Aged Care Assistance

All stages of life benefit from financial planning irrespective of whether you plan this yourself or seek professional help. Aged Care is no different because individual needs in this regard vary significantly and with increased government involvement, in most cases, it is very complex as well.

Many elderly people aim to remain independent and live in their own homes and there are many services that we can help organise to ensure this option generates the best outcomes. But in some cases this isn't possible. You may be faced with the difficult decision of helping your parents move to another residence where their wellbeing can be better supported. We can help with these often complicated moves, including, in some cases, the organisation of input from your accountant and lawyer.

We will also look at the structure of your parents' assets to maximise Centrelink aged-care and health-care benefits.

At Leverington Financial Group we can provide the time and expertise that will help both you and your parents end up with the best assistance possible.

Contact us now to find out more on how we can help you with aged care assistance. Call us now on (03) 9602 0888 or email .

Retirement Planning

During one’s working life most time is spent at work, raising children and paying off a mortgage. There is always an employment income to make ends meet.

Retirement planning is about the lifestyle you will have after you stop working and focuses on issues such as how much superannuation is enough, taking a super pension, claiming the Age Pension, making superannuation contributions while receiving a pension from a super fund, estate planning and looking after your family.

Also, with increasing life expectancy, rising costs and, often, debt still to be cleared retirement planning becomes even more important.

However, it is seen time and again that those who plan for retirement, the earlier the better, are more likely to enjoy a lifestyle in retirement based on their own terms and not those of someone else. Results also show that obtaining professional help during the pre-retirement years further improves the probability of attaining your retirement objectives.

At Leverington Financial Group we can provide the time and expertise that will help you implement the best pre-retirement plan possible.

Contact us now to find out more on how we can help you with planning your retirement. To start, simply call us on (03) 9602 0888 or email .

Estate Planning

Your estate is made up of everything you own. This includes your home, property, furniture, car, personal possessions, business, investments, superannuation and bank accounts. Firstly, having a legally valid will is extremely important, as without one it is called 'dying intestate'. This can be costly and create added stress for loved ones at an already difficult time.

You may think that having a current will outlines what will happen to your estate should you die or become unable to manage your affairs. Unfortunately, for those with more complex financial structures this may not be the case at all.

To make sure your affairs are in order an Estate Plan will:

• Provide for and protect loved ones with specific needs, including children.
• Ensure your children’s inheritance receives increased protection if a relationship breaks down.
• Ensure you receive professional advice on how to structure your assets to gain available tax advantages.
• Ensure your wishes are recorded in legally binding documents including your will, free from ambiguity.
• Provide you with peace of mind knowing, should you die or be unable to legally manage your affairs, that they will be managed by someone you trust.
• Ensure non-estate assets such as jointly held assets, family trusts, super funds and private companies are also documented as it may not be possible to deal with them in your will.

Leverington Financial Group would welcome the opportunity to discuss how we can help ensure your estate is organised to ensure your plans are implemented as you wish.

Contact us now to find out more on how we can help you. To get started, simply call us on (03) 9602 0888 or email .

Self Managed Super Funds

Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs) can be an ideal strategy for many individuals; families and small business owners for building tax effective wealth and protecting assets over time. SMSFs are becoming popular for those who are ready to take control of their own super investments as they give you ultimate control and flexibility to manage your retirement benefits.

It must be noted though, that you will have increased responsibilities as a trustee of the fund. As a SMSF Trustee you need to keep up to date with all required regulations and keep up with the fast paced financial markets.

Leverington Financial Group can work with you to understand your personal financial situation and decide whether a SMSF structure is appropriate for you. We will also make sure your assets are invested in the most effective way to maximise your retirement benefits.

It is generally agreed that there are a number of benefits of an SMSF but it is important that you also understand that an SMSF may not suit your situation, see below for some of the reasons why.

Benefits

• Control - the trustees make the decisions and therefore can determine where their money is invested.
• Asset allocation – having control means the trustees play a major role in their fund’s asset allocation decisions plus there are issues related to borrowing that the trustees must be aware of.
• Tax strategies – by careful consideration of tax strategies and other planning options you are in the best position to minimise the taxation that applies on your investments.
• Transparency – your SMSF provides you with good transparency concerning investment decisions and gives complete visibility over taxation treatment.
• Cost – the costs of running and administering the fund are not based on a percentage of the value of the fund but more on the time needed to prepare reports and address relevant compliance matters.

