Superannuation Taxes: Complex by Design – But Full of Opportunity
If you’ve ever tried to make sense of how your super is taxed, you’ll know it’s not simple. Depending on your balance, age, and investment setup, the same $100 of earnings could be taxed at zero, 10%, 15%, 30% or even 47%. The difference? How the money was made, how long it’s been invested, and […]
Safe Doesn’t Always Mean Secure: Why Standing Still Can Set You Back
In a world of constant financial noise, from market updates and interest rate speculation to economic forecasts, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and choose to do nothing. But inaction can be costly when it comes to building long-term wealth. Whether it’s leaving money in cash, delaying investment decisions or ignoring the power of regular contributions, […]
How Clear Sky Works
At Clear Sky Financial, our focus is simple – to help everyday Australians make informed financial decisions through professional, personalised advice. We have no association or connection with any of the failed investment products recently discussed in the media, including Shield Master Trust or First Guardian Master Fund. We have never recommended those products, or […]
Planning is More Important Than Ever
Rising Costs, Delayed Retirements, and Shrinking Support – Australians are under pressure like never before! The Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey (i), released by the Melbourne Institute, shows just how much life has shifted over the past two decades. Taken together, these findings highlight the pressure households are under: rising costs, […]
Why Owning a Home Still Matters…
And Why It Might Be Easier Than You Think. Most Australians know that owning your home is important, but what many don’t realise is just how big a difference it makes in the long run. Recent research shows that the average retiree who owns their home is worth almost $1.7 million. Compare that to retirees […]
The Latest Rate Cut Could Save You Nearly $50,000
Here’s How… The Reserve Bank has just cut rates, and while that means a small drop in your minimum repayments, the real opportunity is much bigger. On a $1 million loan, the cut could save you $150 a month if your bank passes it on. But if you keep paying the old amount instead of the […]
Protect Your Super: Consult Your Adviser
How to Tell a Real Adviser from a Risky Caller: ASIC has sounded the alarm on a wave of superannuation scams and aggressive marketing calls. Some may look convincing – but the risks are real, and the consequences can be devastating. These scams evolve fast, and no one is immune. Even “Legit” Calls Can Hurt […]
SMSFs and Property: The Myths, the Risks, and the Red Flags
We’ve seen it far too often: Australians are approached with a “hot tip” – set up a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) and buy property. On the surface, it sounds like a clever way to take control of your future. But look closer, and it’s often just a sales pitch dressed up as retirement planning, with […]
Family Guarantor Loans: Helping Loved Ones into the Market
For many young Australians, getting into the property market feels just out of reach. Not because they can’t afford repayments, but because saving the deposit (plus stamp duty and other upfront costs) is a steep climb. One option available is a Family Security Guarantee (also called a Family Pledge). Used carefully, this can help first […]
How to Turn ‘One Day’ into Reality
Clarity beats guesswork, and setting the right financial goals – matters more than you think. A lot of people say they want to “retire comfortably” or “make the most of their super.” But when we sit down and unpack it, those big-picture ideas don’t always turn into clear, meaningful goals – and that’s where the […]
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