We are highly qualified and experienced financial planners who specialise in providing guidance to high net worth individuals, business owners and their families.
Through a trusted personal advisory relationship, we empower our clients to accumulate and grow wealth, through effective tax management and cost efficient strategies.
Let us help you
Are you concerned about your investments?
When markets are volatile, active advice can help you take advantage of emerging opportunities while avoiding the risks. Portfolio construction and investment management (with a key focus on asset allocation, cost and risk management) are a core advice specialty at Bastion Financial Group.
Have you saved enough for retirement?
With Australians living longer and staying more active in retirement, everyone needs to be saving more. We can help you plan ahead to achieve the retirement lifestyle you’ve always imagined.
Are you worried about your superannuation?
Recently, volatile markets have been chipping away at Australians’ super savings, throwing retirement plans into disarray. Let us show you how careful retirement planning can help you protect and grow your super.
Would you like to invest in a more tax-effective way?
Australia’s tax laws are increasingly complex. Without careful planning, it’s easy to end up paying more tax than needed. We can show you how to manage your tax liability more effectively.
Are your Estate Planning arrangements up to date?
Estate Planning is an area that often gets overlooked, yet is such a crucial area of Advice. It is much more than simply a Will. Our expertise will help you navigate what can be a complex area for those individuals with blended families and for those who have accumulated wealth across multiple structures.
Do you lack time to give your finances the attention they deserve?
If you’re asset rich but time-poor, a dedicated financial adviser can help you take control of your financial future and make your vision for the future a reality
Do you have a business succession plan?
If you run your own business, a succession plan is essential to unlock the value you’ve worked so hard to create. Asset protection for business owners is a key area that also requires specialist expertise.
Do you have a plan if your income stopped due to accident, illness or injury?
We can help you explore a range of risk management and wealth protection strategies.
Superannuation
What is superannuation?
Superannuation (or super) is a fund specifically designed to help you save and invest for your retirement. It's restricted as you generally can't withdraw from super until you retire or reach your preservation age (that's the intention, although there are special conditions of release). And super funds are set up as trust funds. This means a trustee is appointed to manage the fund on behalf, and for the benefit, of its members. Super receives special tax treatment compared to your other money. When it comes to investing over the long term, there aren't many better tax-effective ways to save for your retirement. Lower taxes and more investment options - such as local and international shares, property and fixed interest investments - offer your super more potential to grow.Why do I need super?
- Super is compulsory for employees. Superannuation Guarantee (SG) contributions** were introduced to help us take control of our retirement.
- The next step is to use our AMP super simulator to see how you're tracking and determine what strategies you can use to reach your goals.
Advantages of super
Super opens your money to the world of investment markets and you can choose how it is invested. Money in super is taxed in different ways to your other investments. It's designed to reward you for investing for the long term. Your insurance premiums, which are part of your super contributions, may be paid from your pre-tax salary, which is a tax-effective way to enjoy the protection you and your family need.How does my super work?
The most common type of super is an accumulation fund, which is like a managed fund or investment. The main difference is the advantageous tax treatment on contributions and earnings which your money enjoys until you retire. If you have a lot of assets and have the time, you may want to consider a self-managed super fund to take control of your super.Making a contribution
Deposits into super are known as 'contributions'. There are two types of contributions. They can be made from your:- pre-tax income (concessional contributions) and
- post-tax income (non-concessional contributions).
Benefits
- Earnings in super are taxed at up to 15% (and only 10% on capital gains), which is lower than most people's marginal tax rate. If you start a pension at retirement then the tax on earnings in super reduces to nil.
- If you withdraw after age 60 your money is tax free.
- You can withdraw your super balance (the benefit) when you reach your preservation age. This varies depending on your birth date. By 2025 everyone will have a preservation age of 60.
- There are different tax treatments on lump sum payments depending on the size of the benefit and the age and service period of the member.
- Money invested after July 1999 is fully preserved, which means it can't be accessed until you reach your preservation age.
More flexibility
- Super is becoming more flexible with more strategies and ways to reach your retirement goals:
- The government's co-contribution scheme is designed to help low to middle income earners get more into their super.
- Concessional contributions can be used to reduce your tax.
