The Strategy Stacker - Luke Talks Money

By Luke SmithSociety & Culture Business Education Kids & Family Investing

The Strategy Stacker - Luke Talks Money episodes

May 20, 2024Luke on 2CC – Should you start a pension from super before EOFY?
Financial Planner Luke Smith joined 2CC Talking Canberra 1206AM in Money Matters, which aired live on Friday 17 May 2024. This show considers when the best time to start a pension from super is. With the end of financial year just around the corner, should you start a pension from super before 30 June? Most people look forward to their retirement, but many don’t start their retirement planning until they’re ready to retire. The danger with that is you might miss out on some strategic financial planning opportunities that can better help you get set up for life after work. So start sooner! Thank you for joining us live on 2CC or your favourite podcast streaming service.
Key topics covered include:
If you decide to start a pension before 30 June, do it sooner than later, some funds only process pension payments twice a month.
One reason to start a pension is to reduce your hours at work and top up your income from your super (transition to retirement).
If you have multiple jobs, you can give up one and trigger access to your super (ceased a form a gainful employment over age of 60).
Contributing back to super might offer you a tax deduction, concessional contributions, catch up contributions might be considered.
You might use pension payments to fund a tax deductible super contribution This could offset tax on a capital gain caused by the sale of an asset.
You might also use a pension to lower your super balance in order to contribute more to super.
What are the pros and cons of starting a pension before June 30?
Luke shares his top tips about starting a pension before June 30.
https://www.envisionfinancial.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/The-Strategy-Stacker-Luke-Talks-Money-17052024.mp3

This podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – ‘The Strategy Stacker – Luke Talks Money’

Have you thought about your retirement planning?
Seek advice if you need help to turn your superannuation into pension payments for your retirement. There’s pro’s and con’s to consider depending upon your goals. Also think about when you’ll start your pension.
Luke as a Financial Planner can help you set up a financial planning strategy to help you achieve your personal financial goals, including investment, super and retirement. Make an appointment to confidentially discuss your goals. Call Envision Financial Services on 6260 4749. You can use the contact us form to make an appointment, for a confidential discussion about your situation.
Luke will return to 2CC to talk about other ‘Money Matters’ next week. You can catch up with ‘The Strategy Stacker – Luke Talks Money’ podcast at a time that suits you.
We look forward to your company again and Luke’s book Smart Money Strategy is out now.
19 min
May 12, 2024Luke on 2CC – Should I contribute to super before 30 June?
Financial Planner Luke Smith joined 2CC Talking Canberra 1206AM in Money Matters, which aired live on Friday 10 May 2024. This show encourages listeners to consider if they should make a contribution to their superannuation fund before 30 June 2024. The end of financial year is just around the corner and many people are thinking about their tax planning. A superannuation contribution may provide you with a tax deduction if you’re looking for one, as well as help boost your super savings for your retirement. Thank you for joining us live on 2CC or your favourite podcast streaming service.
Key topics covered include:
Making a super contribution shouldn’t be last minute, if you miss the deadline, it won’t apply this financial year.
What are 3 strategic reasons you might want to make a contribution to super before 30 June?
How much can you contribute to super, what’s the limit?
How do you make a contribution to super and claim a tax deduction?
Don’t forget your ‘Notice of intent to claim a tax deduction’ and give it to your super fund. Without it, your super fund won’t know you want to claim a tax deduction for it when it comes time to doing your tax return.
What are the concessional catch-up rules?
Can you put money into super and not claim a tax deduction? Why might you do that?
Are there any cons to making a contribution to your super before 30 June?
Luke shares his top tips about making a contribution to super before the end of the financial year.
https://www.envisionfinancial.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/The-Strategy-Stacker-Luke-Talks-Money-10052024.mp3

This podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – ‘The Strategy Stacker – Luke Talks Money’

