Estate Planning
Estate planning is the process of ensuring that your wealth is directed according to your wishes after you die. Making sure your wealth goes where you want it to is not just a simple matter of preparing a will – although a will is almost always a key part of your estate planning. You also need to consider things such as your superannuation benefits, family businesses, assets owned by legal entities such as family trusts as well as assets owned as joint tenants, etc.
It is also vital that your estate planning be consistent with your current financial planning, to ensure that your affairs are handled as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible, both now and in the future.
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The Real Cost of a 5% Deposit Mortgage
The government's 5% deposit scheme is a fantastic opportunity for first-home buyers, allowing you to enter the market sooner while avoiding Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), which can easily save you $20,000-$30,000 upfront. However, it's important to look beyond this initial saving and consider the long-term trade-offs. Because a smaller deposit means a larger loan, the financial relief of skipping LMI can be quickly overshadowed by the strain of higher monthly repayments and the staggering amount of extra interest you'll pay over the life of the loan.

A Simple Guide to Super Beneficiaries
When you think about your superannuation, you probably focus on growing it for retirement. But have you considered what happens to it if you pass away? It’s a common myth that your super is automatically covered by your Will. In most cases, it isn’t. Your super is held in a trust, and the fund's trustee is responsible for paying it out. To ensure your money goes to the right people, you need to give the trustee clear instructions. This is done by nominating a beneficiary. Let's look at the fundamentals.

Talking to Your Family About Your Will
It's one of those difficult chats we often put off, but talking to your family about your will and estate plan is one of the most important things you can do. It's not about being morbid; it's about being responsible. Having this discussion can prevent future misunderstandings, reduce family conflict, and ensure your wishes are known and respected.

Balancing Property and Dividend Investing
As Australia steps into 2025, there's a careful sense of hope about the economy. Last year was tough, with slow growth and high prices, but things are looking up. Economic growth is forecast to improve, supported by easing interest rates, stabilising inflation, and rising household incomes. However, challenges such as cost-of-living pressures and labour market uncertainties remain in play. For investors, this presents unique opportunities in the property and dividend markets.