The Australian government's Payday Super reform, starting in July 2026, will require employers to align Superannuation Guarantee (SG) payments with employee wages instead of quarterly payments. This reform, part of the Securing Australians’ Superannuation Package, aims to address unpaid and underpaid super contributions, benefiting 8.9 million workers by boosting their retirement savings and improving transparency. Employers must submit SG contributions within seven days of payday, with penalties for non-compliance. The reform simplifies payroll processes and strengthens superannuation management, alongside other government efforts to enhance the system, such as raising the SG rate and criminalising super theft. The ATO will enforce compliance.

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Receiving a large sum of money, such as an inheritance, can significantly alter your financial situation, presenting both opportunities and challenges. To make the most of this windfall, it’s important to take thoughtful steps. First, take time to process emotionally and avoid immediate spending. Secure the funds in a safe account, understand any tax implications, and assess your financial situation, including outstanding debts. Meeting with a financial adviser can help set clear goals, such as emergency funds or retirement planning. Be mindful of lifestyle inflation, communicate with family, and make informed decisions for long-term financial well-being.

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Remember the first time you stepped into a gym? It’s unlikely you swaggered your way over to the free weights rack and started busting out squats. Well, it turns out buying your first home can be just as daunting, with 91% of first-home buyers turning to a mortgage broker for guidance.

When it comes to financial decisions, they don’t come much bigger than buying a home. So, it’s no wonder that plenty of first-home buyers feel a mix of nerves and excitement. It’s also understandable that more than one-in-two first-home buyers feel the need for support throughout the home-buying process. And for nine out of ten first-home buyers, that valuable support comes from a mortgage broker, according to a recent report by lenders’ mortgage insurance (LMI) provider, Helia.

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Financial planning is a structured process designed to help you reach your financial goals, whether it's saving for retirement, purchasing a home, or building wealth. At its core, it’s about understanding where you are today and charting a clear path toward where you want to be. In this guide, we’ll explore the key steps involved, ensuring that you’re equipped to make informed decisions and confidently work toward a secure financial future.

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The ASX ended flat over the fortnight, with major stocks down slightly (-0.05%), while the All-Ordinaries rose 0.44%, driven by small caps. The materials sector had its best week since 2015, up 9.3%, boosted by China’s stimulus push. Iron ore miners like Fortescue and BHP surged over 12%. Despite global rate cuts, the RBA held Australia's cash rate at 4.35%, citing persistent inflation, aiming for a 2-3% target by 2025. Globally, markets stayed flat except for massive rallies in China and Hong Kong, up 21% due to a major Chinese stimulus package worth ¥7.5 trillion.

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In today's fast-paced business environment, managing the financial health of your company is more than just tracking expenses and balancing the books. At Salt Financial Group, we understand that an accountant’s role can extend far beyond traditional accounting functions. When combined with regular business coaching, an accountant becomes a strategic partner, offering invaluable insights to help steer your company towards growth and success.

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When will interest rates fall? It’s the question everyone is asking right now, and while speculation swirls about future rate cuts, the latest moves in fixed rates suggest we may not have to wait too much longer for variable interest rates to head south.

While about 4-in-5 Australian households are currently on a variable-rate mortgage, fixed-rate home loans shouldn’t be overlooked. Locking into a fixed rate can offer several advantages, including certainty of repayments – which may make budgeting easier – as well as protection from possible rate hikes during the fixed term. Right now, the direction of fixed rates is attracting plenty of attention.

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As remote work becomes increasingly common, many Australians are seeking clarity on what work-from-home deductions they can claim on their tax returns. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has specific guidelines to help you maximise your deductions while ensuring compliance. Here’s a breakdown of the rules and what you need to know.

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September, usually a weak month for the ASX, has seen the ASX200 rise 1.85%, reaching a record high of 8,199.6 points. Real estate, driven by expectations of interest rate cuts, surged 6.52%, while miners, especially uranium and lithium, saw strong gains due to geopolitical tensions and increased demand from China's EV production. The RBA’s next meeting on September 24 is highly anticipated. The U.S. Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 50 basis points, boosting markets, with the S&P500, Nasdaq, and Dow rising. European markets also surged, while China continues to struggle with economic challenges despite Asia-wide optimism.

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