Have you thought about your end of financial year planning?
There are some strategic reasons to make a contribution t your super before 30 June to claim a tax deduction. Super can be complex, seek advice if you need assistance and don’t leave your contribution too late!
Luke as a Financial Planner can help you set up a financial planning strategy to help you achieve your personal financial goals, including investment, super and retirement. Make an appointment to confidentially discuss your goals. Call Envision Financial Services on 6260 4749. You can use the contact us form to make an appointment, for a confidential discussion about your situation.
Luke will return to 2CC to talk about other ‘Money Matters’ next week. You can catch up with ‘The Strategy Stacker – Luke Talks Money’ podcast at a time that suits you.
We look forward to your company again and Luke’s book Smart Money Strategy is out now.
19 min
May 05, 2024Luke on 2CC – What is the Centrelink Income Test?
Financial Planner Luke Smith joined 2CC Talking Canberra 1206AM in Money Matters, which aired on Friday 3 May 2024. This show explores the Centrelink Income Test as it applies to Centrelink Age Pension entitlements in Australia. If this show is of interest, you should listen to last weeks show too – What is the Centrelink Asset Test? The asset test will also be considered to assess your eligibility for retirement income support. It pays to understand both tests before you retire so you have certainty about your retirement income. Thank you for joining us live on 2CC or your favourite podcast streaming service.
Key topics covered include:
The age to access your super and the age to get the aged pension are not the same!
You can access super at your ‘preservation age’ (generally 60 or 55 if you transition to retirement earlier and are still working).
You can apply for and access the Centrelink Age Pension from the age of 67.
What is the Centrelink Income Test?
What sources of income does the income test include?
Remember if you’re part of a couple, your partner’s income is also considered.
How much income can you earn and still get the full aged pension?
Deeming is also considered as income from certain assets you have.
How does downsizing and selling your home impact your income test if you buy something smaller to live in?
Can you have a part aged pension from the Centrelink?
Is there a sweet spot to get some income from the aged pension and other sources like investment and super?
Luke shares his top tips when thinking about applying for the aged pension and the Centrelink Income Test.
See last week’s show for information about the Centrelink Asset Test.
https://www.envisionfinancial.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/The-Strategy-Stacker-Luke-Talks-Money-03052024.mp3

This podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – ‘The Strategy Stacker – Luke Talks Money’

Are you progressing your own retirement plans?
The Centrelink Income Test is one of the tests used to assess your eligibility to receive an aged pension entitlement in Australia. Retirement planning helps you consider how Centrelink works and provides you with greater certainty at retirement. Seek advice if you need help.
Luke as a Financial Planner can help you set up a financial planning strategy to help you achieve your personal financial goals, including investment, super and retirement. Make an appointment to confidentially discuss your goals. Call Envision Financial Services on 6260 4749. You can use the contact us form to make an appointment, for a confidential discussion about your situation.
Luke will return to 2CC to talk about other ‘Money Matters’ next week. You can catch up with ‘The Strategy Stacker – Luke Talks Money’ podcast at a time that suits you.
We look forward to your company again and Luke’s book Smart Money Strategy is out now.
19 min
April 29, 2024Luke on 2CC – What is the Centrelink Asset Test?
Financial Planner Luke Smith joined 2CC Talking Canberra 1206AM in Money Matters, which aired on Friday 26 April 2024. This show explores a complex topic around retirement. What is the Centrelink Asset Test and how does it work? Centrelink can be a challenging organisation to deal with. A good retirement plan however will consider how income support provided by the Government can fund your life after work, along with any income from your super. Thanks for joining us live on 2CC or your favourite podcast streaming service.
Key topics covered include:
What is the Centrelink asset test for the aged pension?
Which test is used – The asset test or the income test?
Is your family home exempt from the Centrelink asset test?
How does the asset test work for singles vs couples, home owners vs non-home owners
Can you spend money to lower your assets under the test? Consider spending money on your family home it’s an exempt asset!
What is deeming and how does it apply to your assets under the Centrelink rules?
Do you need to update your assets with Centrelink as time moves on?
If I’m not eligible for the aged pension right now, will I be eligible if my circumstances change?
Luke shares his top tips when thinking about applying for the aged pension and the Centrelink asset test.
https://www.envisionfinancial.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-Strategy-Stacker-Luke-Talks-Money-26042024.mp3

Also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – ‘The Strategy Stacker – Luke Talks Money’

