Our Services
Superannuation Solutions
Need a Superannuation Solution? BWG have you covered.
Superannuation (or ‘super’) is money set aside while you’re working to support your financial needs in retirement. Your super is invested in a range of assets to help grow your balance so you can have the best possible retirement outcome.
Superannuation is the most tax-effective method of saving for your overall retirement. For many of us, it is the single most largest asset we have, apart from our homes.
Life can get in the way of even the best-laid financial plans, so ensuring your super is optimised for your unique financial situation often falls to the bottom of the priority list. We often think it’s a future problem – after all, it will be a long time until you can access it.
However, the best time to make sure your super is performing and in the right place, is now! With the power of compounding returns, you don’t want to wait until it’s too late to make a difference.
We are here to take that pressure off your shoulders. With an expert superannuation advisor to call on, you’ll never have to worry about your super again.
We provide superannuation advice and services that help you make the most of this key element of your financial plan. Not only that, but our implementation team will do the hard work for you, so you can just reap the rewards.
We will make sure your super is consolidated into an appropriate portfolio, with investments allocated according to your goals and risk profile, and ensure your super contributions are optimised to achieve the best tax and retirement outcomes for you.
Whether it’s through the assessment of fund managers or helping you find your lost superannuation, we can assist you regardless of what stage you are at in life.
Insurance and Risk Management
Have the assurance of knowing you’re protected.
Adequate protection against the consequences of unexpected accidents or illness is integral to any sound financial plan. Equally, having the right insurance solution in place provides financial security, protecting your current lifestyle and underpinning your wealth creation strategy.
We can help you find the best structure for your particular circumstances. We will work with you to select the right products and levels of cover to protect your income stream when you are unable to earn an income due to illness or injury, or to provide for your family in case of death or disability; while maximising cost savings in the process.
Regardless of the type of insurance cover you need, our long-standing professional relationships with leading insurers, enables us to offer you policies with more favourable terms and inbuilt pricing arrangements orchestrated for longevity and value.
SMSF’s
A self-managed super fund (SMSF) is a type of investment fund that is managed by a group of no more than six trustees for the purpose of accruing money for retirement. The members of the fund are also the trustees, which means they have full control over the fund’s investment decisions. The primary purpose of an SMSF is to provide for the retirement needs of its members. An SMSF offers individuals greater control over their retirement savings, allowing them to tailor their investments to their specific needs and goals. This flexibility is one of the key benefits of an SMSF.
One of the primary benefits of an SMSF is the greater investment flexibility it provides. SMSFs have a wider range of investment options compared to other types of super funds, including the ability to invest in direct property and other alternative assets. SMSFs also offer the ability to pool super funds with other members, which can lead to cost savings and increased investment opportunities.
If you’re thinking of setting up a self-managed super fund or are seeking advice on how to better manage an established fund, we are here to help.
Transition to Retirement and Retirement Planning
Everyone has a different picture of their ideal retirement. Maybe you see a future as a grey nomad, perhaps you have your eye on a coastal property and fishing boat, or maybe you imagine long brunches and golf trips with friends.
Bridging the gap between where you are now and where you’d like to be is the key to your retirement success. This will look different for many different clients, depending on your financial situation when you start your plan, but no matter the situation we aim to ensure you spend your well-earned retirement years doing what you love!
- If you have significant assets or investments and need advice on structuring them for retirement, downsizing or setting up estate planning, our wealth advisors specialise in holistic strategies centred on growth and protection.
- If you are not sure if your retirement savings will be sufficient or need to set goals for your retirement, our retirement advisors help you structure your finances now to reach your future lifestyle goals.
Our advice on retirement planning will assist you to ensure that your assets, capital and income streams outlive you, so that you have enough to live on in retirement.
Savings and Investment Advice
Effective savings and investment require goal setting and planning. It is essential to list and prioritise your financial goals, both short-term and long-term. Short-term goals can include saving up for an emergency fund, while long-term goals can include saving for retirement. Once you have identified your goals, it is crucial to connect each financial goal to a deeper motivation, such as providing financial security for your family or achieving financial independence. Annual financial planning can help you formally review your goals, update them, and review your progress since the last year. By setting clear goals and regularly reviewing them, you can stay motivated and on track towards achieving your financial objectives.
Diversification of investment portfolio is crucial for effective savings and investment. It involves investing in a variety of assets to reduce risk and maximize returns. By diversifying your investments, you can spread your risk across different types of assets and sectors, such as stocks, bonds, and real estate. This can help to mitigate the impact of market volatility and reduce the risk of losing money. It is essential to use index funds to boost your diversification and avoid relying on a single stock or sector. By following these diversification strategies, you can create a balanced portfolio that aligns with your investment goals and risk tolerance.
