General transfer balance cap will be indexed on 1 July 2025
Apr 21 2025Due to recent increases in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the general transfer balance cap (TBC) wll increase by $100,000 from $1.9 million to $2 million on 1 July 2025.
Market Snapshot: March 2025
Apr 15 2025In this month's market snapshot, we take a glimpse at what the market has been up to and what the key developments were for March 2025.
What is your concept of retirement?
Apr 15 2025The concept of retirement has changed dramatically over the generations but there remains one constant for most of us planning the end of our working life – to be able to do what we want, when we want.
Market Snapshot: February 2025
Mar 20 2025In this month's market snapshot, we take a glimpse at what the market has been up to and what the key developments were for February 2025.
SMSFs Outperform Retail and Industry Funds: Insights from Recent Research
Mar 20 2025Recent research from the University of Adelaide’s International Centre for Financial Services (ICFS) has revealed that Self Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) have outperformed retail and industry funds over the past five years.
Adhering to ACNC's Governance Standards 2025
Mar 13 2025The ACNC’s governance standards is a set of core principles dealing with how a charity should be run.
Investing For Income
Feb 27 2025Share markets are renowned for taking unexpected downturns and while history shows that markets eventually recover, this rebound in value can occasionally take time.
Market Snapshot: January 2025
Feb 27 2025In this month's market snapshot, we take a glimpse at what the market has been up to and what the key developments were for January 2025.
Retirement Planning for Couples with an Age Gap: 5 Conversations You Need to Have
Jan 20 2025Planning for retirement can be challenging enough, but when there’s a significant age difference between partners, it adds another layer of complexity.
Market Snapshot: December 2024
Jan 19 2025In this month's market snapshot, we take a glimpse at what the market has been up to and what the key developments were for December 2024.
Market Snapshot: November 2024
Dec 10 2024In this month's market snapshot, we take a glimpse at what the market has been up to and what the key developments were for November 2024.
Your Local Financial Planner: Kent Paroz
Nov 14 2024Associate Kent Paroz will be visiting our Kingaroy office each month to assist our clients and the Kingaroy community with their financial planning queries.
Market Snapshot: October 2024
Nov 13 2024In this month's market snapshot, we take a glimpse at what the market has been up to and what the key developments were for October 2024.
Stop resting on your (high income earner) laurels
Nov 12 2024Achieving a high income is a significant accomplishment. But don’t be mistaken; a high income does not automatically equate to financial security.
Quarterly Economic Update: July - September 2024
Oct 22 2024Wondering how the Australian economy fared last quarter? With steady GDP growth, inflation pressures, and changing household spending, our latest update covers the key trends you need to know.
Inflation vs Your Savings: The Ultimate Showdown
Oct 22 2024Let’s dive into the showdown between inflation and your savings, and explore strategies to fight back.
Market Snapshot: August 2024
Sep 24 2024In this month's market snapshot, we take a glimpse at what the market has been up to and what the key developments were for August 2024.
Market Snapshot: July 2024
Aug 20 2024In this month's market snapshot, we take a glimpse at what the market has been up to and what the key developments were for July 2024.
We’re heading to St George!
Aug 8 2024Our Tax Director, Myles Smith will be travelling to St George and across the Balonne Shire from Monday the 26th of August to help you with your taxation and accounting queries.
Showcasing Our New Toowoomba Office
Jul 30 2024We recently celebrated the official opening of our newly renovated office located in the heart of the Toowoomba City.
Market Snapshot: June 2024
Jul 17 2024In this month's market snapshot, we take a glimpse at what the market has been up to and what the key developments were for June 2024.
Ease your tax season stress
Jul 15 2024It’s the same time every year but it seems that no matter how prepared investors are for June 30, when it comes to gathering up the necessary documentation to complete tax returns, this exercise creates more stress than it should.
Market Snapshot: May 2024
Jun 27 2024In this month's market snapshot, we take a glimpse at what the market has been up to and what the key developments were for May 2024.
How to Ensure Your Savings Benefit Your Loved Ones
May 9 2024Most of us work hard to save for our retirement, and thanks to tax concessions and compulsory contributions, superannuation often forms a large part of retirement savings.
The rules governing gifts from SMSFs
May 9 2024There are now over 606,000 Self Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs) in Australia where the members of the fund are also the trustees.
Market Snapshot: April 2024
May 9 2024In this month's market snapshot, we take a glimpse at what the market has been up to and what the key developments were for April 2024.
ACNC announces targets
Apr 22 2024The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission has announced that it will focus on the misuse of complex corporate structures and the way charities manage cyber-security challenges.
Market Snapshot: March 2024
Apr 15 2024In this month's market snapshot, we take a glimpse at what the market has been up to and what the key developments were for March 2024.