Have you thought about your own retirement plans?
The asset test is one test Centrelink will use to assess your eligibility for an aged pension. Seeking financial advice can help you make strategic decisions around how to plan your retirement income to get the best outcome for your situation.
Luke as a Financial Planner can help you set up a financial planning strategy to help you achieve your personal financial goals, including investment, super and retirement. Make an appointment to confidentially discuss your goals. Call Envision Financial Services on 6260 4749. You can use the contact us form to make an appointment, for a confidential discussion about your situation.
Luke will return to 2CC to talk about other ‘Money Matters’ next week. You can also catch up with ‘The Strategy Stacker – Luke Talks Money’ podcast at a time that suits you.
We look forward to your company again and Luke’s book Smart Money Strategy is out now.
19 min
April 22, 2024Luke on 2CC – How to use ETFs to your advantage inside super?
Financial Planner Luke Smith joined 2CC Talking Canberra 1206AM in Money Matters, which aired on Friday 19 April 2024. This week’s show considers Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) inside super. ETFs are available in a variety of sectors and cater investors seeking diversified portfolios without the need for daily decision making. They can offer cost savings too. Thanks for joining us live on 2CC or your favourite podcast streaming service.
Key topics covered include:
What is an Exchange Traded Fund (ETF)?
Indexes come in many forms – a group off assets in a specific sector or a specific market.
How is an EFT different to a Managed Fund?
What are the cost differences?
How can you use ETFs to diversify your investments?
What is the internal cost ratio and why is it important?
What is the approved product list within the super fund?
Do all super funds offer ETFs?
Can you get franking credits in an Exchange Traded Fund?
Can you have a second fund and to hold ETFs if your existing fund doesn’t offer them?
Luke shares his top tips when thinking about exchange traded funds inside super.
https://www.envisionfinancial.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-Strategy-Stacker-Luke-Talks-Money-19042024.mp3

Also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – ‘The Strategy Stacker – Luke Talks Money’

Are ETFs part of your super and retirement plan?
Do you know what investments you hold inside your super? What are ETFs and could they be good investments to grow your retirement savings? Seek advice if you need help with your own super and retirement strategies.
Luke as a Financial Planner can help you set up a financial planning strategy to help you achieve your personal financial goals, including investment, super and retirement. Make an appointment to confidentially discuss your goals. Call Envision Financial Services on 6260 4749. You can use the contact us form to make an appointment, for a confidential discussion about your situation.
Luke will return to 2CC to talk about other ‘Money Matters’ soon. You can also catch up with ‘The Strategy Stacker – Luke Talks Money’ podcast at a time that suits you.
We look forward to your company again and Luke’s book Smart Money Strategy is out now.
19 min
April 15, 2024Luke on 2CC – PSS members Don’t miss out on a tax deduction!
Financial Planner Luke Smith joined 2CC Talking Canberra 1206AM in Money Matters, which aired on Friday 12 April 2024. Leon Delaney returns to the studio this week after his extended Easter break, lucky Leon! This week’s show considers misconceptions around The Public Sector Superannuation Scheme (PSS). Many government employees have a PSS Super or an equivalent military defined benefit account. Sadly, many PSS members are not making the most of their retirement savings options and this episode explores why. Thanks for joining us live on 2CC or your favourite podcast streaming service.
Key topics covered include:
What is the PSS?
How does the fund calculate your benefit?
Why is a your contribution important to this benefit?
Did you know you can make a contribution to another fund and get a tax deduction outside of PSS? Many PSS members miss out on a tax deduction!
What is the current tax deductible or Concessional Contribution Limit for this year? Did you know it’s rising to $30,000 on 1 July 2024?
How do I work out my Concessional Contribution Limit?
You also need to lodge your ‘Notice of Intent to claim a tax deduction’ for your contribution to super with the super fund you make the contribution too.
Are there other strategies you can use like Super Splitting which might help you retire sooner?
Luke shares his top tips when thinking about making the most of the PSS and your retirement.
https://www.envisionfinancial.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/12042024-The-Strategy-Stacker-Luke-Talks-Money.mp3

Also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – ‘The Strategy Stacker – Luke Talks Money’

