-process-information/
AMP Life Limited. This provides general information and hasnt taken your circumstances into account. Its important to consider your particular circumstances before
deciding whats right for you. Although the information is from sources considered reliable, AMP does not guarantee that it is accurate or complete. You should not rely
upon it and should seek qualified advice before making any investment decision. Except where liability under any statute cannot be excluded, AMP does not accept any
liability (whether under contract, tort or otherwise) for any resulting loss or damage of the reader or any other person.
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