Beneficiaries beware

Article Abstract:

Same-sex couples in Australia have great opportunities for accumulating wealth, but in estate planning things are complicated as they are especially vulnerable to superannuation, or retirement, death benefit trustees over-riding the beneficiary choice. The laws specify appropriate beneficiaries for distribution with payments free of tax. They can be a spouse, children under 18, and any financial dependents, which might be an ex-spouse, parents, or siblings. A de facto, common-law, heterosexual spouse is acceptable under the law for tax-free distribution, while a same-sex partner is not. Financial dependency and its standing depends on the stand the courts are taking at any given time. Few financial planners specialize in services for gay/lesbian couples. Lawyers suggest an agreement like a pre-nuptual agreement.

author: Case, Toni
Pension, health, and welfare funds, Pension Funds & Benefit Plans, Pension Funds, Other Justice, Public Order, and Safety Activities, Administration of Human Resource Programs (except Education, Public Health, and Veterans' Affairs Programs), Retirement Benefits, Old Age & Survivors Insurance, Equal Protection-Other, Homosexuals, Laws, regulations and rules, Equal protection, Beneficiaries, Gay couples, Survivors' benefits

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In the money

Article Abstract:

Three Australian professional traders with different approaches start with portfolios of $100,000 each. Over a 12-month period, using equities-trading and perhaps short-selling they compete. One seeks fundamentals and is up $2920 after a month, being only 40% invested while waiting for half-yearly reports and saying any individual can follow this plan. Another uses a technical approach, with the help of software from ShareFinder, of which he is managing director, and is up $325. A third, a short-seller, is a trend-follower and is up $955. Portfolios shown in tables.

author: Case, Toni
Prepackaged software, Investment advice, Securities Investment Advice, Planning, Computer software industry, Software industry, Software, Product information, Securities industry, Investment advisers, Personal finance software

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Dollar doldrums: does the mayhem have a mastermind?

Article Abstract:

This article examines the fall of the Australian dollar and its impact on the Australian economy in general. Reasons for the decline of the Australian economy include lack of incentives for foreign investors, including an unappealing image of Australia, and suggests ways to entice international investors back.

author: Case, Toni
Methods, Evaluation, Financial management, Dollar (Australia)

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subjects list: Statistical Data Included, Management, Australia, Personal finance, Investments
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