Are you making the most of your super to plan for your retirement?
The PSS is complex as it’s a defined benefit scheme. You can however have a second super fund and make even greater contributions for your retirement. You may even get a tax deduction along the way! Seek advice if you need help.
Luke as a Financial Planner can help you set up a financial planning strategy to help you achieve your personal financial goals, including investment, super and retirement. Make an appointment to confidentially discuss your goals. Call Envision Financial Services on 6260 4749. You can use the contact us form to make an appointment, for a confidential discussion about your situation.
Luke will return to 2CC to talk about other ‘Money Matters’ soon. You can also catch up with ‘The Strategy Stacker – Luke Talks Money’ podcast at a time that suits you.
We look forward to your company again and Luke’s book Smart Money Strategy is out now.
18 min
April 08, 2024Luke on 2CC – Transfer balance cap, what you need to know!
Financial Planner Luke Smith joined 2CC Talking Canberra 1206AM in Money Matters, which aired on Friday 5 April 2024. We hope everyone had a Happy Easter, given there was no show last week. Nicole Overall joins Luke this week as Leon is on holidays. This week’s show considers the transfer balance cap. What is it and how does it affect your superannuation account? The show encourages listeners to think about their transfer balance cap when planning their retirement options. Thanks for joining us on 2CC or your favourite podcast streaming service.
Key topics covered include:
What is the transfer balance cap and does it get indexed?
The cap is currently $1.7 million but will rise to $1.9 million on 1 July 2024.
Are there differences between accumulation funds defined benefit funds with the cap? Yes there are!
What is the excess component and how much tax will you pay on it?
Do I get the full amount when indexation occurs?
Can I put more money into super when I reach my transfer balance cap?
Why the cap shouldn’t stop contributing to super!
Can you use your partner’s super if you reach your cap? Yes you can!
Can you still make a downsizer contribution if you’ve reached your transfer balance cap? Yes you can!
Luke shares his top tips when thinking about superannuation and transfer balance caps.
https://www.envisionfinancial.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-Strategy-Stacker-Luke-Talks-Money-05042024.mp3

Also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – ‘The Strategy Stacker – Luke Talks Money’

Do you need to consider the transfer balance cap as part of your planning?
No one wants to pay more tax than they’re required to at retirement. But the transfer balance cap might be preferable depending on your personal tax rate. Seek advice before you retire to understand your options.
Luke as a Financial Planner can help you set up a financial planning strategy to help you achieve your personal financial goals, including investment, super and retirement. Make an appointment to confidentially discuss your goals. Call Envision Financial Services on 6260 4749. You can use the contact us form to make an appointment, for a confidential discussion about your situation.
Luke will return to 2CC to talk about other ‘Money Matters’ soon. You can also catch up with ‘The Strategy Stacker – Luke Talks Money’ podcast at a time that suits you.
We look forward to your company again and Luke’s book Smart Money Strategy is out now.
19 min
March 25, 2024Luke on 2CC – Why put money in super and not leave it in your bank account?
Financial Planner Luke Smith joined 2CC Talking Canberra 1206AM in Money Matters, which aired on Friday 23 March 2024 with Leon Delaney. This week’s show considers contributing to super. Why would you put money into your super and not leave it in your bank account? The show encourages listeners to think about the benefits of super contributions including tax benefits and increased retirement savings. Thanks for joining us on 2CC or your favourite podcast streaming service.
Key topics covered include:
Many people don’t think about the structures that they use to save and invest.
Super is a great long-term vehicle, and a tax efficient vehicle too.
Why are you adding to super? It’s an important question. Are you lowering tax now, or working towards a longer term retirement goal?
Did you know you can hold investment property inside super? There are capital gains tax benefits for retirees when compared with an investment property outside of super.
How do estate planning considerations work in super? A spouse is always considered a dependent inside super and a binding nomination can’t be challenged like a will.
While super is useful, there are some reasons to keep the money in the bank too. Those reasons may be more advantageous for your goals.
Do a little something a little sooner, because despite what you might think you might not be able to contribute lots of money when you’re near retirement. Think about how super fits with your short and long-term financial planning.
Luke shares his top tips when thinking about contributing to super funds as well as the pro’s and cons of keeping it in the bank.
https://www.envisionfinancial.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/The-Strategy-Stacker-Luke-Talks-Money-23032024.mp3

Also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – ‘The Strategy Stacker – Luke Talks Money’