- A transition to retirement strategy means you can still work full time or part time after your preservation age and still contribute to your super.
- Self-managed super funds allow you to take even more control of your super.
Superannuation
Superannuation is a way to save for your retirement. You build up super while you are working to make sure you can have a comfortable retirement.Read More....
Superannuation
What is superannuation?
Superannuation (or super) is a fund specifically designed to help you save and invest for your retirement. It's restricted as you generally can't withdraw from super until you retire or reach your preservation age (that's the intention, although there are special conditions of release). And super funds are set up as trust funds. This means a trustee is appointed to manage the fund on behalf, and for the benefit, of its members. Super receives special tax treatment compared to your other money. When it comes to investing over the long term, there aren't many better tax-effective ways to save for your retirement. Lower taxes and more investment options - such as local and international shares, property and fixed interest investments - offer your super more potential to grow.Why do I need super?
- Super is compulsory for employees. Superannuation Guarantee (SG) contributions** were introduced to help us take control of our retirement.
- The next step is to use our AMP super simulator to see how you're tracking and determine what strategies you can use to reach your goals.
Advantages of super
Super opens your money to the world of investment markets and you can choose how it is invested. Money in super is taxed in different ways to your other investments. It's designed to reward you for investing for the long term. Your insurance premiums, which are part of your super contributions, may be paid from your pre-tax salary, which is a tax-effective way to enjoy the protection you and your family need.How does my super work?
The most common type of super is an accumulation fund, which is like a managed fund or investment. The main difference is the advantageous tax treatment on contributions and earnings which your money enjoys until you retire. If you have a lot of assets and have the time, you may want to consider a self-managed super fund to take control of your super.Making a contribution
Deposits into super are known as 'contributions'. There are two types of contributions. They can be made from your:- pre-tax income (concessional contributions) and
- post-tax income (non-concessional contributions).
Benefits
- Earnings in super are taxed at up to 15% (and only 10% on capital gains), which is lower than most people's marginal tax rate. If you start a pension at retirement then the tax on earnings in super reduces to nil.
- If you withdraw after age 60 your money is tax free.
- You can withdraw your super balance (the benefit) when you reach your preservation age. This varies depending on your birth date. By 2025 everyone will have a preservation age of 60.
- There are different tax treatments on lump sum payments depending on the size of the benefit and the age and service period of the member.
- Money invested after July 1999 is fully preserved, which means it can't be accessed until you reach your preservation age.
More flexibility
- Super is becoming more flexible with more strategies and ways to reach your retirement goals:
- The government's co-contribution scheme is designed to help low to middle income earners get more into their super.
- Concessional contributions can be used to reduce your tax.
- A transition to retirement strategy means you can still work full time or part time after your preservation age and still contribute to your super.
- Self-managed super funds allow you to take even more control of your super.
Retirement Planning
Transitioning into retirement
You no longer have to retire on the day you turn 65. The day you stop working is now in your hands. By using a Transition To Retirement strategy you can take control of your retirement date, prolong your retirement or use it to turn a redundancy into a time of opportunity.Managing your retirement
Reaching your retirement is a significant milestone, and it's important you live the life you want to. There are still many ways to make the most of this stage of your life and you might have a few questions.- Where should I invest my money?Should you leave it in super or start an income stream? Take the annuity or pension? How good are Retirement savings accounts?
- Make your money last Do you have the right asset mix? And have you structured your finances to maximise government benefits? And what's the best way to manage your debt?
- Do I pay tax in retirement? It depends on how the money went into your super, how you take money out and how old you are. We look at ways to minimise the tax impact.
- How much can I withdraw from super? What are the minimums and maximums you need to be aware of.
- Preparing for residential careLooking for aged care can be difficult and there's lots to consider. Being aware means being prepared.
- Estate planningGood estate planning isn't just about making a will. It's a good way to take stock of your finances. Read more
Retirement Planning
Retirement may seem like a long way off but putting money into super now is still a tax effective way to invest your money. You also can benefit from the effects of compounding returns.Read More ....
