Many Australians make the mistake of ignoring their super until it’s almost time to draw on it. But while it might just seem like extra work, failing to track your super often means reaching retirement without adequate funds to satisfy a comfortable standard of living.
This is where knowing your position and tracking your compounding interest becomes so important. Let’s say your super balance is sitting at $50k. At a rate of 10% growth, you could make an additional $5k on the money you invested. And if you were to keep it invested, you would then receive returns on $55k instead of the original $50k for the next year. With this in mind, consider how much you could boost your balance over 5, 10, 20 years if you were to track your investments and transfer your fund if there was a better rate available?
Ethical super is all about investing your money in organisations that do good by people and the planet. If you opt for an ethical super option, you’ll be contributing to industries such as clean energy, innovation, health care, recycling, education, sustainable retail and other positive initiatives that make the world a better place.
A SMSF is a super trust structure that allows the member to act as a trustee. The main benefit of managing your own super fund is the increased level of control and ability to customise your investments to better suit your needs. However, as an SMSF trustee, you’ll also take on a range of extra responsibilities and legal obligations.
A super risk profile is essentially the level of risk you’re willing to accept in regards to your investments. For younger people, opting for a higher risk profile might be an attractive option as you have ample time to recoup possible losses. Those nearing retirement, however, will generally opt for a more conservative approach.
We won’t just give you generic guidance and send you on your way. The two most important components of our business is our staff and clients, so we always put them first.
Whether it’s keeping clients informed of tax changes or spotting opportunities for growth for our clients, we’re always looking for ways to improve.
At the end of the day, we’re here to help you achieve financial goals - whatever they may be. We do this by getting to know you and your situation, then helping you in whatever way you need.
Everyone has a different definition of financial success. That’s why we really listen to our clients, so that every recommendation is aligned to your own unique goals.
There are many factors to consider when choosing your superannuation fund and the way your retirement funds are invested. The 4 key areas to consider are:-
Historical performance of the fund provides some insight but is not an indication of future performance. There are many super funds available in Australia to invest your retirement funds, and each has multiple underlying investment options. It pays to discuss your superannuation with a professional to cut through the myriad of information and help get your superannuation moving in the right direction.
To boost your superannuation on top of your current returns, you could consider contributing extra towards your superannuation via salary sacrifice, after-tax contributions that you claim as a tax deduction or after-tax contributions that are non-deductable.
It is important that you seek advice to ensure these contributions are made in the right way and that they are as tax-effective as possible. Superannuation often ends up as one of your largest assets, so it makes sense to seek some advice.
There is no simple answer here. Every person’s situation is unique and requires evaluation. An important consideration is to understand what your lifestyle expenses will be in retirement, and how your combined assets and possibly Aged Pension will fund these. Do you understand that approximate returns your super will make for you and how long will these meet your needs?
There are four common risk profiles:
Generally speaking, the longer the timeframe until you want to realise your investment, the more risk you can likely afford to take. You want to ensure that your money is working as hard as it can be, but within a comfortable range of risk taken. It is important to speak to a professional to help give you some advice that best suits your personal circumstances.
Life insurance can be held within your superannuation fund or via an external policy – or both. When you have life insurance through super, the premiums for that insurance are deducted from your superannuation account balance, rather than out of your own bank account. You will still pay a fee for your insurance, however, if you have other financial commitments such as a home loan, then having the premiums deducted from your super account may make it easier on your immediate cash flow. There are many advantages and disadvantages that should be considered.
That’s why we like to wind down each Friday with afternoon drinks, host bi-monthly events for staff and our families, plus have a regular calendar of events throughout the year, such as Melbourne Cup and Pink Ribbon Race Day.
Culture is everything at Simmons Livingstone & Associates.
We’re a friendly bunch of professionals who believe, ‘being a great place to work is the difference between being a good company and a great company.’
Though we thrive working in a hierarchy-free structure where everyone works as a team and supports each other, our excellent management team helps direct us toward better outcomes. Simon, Kris, Tom and Sam are always supportive, approachable and invested in the development of their staff.
Plus, did we mention we play footy every Tuesday? Every week our mixed touch footy team, “InTaxicated”, head out for a friendly game against other local teams.
Before becoming a founding partner of Simmons Livingstone & Associates, Simon spent time at PKF and several boutique accounting firms. He has established a reputation for excellent accounting consultancy, which has spanned over 12 years.
At work
Simon is a passionate business advisor specialising in:
His ability to give timely and accurate advice and reporting service makes Simon a reliable professional and his personable service and attention to detail ensure his professional relationships are strong.
He has built a rapport with his clients for his consistently excellent service and approachable nature. As a Partner and Director at Simmons Livingstone & Associates, Simon has assisted in the substantial growth of the firm’s corporate space.
Through his sporting connections, Simon also has a strong reputation as an industry leader for professional sportsmen and women, representing sporting players and companies involved in various professional sporting federations and leagues.
Outside of work
Simon is a former representative golfer and still enjoys a round most weeks. An avid sports enthusiast, you’ll find him kicking back with a red wine if there’s a good game on.
Hanan Salib is our Mortgage Broker with a 10+ years’ experience is the finance industry
Professional Experience
Hanan has been a Mortgage Consultant and home loan expert since 2009. Since then Hanan has been supporting local customers with their finance to purchase, refinance and/or build their home or investment property.
Hanan started her career as a Mortgage Consultant with Astute financials then moved to Mortgage Choice in 2011 and she also had the chance in 2018 to join Better Choice Home Loans as a part of the scenario and credit team.