Are you making the most of your superannuation right now?
Should you put money into super or keep it in your bank account? If you need financial planning advice to help you work on your short and long-term goals, make an appointment to meet with Luke.
Luke as a Financial Planner can help you set up a financial planning strategy to help you achieve your personal financial goals, including investment, super and retirement. Make an appointment to confidentially discuss your goals. Call Envision Financial Services on 6260 4749. You can use the contact us form to make an appointment, for a confidential discussion about your situation.
Luke will return to 2CC to talk about other ‘Money Matters’ soon. You can also catch up with ‘The Strategy Stacker – Luke Talks Money’ podcast at a time that suits you.
We look forward to your company again and Luke’s book Smart Money Strategy is out now.
19 min
March 17, 2024Luke on 2CC – What to look for in a good super fund?
Financial Planner Luke Smith joined 2CC Talking Canberra 1206AM in Money Matters, which aired on Friday 15 March 2024 with Leon Delaney. This week’s show considers superannuation funds. What makes a good super fund and what makes a bad one? The show encourages listeners to consider their own retirement savings and make sure their fund is right for their needs. Thanks for joining us on 2CC or your favourite podcast streaming service.
Key topics covered include:
Are you in the right super vehicle for your needs? It’s like finding the right car.
It’s not just about price, price is only one factor to consider.
What investment option or investment menu do you have access to?
Franking credits also matter, are they paid back to you?
Insurance arrangements also differ between funds, with different waiting periods and different coverage rates.
How does the fund charge the fees? Don’t forget about the ICR of the fund.
Income distributions also occur differently between different types of funds.
Luke shares his top tips when comparing funds.
https://www.envisionfinancial.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/The-Strategy-Stacker-Luke-Talks-Money-15032024.mp3

Also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – ‘The Strategy Stacker – Luke Talks Money’

Are you in the right super fund to help you reach your retirement goals?
Superannuation can be complex. If you need help to assess your fund and confirm it is the right option for your needs now and into the future, seek personal financial planning advice.
Luke as a Financial Planner can help you set up a financial planning strategy to help you achieve your personal financial goals, including investment, super and retirement. Make an appointment to confidentially discuss your goals. Call Envision Financial Services on 6260 4749. You can use the contact us form to make an appointment, for a confidential discussion about your situation.
Luke will return to 2CC to talk about other ‘Money Matters’ soon. You can also catch up with ‘The Strategy Stacker – Luke Talks Money’ podcast at a time that suits you.
We look forward to your company again and Luke’s book Smart Money Strategy is out now.
18 min
March 12, 2024Luke on 2CC – How to invest in strong markets and record prices?
Financial Planner Luke Smith joined 2CC Talking Canberra 1206AM in Money Matters, which aired on Friday 8 March 2024 with Leon Delaney. This week’s show considers investing in the current environment – how to invest when there are strong markets and record prices. The show encourages listeners to consider investing new money when the share market is rallying like it is right now. Thanks for joining us on 2CC or your favourite podcast streaming service.
Key topics covered include:
Share markets here and around the world are strong at the moment, and interest rates may have peaked
There’s been a strong reporting period by companies
Consider the dollar cost averaging strategy to stager your investments in
Remember, when you’re not invested, your not receiving investment dividends or returns
Fundamentally, you need to think about why you’re investing it before you make any investment
How much cash should you hold in an investment portfolio? Think about the right asset allocation for your own risk profile and needs.
Don’t forget about time in the marketing and the benefits of compounding
What about dividend re-investment plans?
Don’t forget about dividend payments, they will lower the share price when they happen
Luke shares his top tips around thinking about investing given the current market conditions.
https://www.envisionfinancial.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/The-Strategy-Stacker-Luke-Talks-Money-08032024.mp3

Also available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – ‘The Strategy Stacker – Luke Talks Money’

Are you happy with your own investment plans or do you need help?
Many investors worry about investing in strong investment markets. Seeking financial planning advice can help you by creating an investment asset allocation that fits with your risk appetite. Make an appointment with Luke if you need help.
Luke as a Financial Planner can help you set up a financial planning strategy to help you achieve your personal financial goals, including investment, super and retirement. Make an appointment to confidentially discuss your goals. Call Envision Financial Services on 6260 4749. You can use the contact us form to make an appointment, for a confidential discussion about your situation.
Luke will return to 2CC to talk about other ‘Money Matters’ soon. You can also catch up with ‘The Strategy Stacker – Luke Talks Money’ podcast at a time that suits you.
We look forward to your company again and Luke’s book Smart Money Strategy is out now.
19 min

About The Strategy Stacker - Luke Talks Money

From the publisher's feed

Luke Smith is The Strategy Stacker. He's an experienced financial planner and each Friday afternoon talks about money with Leon Delaney on 2CC Talking Canberra. Luke's down to earth approach breaks…