Retirement Planning
Transitioning into retirement
You no longer have to retire on the day you turn 65. The day you stop working is now in your hands. By using a Transition To Retirement strategy you can take control of your retirement date, prolong your retirement or use it to turn a redundancy into a time of opportunity.Managing your retirement
Reaching your retirement is a significant milestone, and it's important you live the life you want to. There are still many ways to make the most of this stage of your life and you might have a few questions.- Where should I invest my money?Should you leave it in super or start an income stream? Take the annuity or pension? How good are Retirement savings accounts?
- Make your money last Do you have the right asset mix? And have you structured your finances to maximise government benefits? And what's the best way to manage your debt?
- Do I pay tax in retirement? It depends on how the money went into your super, how you take money out and how old you are. We look at ways to minimise the tax impact.
- How much can I withdraw from super? What are the minimums and maximums you need to be aware of.
- Preparing for residential careLooking for aged care can be difficult and there's lots to consider. Being aware means being prepared.
- Estate planningGood estate planning isn't just about making a will. It's a good way to take stock of your finances. Read more
Wealth Protection
Total and permanent disablement (TPD)
TPD cover provides a lump sum if you become unable to work due to a permanent disability. This cover can help you pay for medical expenses, repay major debts and help provide for your future.Trauma cover
Trauma cover provides a lump sum if you're diagnosed with a medical condition or undergo a procedure outlined in your policy. This may include a heart attack, major organ transplant, cancer or stroke -- to name a few. Trauma cover is designed to help cover your medical costs and living expenses, providing you with some financial security during the important recovery period.Death cover
Death cover may be important for people of all ages, especially if you have others relying on you and large debts such as a mortgage. Death cover provides a lump sum to your beneficiaries if you die. This can be used to help meet the costs of your mortgage, other debts and/or cover your family's future expenses. Many policies make an advance payment of the insured sum if you are diagnosed with a terminal illness. With Death, Total Permanent Disablement and Trauma cover you can:- Find comfort in knowing your family will receive a lump sum payment to help them financially if you were to die or become terminally ill.
- Receive financial support if you become seriously disabled, maintain your quality of life and help meet the cost of rehabilitation programs and daily living expenses with TPD insurance.
- Take the financial pressure off and give yourself time to recover, should you experience one of the traumatic events listed in our trauma cover, including cancer, stroke, heart attack and coronary artery surgery. Children's trauma cover can also be selected.
Income Protection Insurance
You insure your car, the family home and even your health - so why not your ability to earn an income. Have you ever thought about what would happen if you became ill or were injured and couldn't work for an extended period of time? Would you be able to meet your financial commitments without your regular income? If not, it's time you considered income protection. When you think about what life would be like without your regular income, your earning capacity becomes possibly your greatest asset. Chances are, you've based the achievement of your goals and ambitions on having a regular cash flow. If you became ill and were unable to work and maintain that cash flow, your goals may no longer be achievable.Business Overheads Insurance
What would happen to your business if you were too ill or injured to work? Business Overheads Insurance helps you meet your ongoing business expenses by reimbursing eligible business overheads as a monthly amount if you are too ill or injured to work.Protect your business expenses
Recover with peace of mind knowing that, if you are unable to work due to injury or illness, your business overheads insurance will reimburse your business expenses such as:- Rent
- Property Rates
- Vehicle leases
- Salaries
Wealth Protection
Insurance is the foundation of all financial plans. We can help you evaluate the risks and come up with the right insurance solution for you and your family.Read More ....
Wealth Protection
Total and permanent disablement (TPD)
TPD cover provides a lump sum if you become unable to work due to a permanent disability. This cover can help you pay for medical expenses, repay major debts and help provide for your future.Trauma cover
Trauma cover provides a lump sum if you're diagnosed with a medical condition or undergo a procedure outlined in your policy. This may include a heart attack, major organ transplant, cancer or stroke -- to name a few. Trauma cover is designed to help cover your medical costs and living expenses, providing you with some financial security during the important recovery period.Death cover
Death cover may be important for people of all ages, especially if you have others relying on you and large debts such as a mortgage. Death cover provides a lump sum to your beneficiaries if you die. This can be used to help meet the costs of your mortgage, other debts and/or cover your family's future expenses. Many policies make an advance payment of the insured sum if you are diagnosed with a terminal illness. With Death, Total Permanent Disablement and Trauma cover you can:- Find comfort in knowing your family will receive a lump sum payment to help them financially if you were to die or become terminally ill.