She is from a multicultural background which support her to understand her clients’ financials needs and objectives and operate to achieve them.
Core Skills
Qualifications
Credit Representative 523154 is authorised under Australian Credit Licence 389238
Tom joined the Simmons Livingstone & Associates team to lead the financial planning division beside Sam Young in 2015. The addition of this professional service to the already successful accounting, taxation and business advisory has undoubtedly enriched the SLA client experience.
Tom has a passion for providing quality advice and exceptional customer service. He is driven by the ability to fundamentally change a client’s future for the better.
Tom brings a wealth of professional experience to the table and his core skill set is:
By building strong relationships, he helps people understand what it is that they desire and assists in crafting and executing the plan to get there.
Tom holds a bachelor of commerce from Griffith University with a double major in Finance & Financial Planning.
Kris has over 15 years of experience in the accounting and taxation industry, with his initial years spent with WHK Group and PKF before co-founding Simmons Livingstone & Associates. As partner, Kris has steered the firm to success, being instrumental in expanding the firm’s client base and subsequent recruitment to increase the professional team size.
At work
He brings extensive experience within various areas of business services and compliance and has a proven track record of success with clients from various sectors. Not only is Kris an exceptionally valuable asset to the firm, but his business advice is also invaluable for professional service clients from a financial perspective.
Professionally, Kris focuses on:
He has significant experience in business development and growth and adopts a proactive approach to helping clients and their businesses. Kris is a forward-thinking person dedicated to providing his clients with the best possible outcome in all situations. With a keen eye for detail, he ensures nothing is overlooked so that client outcomes are maximised.
Outside of work
Kris has a young family and lives on the northern end of the Gold Coast. Outside of work, when he’s not spending valuable time with the family, you’ll find him on the golf course or sampling a brew with the guys.
Sam is one of our Financial Planning Partners and joined the Simmons Livingstone & Associates team in 2015.
Sam has a passion for helping people and provides simple but effective financial strategies to improve his clients’ financial positions. He inspires his clients to take control of their lives and enjoy their time as much as possible.
Sam brings his professional experience, education and knowledge to the table and his core skill set is:
By building strong relationships, he helps people understand their end game and helps to work backwards and put together the building blocks to achieve this.
Sam holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Griffith University with a double major in Accounting & Financial Planning.
Wayne Milner is our lead Mortgage Broker with a lifetime worth of finance industry experience.
Professional Experience
Wayne embarked on his finance career with ANZ Banking Group Ltd in 1970.
Wayne quickly climbed the corporate ladder, and subsequently secured a number of notable senior leadership positions including being the Owner and Managing Director of Northern City Finance before joining the Brokerage firm of Terrain as their Chief Executive Officer, in 2003.
In his experience, Wayne has gained a plethora of core skills and now specialises in applying these skills to help our customers obtain finance for a fair deal.
Core Skills
Qualifications
Credit Representative 523154 is authorised under Australian Credit Licence 389238
Mark holds an Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning and is currently undertaking university studies in Financial Planning.
He has 15 years’ experience in the Financial Services profession, building his experience through previous roles working for a major bank, national accounting firm and stockbroking firm.
Mark is experienced in providing tailored personal advice, including personal insurance, superannuation, wealth creation, investment portfolio construction, retirement planning, social security and estate planning.
Mark’s focus is on providing his clients with personalised advice tailored to improve their overall financial wellbeing.
Mark enjoys spending time with his young family, is a keen sportsman – an avid touch football player (both state and national representative) and played rugby league, cricket, basketball and soccer in his youth but is now a self-proclaimed armchair expert.
Amelia holds a Diploma of Financial Planning, Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Psychology.
For over two years, Amelia has been heavily involved in completing research and providing the financial modelling that is included in the Statement of Advice presented to clients.
One of her main responsibilities as a Paraplanner at Simmons Livingstone & Associates is to ensure the financial advice presented to clients is in line with ASIC and licensee standards.
Amelia hopes to continue growing within her role and ensuring each client is well looked after.
When Amelia is not hard at work, she loves staying active and spending time outdoors with her husband and two German Shepherds. She is also currently in training for a triathlon and is broadening her horizons by getting involved in Muay Thai training.
Ted began his career by studying the Bachelor of Commerce and subsequently his Diploma of Financial Planning and completing his FASEA Financial Planner Exam.
Beginning his career working at one of the big 4 banks in Australia, Ted worked in the Financial Advice industry since 2015 before moving to the financial planning arm of a multinational insurance company.
Since working as a paraplanner as well as directly as an Adviser at Simmons Livingstone & Associates, Ted has developed strong technical knowledge of tax planning, investment management, wealth protection and investment structuring.
He plans to continue working closely with his fellow advisers to help create advice that will help to optimise his client’s situations and ensure that they are on the right path for the future.
Ted likes to spend his spare time at the beach or hinterland with his wife and daughter.
Jess began her career by studying the Bachelor of Business majoring in Financial Planning and subsequent certificates in Business Administration.
Jess’ passion for Financial Planning sparked when she was working as a Sole Practitioner Adviser and later within a client service role.
Since then, Jess has been a vital part of our Newcastle office and is well-renowned among our clients for her thoughtful assistance, professional relationships and her depth of financial knowledge.
When Jess looks to the future, she hopes to continue developing her skills and progress towards the strategy side of financial advice.
Jess is married with three children, and spends most of her spare time with her family. She also enjoys treating herself from time to time and going out on a shopping spree.