Disadvantages

Running and managing a SMSF may not be suitable to everyone. For example, many of the advantages are also a disadvantage. Costs may be relatively high, there can be too much flexibility for prudent investing, remaining on top of trustee responsibilities can be complex and time consuming, and poor personal knowledge of the investment landscape can have serious consequences.

Should you wish to consider establishing a SMSF then we can help with:

• Establishing your fund.
• Pension advice.
• Superannuation Advisory Services.

Leverington Financial Group would welcome the opportunity to discuss how we can help maximise your opportunities to grow your wealth through a Self Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF).

Contact us now to discuss how we can assist you: call (03) 9602 0888 or email .

Personal Super

Taking an early and active interest in your superannuation is critical to ensuring you maximise the benefits of growing this important asset. Many of you will have a superannuation scheme through your employment but increasing numbers are starting their own Self Managed Super Fund (SMSF).

The income you have available for your retirement will depend on factors such as your accumulated assets and expectations about your lifestyle in retirement. Unfortunately for many, simply relying on employer contributions may not be enough and you may need to look at strategies such as additional contributions or salary sacrifice.

It is always best to start saving and planning for your retirement as early as you can. Leverington Financial Group can help you implement the right strategies to help you achieve your long term financial objectives.

Contact us today to discuss how we can work together: call (03) 9602 0888 or email .

Personal & Business Insurance

Life insurance isn’t just a cost, though it often feels like it. It is peace-of-mind that should a nasty surprise happen in your life then the consequences are covered for you and your family. Insurance provides you with the ability to manage the financial and emotional impact of some of the more drastic surprises, whether personally or in your small business.

Insurance can’t replace a loved one but it can help reduce the financial burden by providing the capital to ensure your family has choices.

If you answer yes to any of the following questions then you should ensure you have adequate insurance. Many Australians are underinsured and the results can be very serious for families should there be a death or serious injury.

1. Do you have a mortgage?
2. Do you have school fees?
3. Do you have any personal loans?
4. Do you have any credit card debt?
5. Do you have dependents?
6. Would your financial position be affected if you were to suffer from an illness or injury?
7. Do you want to have enough capital to look after your dependents if you were unable to care for them for an extended period of time or perhaps indefinitely?
8. How would your business cope if your key people were unable to work?

We understand that it can be difficult determining the type and level of cover you might need, let alone choosing an insurer. We can assist by helping you determine your needs and recommend an insurer that is right for you.

Contact us today to discuss how we can help you: call (03) 9602 0888 or email .

Building Wealth - Investments

Investing your hard earned savings can be complex to manage and benefit from. There are many issues such as levels of risk, market timing, asset classes, and your own goals, objectives and preferences that need to be considered. Even getting started is difficult but this is where we have the time and expertise to help you.

Even after initial investments are made there are important issues that need to be addressed such as monitoring, buy/sell decisions, tax considerations, and when to take a loss or profit. In addition, there is a huge amount of investment information and spruiking that can easily lead you in the wrong direction with unwanted consequences.

Market volatility simply makes the situation harder and can often lead investors into emotive and rushed decisions.

Having a proper investment plan is very important and the sooner you implement it the sooner you can grow your wealth. We can help you develop a financial plan and provide advice that will help overcome the issues raised above.

At Leverington Financial Group we can provide the time and expertise that will help you invest wisely and prudently. Contact us today to discuss how we can work together: (03) 9602 0888 or .

Corporate Super & Group Insurance

Choosing a superannuation fund for your business can be daunting. How do you know if you have made the right choice for your business and your employees?

Do your employees have adequate Insurance Protection?

How does Employee Group Insurance work?

We can assist you to source a flexible and cost effective Superannuation fund that will provide your Employees with valuable member benefits by providing the following services:

• Ongoing support for your business by assisting with documentation and plan reviews
• Support with establishing and running Policy Committee Meetings
• Member education programs for Super and Group Insurance such as seminars, online tools and calculators
• Tailored member advice and personal strategies, including insurance and investment advice
• Administration support
• Claims management

We can review your existing superannuation plan to guide you through the increasing maize of regulatory requirements.

Contact us now by calling (03) 9602 0888 to discuss your corporate super and group insurance needs.

General Calculators

Enjoy these free tools supplied by MoneySmart - a great resource for general financial information. Please contact us if you have any questions from the results of using these calculators.