- Receive financial support if you become seriously disabled, maintain your quality of life and help meet the cost of rehabilitation programs and daily living expenses with TPD insurance.
- Take the financial pressure off and give yourself time to recover, should you experience one of the traumatic events listed in our trauma cover, including cancer, stroke, heart attack and coronary artery surgery. Children's trauma cover can also be selected.
Income Protection Insurance
You insure your car, the family home and even your health - so why not your ability to earn an income. Have you ever thought about what would happen if you became ill or were injured and couldn't work for an extended period of time? Would you be able to meet your financial commitments without your regular income? If not, it's time you considered income protection. When you think about what life would be like without your regular income, your earning capacity becomes possibly your greatest asset. Chances are, you've based the achievement of your goals and ambitions on having a regular cash flow. If you became ill and were unable to work and maintain that cash flow, your goals may no longer be achievable.Business Overheads Insurance
What would happen to your business if you were too ill or injured to work? Business Overheads Insurance helps you meet your ongoing business expenses by reimbursing eligible business overheads as a monthly amount if you are too ill or injured to work.Protect your business expenses
Recover with peace of mind knowing that, if you are unable to work due to injury or illness, your business overheads insurance will reimburse your business expenses such as:- Rent
- Property Rates
- Vehicle leases
- Salaries
Debt Management
- Inefficient debt, and
- Efficient debt
WHAT’S INEFFICIENT DEBT?
Inefficient debt is used to buy goods, services and assets that don’t generate any income. This means you need to rely on your own income sources and assets to repay this debt. Also, the interest cost on this type of debt is not tax deductible. Examples include home loans, credit cards and personal loans. This type of debt can impact other wealth building opportunities. Generally speaking, it is better to reduce this type of debt as quickly as possible and try to repay those charging the highest interest rate first. There are a number ways this can be done, such as consolidating your debts into the loan with the lowest interest rate.WHAT’S EFFICIENT DEBT?
Efficient debt is used to buy assets with the potential to grow in value and generate an income. They can benefit you in two ways:- The income from the asset can be used to help repay the loan, and
- The interest cost may be tax deductible, helping to minimise any tax.
SHOULD YOU BORROW TO INVEST?
Borrowing to invest (also called gearing) allows you to invest in assets you wouldn’t otherwise have been able to. It can help spread your money across different investment types, which can help reduce risk. This greater exposure gives you the potential to magnify your returns, but can also magnify your losses. If you have built up equity in your home or investment portfolio, you may be able to borrow against this equity.MARGIN LOANS
Others take out special investment loans – often called margin loans. You can also borrow a lump sum with regular amounts to add to your investment – known as instalment gearing. Since the interest costs are usually tax deductible, gearing can be a tax-effective strategy. With margin loans, lenders allow a maximum gearing level known as the debt to asset ratio (or loan to value ratio – LVR). If markets fall and the value of your investment drops, a margin lender may make a margin call, requiring you to put up more money at short notice to restore the LVR. You might have to offer more security or even sell some of your asset holdings at current prices to bring your gearing down to the right level.APPROACH
Retirees should consider how comfortable they are taking on more debt or focussing on eliminating their debt. Margin loans should only be considered by investors who are comfortable with an above-average level of risk. As any investment professional will explain, an opportunity should not be considered for its tax effectiveness. It needs to be measured by how strong the underlying asset is, and its potential for growth. Tax-effectiveness is a method which helps improve investment viability – it should not drive the decision. Smart Financial Planning provides debt management advice in Umina Beach. Contact us on Phone 02 4342 1888.Debt Management
Effective debt management is not just about the interest you pay, but also the type of assets you’re investing in and prioritising your debts. .Read More....
Debt Management
- Inefficient debt, and
- Efficient debt
WHAT’S INEFFICIENT DEBT?
Inefficient debt is used to buy goods, services and assets that don’t generate any income. This means you need to rely on your own income sources and assets to repay this debt. Also, the interest cost on this type of debt is not tax deductible. Examples include home loans, credit cards and personal loans. This type of debt can impact other wealth building opportunities. Generally speaking, it is better to reduce this type of debt as quickly as possible and try to repay those charging the highest interest rate first. There are a number ways this can be done, such as consolidating your debts into the loan with the lowest interest rate.WHAT’S EFFICIENT DEBT?