What happens when you can’t manage your SMSF?
Apr 4 2024What do trustees and members of SMSFs do if or when they become incapable of managing their own fund?
McConachie Stedman moves to a new home at 160 Hume Street, Toowoomba
Mar 27 2024After 20 years of business operations at 619 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba, we have relocated to our new premises located at 160 Hume Street, Toowoomba.
Market Snapshot: February 2024
Mar 13 2024In this month's market snapshot, we take a glimpse at what the market has been up to and what the key developments were for February 2024.
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Toowoomba Office Relocation
Mar 6 2024We are excited to let you know that the renovations at our new Toowoomba office located at 160 Hume Street have been completed and over the coming weeks, we will be progressively moving across to the new office.
Proposal to increase the value of a penalty unit
Feb 20 2024The Government has proposed to increase the value of a penalty unit which is just another reason to consider a corporate trustee for your SMSF.
Market Snapshot: January 2024
Feb 13 2024In this month's market snapshot, we take a glimpse at what the market has been up to and what the key developments were for January 2024.
Can you afford to retire early?
Feb 13 2024Many Australians caught in the nine-to-five grind of working for a living dream of the possibility of taking early retirement, spending their days travelling or playing golf or doing nothing much at all.
5 tips for starting your own successful business
Feb 6 2024Many people have great business ideas but are often overwhelmed when they look to turn their idea into a thriving business. Here are 5 tips for translating your dream into reality.
A Self-Employed Superannuation Guide
Jan 22 2024Often, self-employed people prefer reinvesting back into their businesses, hesitant to stash money away in superannuation. Yet, there's a compelling case for setting aside a slice of your earnings.
Market Snapshot: December 2023
Jan 15 2024In this month's market snapshot, we take a glimpse at what the market has been up to and what the key developments were for December 2023.
Five Tips to Improve your Financial Wellbeing
Jan 15 2024In these ever-changing and uncertain times in society, there has never been a greater emphasis on our health and wellbeing.
Market Snapshot: November 2023
Dec 14 2023In this month's market snapshot, we take a glimpse at what the market has been up to and what the key developments were for November 2023.
How much should I have in my emergency fund?
Dec 14 2023It’s the most common story financial professionals hear. Unfortunately, too many people fail to set aside emergency savings to see them through life’s hiccups.
Record-keeping checklist
Nov 15 2023The ACNC has released a record-keeping checklist to promote good record-keeping practice and to support charities in meeting their ACNC obligations.
Charities must disclose their related-party dealings
Nov 15 2023New questions in the recently launched 2023 AIS require charities to disclose their dealings with related parties.
ACNC releases AIS findings
Nov 15 2023The ACNC has released findings from 250 annual information and financial statements submitted for the 2021 reporting period.
Market Snapshot: October 2023
Nov 14 2023In this month’s market snapshot, we take a glimpse at what the market has been up to and what the key developments were for October 2023.
Superannuation - It's not a case of set and forget
Nov 14 2023The government regularly reminds us that each Australian must take responsibility for funding their future.
Roadmap to retiring young
Nov 14 2023The dream of retiring young is one that captivates many peoples’ imaginations. The freedom to live life on your own terms, doing what you want, when you want is undeniably appealing, but is it attainable?
Market Snapshot: September 2023
Oct 9 2023In this month’s market snapshot, we take a glimpse at what the market has been up to and what the key developments were for September 2023.
Achieving Financial Freedom
Oct 9 2023We all have different desires and goals in life, but most of us share the dream that one day we would like to achieve our particular version of ‘financial freedom’.
Don't wait until your 60's to see a Financial Adviser
Oct 9 2023Ask most 30 year olds who their financial planner is and the typical response might be ‘huh?’ After all, financial advisers are for older people with plenty of money to invest, aren’t they?
GST Misunderstandings
Sep 12 2023This article looks at some of the common traps small business operators can fall into when calculating and preparing their BAS returns.
Market Snapshot: August 2023
Sep 10 2023In this month’s market snapshot, we take a glimpse at what the market has been up to and what the key developments were for August 2023.
The Pillars of Retirement Income
Sep 10 2023While older Australians are reportedly among the wealthiest retirees in the world, much of their wealth is tied up in their family home, leaving many to worry about how they will find the money to pay for their day-to-day expenses when they stop work.
Estate Planning is not just for retirement
Aug 22 2023Many people think that Estate Planning is only for people who are close to retirement, especially if we fall into the trap of thinking that Estate Planning is just about getting a will. But did you know that Estate Planning addresses key protection strategies whilst you’re still alive?