Cashflow and Debt Management
Creating a budget and tracking expenses is a fundamental strategy for effective cashflow and debt management. Budgeting allows individuals to project their income and expenses, providing a clearer understanding of their financial situation.
By limiting spending and prioritising essential expenses, individuals can manage their cash flow more effectively. Cash flow management involves tracking income and expenses on a day-to-day basis, allowing individuals to identify areas where they can cut costs and improve their financial situation. By implementing these budgeting and tracking strategies, individuals can gain more control over their finances and reduce the risk of accumulating debt.
Minimising debt and interest payments is another critical aspect of effective cashflow management. One way to reduce debt is by using the snowball or highest interest rate method. The snowball method involves paying off the smallest debts first, while the highest interest rate method involves focusing on the debts with the highest interest rates. By reducing debt, individuals can free up more cash flow to put towards savings or other essential expenses. This reduction in debt can also lead to a decrease in interest payments, improving cash flow in the long run.
Inheritance Advice
Receiving an inheritance can be a significant financial windfall, but it’s important to take the time to reflect on your goals and priorities before making any major decisions. Depending on the size of the inheritance, using the funds strategically could help create long-term financial stability and security. Taking a step back and considering your intermediate and long-term goals can help you make informed decisions about how to use the inheritance to achieve those goals. Prioritising your goals and establishing a plan can help you make the most of the inheritance and avoid making impulsive decisions that could have long-term consequences.
When managing an inheritance, it’s important to seek professional advice from financial planners and lawyers. Depending on the amount of the inheritance, consider consulting with a financial planner who can help you create a financial plan that aligns with your goals and priorities. A lawyer can also help you navigate any legal considerations that may arise, such as estate taxes or probate issues. Discussing your options with professionals in these fields can help you make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
Recipients of new wealth have many financial issues to consider. We can help you navigate strict tax and inheritance laws and create a financial plan that makes the most of your inheritance.
Centerlink Guidance and Planning
Understanding the eligibility criteria and benefits of Centrelink payments is an essential first step in achieving financial stability. Eligibility for Centrelink payments depends on various factors, including income, assets, and personal circumstances. For instance, to qualify for the Carer Payment, one must meet an income and assets test and care for a person in need. Similarly, to be eligible for the Age Pension, one must be an Australian resident aged between 65-67 years and pass an income and assets test. The Guide to Australian Government Payments on the Services Australia website provides a comprehensive list of Centrelink payments and eligibility requirements. Understanding these criteria can help individuals determine which payments they may be eligible for and plan their finances accordingly.
We can assist you with Centrelink calculations and strategic planning advice. Centrelink may be able to assist you with your income in retirement. Boosting your income with the Age Pension or other Government benefits can be a great way to navigate retirement and make your superannuation last longer.
Taxation Management
Tax planning is a key element of wealth creation. Salary packaging, superannuation, investments and tax deductible debt can create significant tax savings. By structuring your finances more efficiently you can manage the amount of tax you pay.
Tax planning can involve:
- Maximising your after tax income
- Remuneration packaging (salary packaging)
- Capital Gains Tax (CGT) management
- Gearing
- Investing in shares that offer 100% franked dividends
- Borrowing to invest
- Small business and capital gains tax exemptions (particularly relevant to superannuation)
- Generic tax planning advice
We can help you manage your taxation issues, to ensure you comply with tax legislation and only pay the amount you are required to.
Estate Planning
One of the key considerations in estate planning is identifying and valuing assets. This involves creating an inventory of all assets owned by the individual and determining their value.. It is crucial to have a clear understanding of the assets owned by the individual to ensure that they are distributed according to their wishes in the event of death or incapacitation. By identifying and valuing assets, individuals can ensure that their estate plan accurately reflects their wishes regarding the distribution of their assets.
Preparing for incapacity or death is another important consideration in estate planning. It is essential to have a comprehensive plan in place that addresses what will happen to the individual, their assets, and their minor children in the event of incapacity or death. This plan should include directives for financial and medical decisions, as well as the disposition of assets at death. Depending on the individual’s situation, they may choose to prepare different types of legal documents to outline how their estate and finances will be managed. By preparing for the unexpected, individuals can ensure that their wishes are carried out in the event of incapacity or death.
We can discuss the different elements to building a suitable estate plan for you, and work with your Estate Planning professional to ensure the implementation and ongoing review of this.