Efficient debt is used to buy assets with the potential to grow in value and generate an income. They can benefit you in two ways:- The income from the asset can be used to help repay the loan, and
- The interest cost may be tax deductible, helping to minimise any tax.
SHOULD YOU BORROW TO INVEST?
Borrowing to invest (also called gearing) allows you to invest in assets you wouldn’t otherwise have been able to. It can help spread your money across different investment types, which can help reduce risk. This greater exposure gives you the potential to magnify your returns, but can also magnify your losses. If you have built up equity in your home or investment portfolio, you may be able to borrow against this equity.MARGIN LOANS
Others take out special investment loans – often called margin loans. You can also borrow a lump sum with regular amounts to add to your investment – known as instalment gearing. Since the interest costs are usually tax deductible, gearing can be a tax-effective strategy. With margin loans, lenders allow a maximum gearing level known as the debt to asset ratio (or loan to value ratio – LVR). If markets fall and the value of your investment drops, a margin lender may make a margin call, requiring you to put up more money at short notice to restore the LVR. You might have to offer more security or even sell some of your asset holdings at current prices to bring your gearing down to the right level.APPROACH
Retirees should consider how comfortable they are taking on more debt or focussing on eliminating their debt. Margin loans should only be considered by investors who are comfortable with an above-average level of risk. As any investment professional will explain, an opportunity should not be considered for its tax effectiveness. It needs to be measured by how strong the underlying asset is, and its potential for growth. Tax-effectiveness is a method which helps improve investment viability – it should not drive the decision. Smart Financial Planning provides debt management advice in Umina Beach. Contact us on Phone 02 4342 1888.Aged Care
STAYING AT HOME (COMMUNITY CARE)
If your parents only need minimal care, they may prefer to stay in their own home and get support when they need it. Support available can be:- domestic help: housework, preparing meals and shopping
- personal care: bathing and dressing
- help with exercising and staying physically active
- transport to take them to and from appointments or social activities
- equipment to help them get around, such as a walking frame
- nursing care: changing wound dressings and taking their blood pressure
- counselling
- general home maintenance and modifications to their home to help them stay at home longer.
RETIREMENT VILLAGES
These are designed as an alternative housing option for people over 55. They generally suit people who want to maintain a level of independence and enjoy the company of others in a community setting, but may prefer a level of security and support. Retirement villages are generally privately owned (they do not receive government funding) and often includes facilities such as:- onsite management
- communal dining facilities
- organised social activities
- gyms, swimming pools and bowling greens.
AGED CARE HOMES (RESIDENTIAL CARE)
These homes may be suitable for people who are no longer able to live independently. Aged care homes provide help with day-to-day activities and health care. They can also provide a welcome source of company for some people. But your parents don’t have to live in an aged care home permanently—there is always the option for shorter stays. For example, an aged care home may be suitable for someone recovering from an illness, who can return home once they have recovered. Aged care homes are different to retirement villages that are independent private facilities typically without aged care support services. Aged care homes are owned by people who have been approved by the government to provide aged care. Anyone who would like to live in a residential aged care home will have to meet with a member of an Aged Care Assessment Team, who will help them work out the types of care and services they need. Your parents can have this assessment done in their own home if they wish. Smart Financial Planning provides aged care advice in Umina Beach. Contact us on Phone 02 4342 1888.Aged Care
It’s not easy making the decision to place a loved one into care. Once you’ve made the call, it can be confusing to understand how it all works. It can also be quite a challenging and confronting issue.Read More ....
Aged Care
STAYING AT HOME (COMMUNITY CARE)
If your parents only need minimal care, they may prefer to stay in their own home and get support when they need it. Support available can be:- domestic help: housework, preparing meals and shopping
- personal care: bathing and dressing
- help with exercising and staying physically active
- transport to take them to and from appointments or social activities
- equipment to help them get around, such as a walking frame
- nursing care: changing wound dressings and taking their blood pressure
- counselling
- general home maintenance and modifications to their home to help them stay at home longer.