Unlocking the potential of Aged Pension and Superannuation benefits
Aug 22 2023The Australian Aged Pension scheme provides a wonderful safety net for those with limited assets in retirement, although many remain confused by how their age pension entitlements differ from so called superannuation income streams.
Market Snapshot: July 2023
Aug 22 2023In this months market snapshot, we take a glimpse at what the market has been up to and what the key developments were for July 2023.
Reporting related-party transactions
Aug 17 2023In 2023 annual information statements, all but basic religious charities will be required to report their related-party transactions to the ACNC due to changes announced in November 2021.
Adhering to ACNC's governance standards
Aug 17 2023The ACNC's governance standards is a set of core principles dealing with how a charity should be run. It's timely to review your compliance with them.
Six Steps to a Happy New Financial Year
Jul 7 2023The new financial year provides an opportunity for a fresh start for your finances. Make this the financial year you get on top of yours… for good!
Market Snapshot: June 2023
Jul 6 2023In this months market snapshot, we take a glimpse at what the market has been up to and what the key developments were for June 2023.
Total Super Balance and Transfer Balance Cap Indexation
Jun 19 2023Along with increasing term deposit and savings interest rates, one of the few benefits of the recent rise in inflation is that some important superannuation thresholds are increasing from 1 July 2023.
Planning for your future retirement
Jun 16 2023Millennials in Australia are facing an unprecedented challenge when it comes to planning for retirement.
Market Snapshot: May 2023
Jun 15 2023In this months market snapshot, we take a glimpse at what the market has been up to and what the key developments were for May 2023.
Four Time-Tested Investment Strategies for Young Investors
Jun 13 2023Young investors have greater access to education around investing, more diverse opportunities for investing, as well as a rise in social media content creators creating communities around building wealth – making this topic much more popular among younger generations.
ATO Focus Areas for 2023 Tax Year
Jun 13 2023The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has announced its top key focus areas for the tax year, basing the list on the priority areas they often see mistakes being made.
How to plan for the longest “holiday” of your life
May 18 2023Budgeting for retirement is like preparing your suitcase for an epic journey! Packing the right items and planning ahead is essential to ensure you don't run into any unexpected surprises along the way.
Minimum pension limits set to revert to normal levels
May 17 2023In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent impact on global economies and financial markets, the Government reduced the minimum pension drawdown rate for account based and transition to retirement pensions by 50% for the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 financial years.
Manage your cyber risks
May 15 2023With reports of cyber crime on the rise, the ACNC is reminding charities of cyber-security risks, giving guidance and practical tools to help to reduce them.
New guide arms charities to combat fraud
May 15 2023To arm charities to combat fraud, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand in collaboration with Social Business Consulting have released Charity Fraud: Tools for Prevention.
Top tips for charity directors
May 15 2023One of the best ways to bolster transparency and accountability in the sector, says acting commissioner of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Deborah Jenkins, is through education.
Market Snapshot: April 2023
May 14 2023In this months market snapshot, we take a glimpse at what the market has been up to and what the key developments were for April 2023.
Market Snapshot: March 2023
Apr 12 2023In this months market snapshot, we take a glimpse at what the market has been up to and what the key developments were for March 2023.
Business Name Scam
Apr 3 2023Not all scams come from far off distant places, and they aren’t all trying to empty your account as quickly as possible.
Why millennials should be mapping their retirement today
Mar 28 2023While millennials have for decades been treated like ‘the children of Neverland, who never grew up’, reality is fast catching up with this
generation, who are now young adults between the ages of 24 and 40.
How to create a debt repayment plan
Mar 28 2023Debt can be overwhelming and stressful, but creating a plan to pay it off can help ease that burden.
The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
Mar 22 2023In late 2022, the government announced some fairly significant changes to the income test threshold for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card.
Protect your bank account from scammers
Mar 20 2023According to research by the Commonwealth Bank (CBA) (September 2022), 60% of Australians reported having personally been a victim of a scam, or knew someone who had, and 57% of Australians reported becoming more concerned about scams over the last 12 months.
Market Snapshot: February 2023
Mar 10 2023In this month's market snapshot, we take a glimpse at what the market has been up to and what the key developments were for February 2023.
Superannuation for the suddenly single
Mar 9 2023Found yourself separated and suddenly single later in life? There are steps you can take now to boost your super and ensure your divorce doesn’t derail your financial future.
Changes to working from home deductions
Feb 20 2023Following the recent announcement by the ATO, employees who claim the fixed rate work from home method are being advised to keep strict records of their hours.
Your ACNC obligations in a nutshell
Feb 16 2023Charities must meet ACNC obligations to remain registered.