RETIREMENT VILLAGES
These are designed as an alternative housing option for people over 55. They generally suit people who want to maintain a level of independence and enjoy the company of others in a community setting, but may prefer a level of security and support. Retirement villages are generally privately owned (they do not receive government funding) and often includes facilities such as:- onsite management
- communal dining facilities
- organised social activities
- gyms, swimming pools and bowling greens.
AGED CARE HOMES (RESIDENTIAL CARE)
These homes may be suitable for people who are no longer able to live independently. Aged care homes provide help with day-to-day activities and health care. They can also provide a welcome source of company for some people. But your parents don’t have to live in an aged care home permanently—there is always the option for shorter stays. For example, an aged care home may be suitable for someone recovering from an illness, who can return home once they have recovered. Aged care homes are different to retirement villages that are independent private facilities typically without aged care support services. Aged care homes are owned by people who have been approved by the government to provide aged care. Anyone who would like to live in a residential aged care home will have to meet with a member of an Aged Care Assessment Team, who will help them work out the types of care and services they need. Your parents can have this assessment done in their own home if they wish. Smart Financial Planning provides aged care advice in Umina Beach. Contact us on Phone 02 4342 1888.Estate Planning
PROVIDING FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
We’d all like to leave a legacy and provide for those closest and dearest to us once we’re gone. Estate planning is an effective method to take an overview of your assets, consider how they’re structured and how you’d like them to be distributed after you die. It’s just as important to provide for yourself as it is for the future.REVIEWING YOUR WILL
A will sets out how you want your estate to be managed and distributed after your death. It can also include the appointment of a guardian for your children. Without a will, management of your estate can be costly, time consuming and distributed according to state based legislation. It’s important to have a valid will and to review it regularly to make sure it is still in line with your intentions. While they may be effective for simple straight-forward estates, they don’t serve more complex estates as effectively. And a will with even a small flaw may lead to an expensive process if it is contested or it doesn’t have a residue clause which directs how to distribute assets not included in the original will.GRANTING ENDURING POWER OF ATTORNEY
If you were to become incapable of handling your affairs, control of your assets could revert to a person appointed by a court. It would be more useful if you had an enduring power of attorney set up now so that if you cannot manage your affairs, someone you trust and have chosen to act for you, can make the important decisions affecting you and your affairs.SELECTING AN EXECUTOR
An executor distributes your assets after your death. This involves applying to the Supreme Court for probate, which gives them permission to execute your will. It can be a difficult job if your will involves setting up trusts and lodging tax returns and you should ensure they are willing and that you have nominated an alternate as a back-up in case they pass away before you do or change their mind. You should consider appointing your solicitor or using a trustee company.GIVING GUARDIANSHIP
A guardian can make decisions regarding where you live and your medical care if you lose the capacity to make your own decisions. It’s important to select someone you trust as soon as any signs appear that you may need these decisions made for you.CONSIDERING A FAMILY TRUST
A family trust, also known as a discretionary trust, is a common structure used by small businesses to share the business’ income in the most tax-effective way among beneficiaries within the family group and to protect family assets. It is most useful where the business is generating income and experiencing growth. It involves setting up a trust with a nominated trustee, who has responsibility for distributing the estate to your nominated beneficiaries. It can also be used to protect assets from dependants’ creditors or if a dependant isn’t capable of managing money.WHAT HAPPENS TO MY SUPER AND INSURANCE WHEN I DIE?
The death benefit is usually paid to your nominated beneficiaries. The superannuation balance is transferred into the Cash option on notification of your death. The balance will be paid depending on who you have nominated as beneficiaries.WHO CAN BE MY BENEFICIARY?
If you are insuring through your superannuation, you need to understand the difference between binding and non-binding beneficiaries and issues to be aware of. If you have insurance outside of superannuation, you can nominate anyone to be a beneficiary.PROTECTING WHAT YOU HAVE
The best way to look after your family’s future is to ensure you have enough cover. To find out more Estate Planning phone Bastion Financial Group on Phone 02 4342 1888, Financial Advisers in Perth .Estate Planning
We’d all like to leave a legacy and provide for those closest and dearest to us once we’re gone. Estate planning is an effective method to take an overview of your assetsRead More ....
Estate Planning
PROVIDING FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
We’d all like to leave a legacy and provide for those closest and dearest to us once we’re gone. Estate planning is an effective method to take an overview of your assets, consider how they’re structured and how you’d like them to be distributed after you die. It’s just as important to provide for yourself as it is for the future.REVIEWING YOUR WILL
A will sets out how you want your estate to be managed and distributed after your death. It can also include the appointment of a guardian for your children. Without a will, management of your estate can be costly, time consuming and distributed according to state based legislation. It’s important to have a valid will and to review it regularly to make sure it is still in line with your intentions. While they may be effective for simple straight-forward estates, they don’t serve more complex estates as effectively. And a will with even a small flaw may lead to an expensive process if it is contested or it doesn’t have a residue clause which directs how to distribute assets not included in the original will.GRANTING ENDURING POWER OF ATTORNEY
If you were to become incapable of handling your affairs, control of your assets could revert to a person appointed by a court. It would be more useful if you had an enduring power of attorney set up now so that if you cannot manage your affairs, someone you trust and have chosen to act for you, can make the important decisions affecting you and your affairs.SELECTING AN EXECUTOR
An executor distributes your assets after your death. This involves applying to the Supreme Court for probate, which gives them permission to execute your will. It can be a difficult job if your will involves setting up trusts and lodging tax returns and you should ensure they are willing and that you have nominated an alternate as a back-up in case they pass away before you do or change their mind. You should consider appointing your solicitor or using a trustee company.GIVING GUARDIANSHIP
A guardian can make decisions regarding where you live and your medical care if you lose the capacity to make your own decisions. It’s important to select someone you trust as soon as any signs appear that you may need these decisions made for you.CONSIDERING A FAMILY TRUST
A family trust, also known as a discretionary trust, is a common structure used by small businesses to share the business’ income in the most tax-effective way among beneficiaries within the family group and to protect family assets. It is most useful where the business is generating income and experiencing growth. It involves setting up a trust with a nominated trustee, who has responsibility for distributing the estate to your nominated beneficiaries. It can also be used to protect assets from dependants’ creditors or if a dependant isn’t capable of managing money.WHAT HAPPENS TO MY SUPER AND INSURANCE WHEN I DIE?
The death benefit is usually paid to your nominated beneficiaries. The superannuation balance is transferred into the Cash option on notification of your death. The balance will be paid depending on who you have nominated as beneficiaries.WHO CAN BE MY BENEFICIARY?
If you are insuring through your superannuation, you need to understand the difference between binding and non-binding beneficiaries and issues to be aware of. If you have insurance outside of superannuation, you can nominate anyone to be a beneficiary.PROTECTING WHAT YOU HAVE
The best way to look after your family’s future is to ensure you have enough cover. To find out more Estate Planning phone Bastion Financial Group on Phone 02 4342 1888, Financial Advisers in Perth .Why Choose Us?
Exceptional Personal Service
Our focus is on listening, understanding, and caring about your concerns and providing you with an individual level of service.
Ongoing Support
Our friendly support team will support you throughout your journey with us and answer any questions you have along the way.
Knowledge and Experience
Our Financial Advisers are highly qualified and have the knowledge and experience necessary to focus on all your important financial matters.
Keep You On Track
We will keep you accountable along the way because we want you to stay on track to achieve your goals.
A Holistic Approach
We want to understand exactly what you want to achieve in life and provide you with strategies to guide you towards your goals.
Ease and Convenience
Deal with one company for your superannuation, investment, debt management, insurance and estate planning needs.
Meet Our Team
Jake White
Jake White
Co-Founder and Financial Planner
Jake White
Jane Brown
Jane Brown
Financial Planner
Jane Brown
Chris Red
Chris Red
Practice Manager
Chris Red
Ella Green
Ella Green
Client Services Manager
Ella Green
What Our Clients Say
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Have you ever looked around your place and wondered how much cash is sitting in…
Future investment returns are unknown, but past returns are a guide for retirement. If you’re…
If you’re employed, your employer should be paying a percentage of your earnings into your…
Bonds can play an important role in investment portfolios, but what exactly are they, what…