Prepare to self-review tax exemption
Feb 16 2023From 1 July, NFPs that self-assess income-tax exemption and have an active Australian business number will be required to lodge an annual self-review return.
Better data-breach responses needed
Feb 16 2023The big impact on millions of Australians of recent data breaches and the findings of the Notifiable Data Breaches Report: January to June 2022 stresses a need for organisations to have robust information-handling practices and an up-to-date data-breach response plan.
Market Snapshot: January 2023
Feb 14 2023In this month's market snapshot, we take a glimpse at what the market has been up to and what the key developments were for January 2023.
SMSF - The Next Gen
Feb 13 2023While self-managed super funds have long been the preserve of older Australians with time on their hands and large superannuation balances, new data suggests that younger Australians are increasingly choosing to take direct control of their superannuation savings.
Should I pay down my mortgage or invest?
Feb 10 2023It's always a good idea to regularly check in on your financial position, whether there's been a significant change in your financial situation or not. And for those who find themselves with spare funds, it often raises the question, "Should I pay down my home loan or invest these funds elsewhere?".
Don’t Fear a Recession
Jan 13 2023What exactly is a recession and is it all bad news for local share market investors?
What drives young investors to property?
Jan 13 2023Recent research has shown that millennials consider property investment the most appealing investment option, followed by the stock market.
Market Snapshot: December 2022
Jan 12 2023In this month's market snapshot, we take a glimpse at what the market has been up to and what the key developments were for December 2022.
Market Snapshot: November 2022
Dec 13 2022In this month's market snapshot, we take a glimpse at what the market has been up to and what the key developments were for November 2022.
Don’t bank your retirement on your business
Dec 13 2022Many business owners make the mistake of ignoring superannuation in preference for re-investing spare funds in their business, hoping they can then sell at a premium when it comes time to retire.
Changes to Downsizer Contributions
Dec 13 2022One of the more popular changes to the superannuation laws in recent years has been the ability to make downsizer contributions.
Market Snapshot: October 2022
Nov 9 2022In this month's market snapshot, we take a glimpse at what the market has been up to and what the key developments were for October 2022.
Should you downsize to upsize your retirement
Nov 9 2022To downsize or not to downsize is the question facing many home-owning Australians in the lead up to or in their retirement years.
How interest rate changes affect your mortgage
Nov 9 2022Buying a home is one of the most significant decisions a person makes. In a modern landscape where the ratio of homeowners to renters decreases, the emphasis on making an informed financial decision like buying a home is amplified.
Reminder | Director Identification Number
Oct 31 2022If you are a Company Director and you haven’t yet applied for a director ID, your deadline to apply is 30 November 2022.
Market Snapshot: September 2022
Oct 14 2022In this month's market snapshot, we take a glimpse at what the market has been up to and what the key developments were for September 2022.
Why the share market is not the same as the economy
Oct 14 2022At the beginning of 2022 the Australian economy appeared to be sliding into recession, dragged down by higher interest rates and even higher inflation levels.
Queensland association amendments proposed
Oct 13 2022The Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney-General has proposed amendments to the Associations Incorporation Regulation 1999 and the Collections Regulation 2008.
Queensland cuts charities red tape
Oct 13 2022ACNC-registered charities that conduct fundraising in Queensland are from now on required to report information about their fundraising activities only in their annual information statements.
NFPs and commerce
Oct 12 2022Given the changing landscape and difficulty many NFPs have in securing regular funding and donations, the ATO is seeing more of them undertake commercial activities to generate income.
NFP Directors need IDs
Oct 12 2022The ATO has reminded Directors of NFP organisations and clubs registered with the Australian Securities & Investments Commission to get IDs.
ACNC urges charities to consult website
Oct 12 2022The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission is urging charities to consult its website for practical guidance and tips to simplify the filing of annual information statements.
Market Snapshot: August 2022
Sep 14 2022In this month's market snapshot, we take a glimpse at what the market has been up to and what the key developments were for August 2022.
Six retirement wrongs that could send you broke
Sep 14 2022While retirement should be the best years of your life, many Australians make simple, avoidable mistakes with their finances that can leave them dependent on the age pension and without the funds to really enjoy life.
Property investing and SMSFs – The differences
Sep 14 2022Australians love to invest in property. And what’s not to love? It’s tangible, offers diversification and tax benefits, and can provide you with a good income and strong capital growth.
Market Snapshot: July 2022
Aug 16 2022In this month's market snapshot, we take a glimpse at what the market has been up to and what the key developments were for July 2022.
Changes to the Work Test – What do they mean for you?
Aug 16 2022Making superannuation contributions is historically connected to employment. Broadly speaking, it represents savings by employees and the self-employed for their eventual retirement from work.