Our Services

Retirement Planning

It is evident, that those who plan for retirement, are more likely to enjoy a retirement lifestyle 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.

The earlier this is put in place, the better.

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 it 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.

Ask a Question

Life Insurance

Life insurance is not merely a cost, though it often feels like it. It is peace-of-mind that if a nasty surprise happens in your life, 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 cannot 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.

• Do you have a mortgage?
• Do you have school fees?
• Do you have any personal loans?
• Do you have any credit card debt?
• Do you have dependents?
• Would your financial position be affected if you were to suffer from an illness or injury?
• 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?

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.

Ask a Question

Superannuation

The Australian Superannuation system is one of the most advanced and complex in the world. Not only is it inherently complex, but the legislation surrounding it continues to change. No wonder Australians, just like you, find it difficult to understand how it relates to them and how to use superannuation to maximise their retirement nest egg.

So many questions:

• How much is enough for retirement?
• Self managed, retail or Industry fund, which super fund is right for me?
• How do I structure my superannuation assets?
• What are the trade-offs when I contribute?
• How do I make my contributions tax deductible?
• How do I use Superannuation to reduce my overall tax burden?
• How does my superannuation relate to my family and estate plan?

These are just some of the questions we find solutions to for clients every day. Superannuation is not simple, but together we can develop a strategy to ensure your superannuation is properly structured with a strategy to get you where you want to be in life.

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. XX can help you implement the right strategies to help you achieve your long term financial objectives.

Ask a Question

SMSFs

Setting up a Self-Managed Superannuation Fund is a major financial decision. We understand that you’re busy and that the SMSF rules are complicated. We will provide you with an end to end solution giving you access to all the support and expertise you need to ensure your SMSF is well managed and compliant.

A SMSF can have many advantages but, equally, you need to consider the reasons why a SMSF may not suit your needs. We can help you decide if this is the right option for you.

Advantages of a SMSF:

Having control of your retirement savings can lead to a deeper understanding of how your overall wealth is tracking, and gives you more confidence in your investment and lifestyle decisions.

You can have access to a broader range of investments. You can invest in the usual options such as shares, term deposits, managed funds and property but you can also hold alternative assets such as artwork, jewellery, antiques, and wine. There are though, very strict rules on holding the latter assets in your self-managed super fund.

You retain control while still being able to take advice from your advisors.

Beneficial tax planning strategies.

Greater flexibility for accessing Centrelink benefits such as the age pension.

But a SMSF is not for everyone:

If you have set up a self-managed super fund (SMSF), you are in charge and you make the investment decisions for the fund. You must also be aware that you are responsible for complying with superannuation and tax laws, maintaining records, providing financial statements, completing tax returns and organising an annual independent audit.

You also need time and expertise to run your SMSF.

Compliance is very important.

There can be up to 4 Trustees and their thoughts and ideas have to be included.

The ATO offers advice on the responsibilities of having a SMSF.

Plouto offers advice on all SMSF services, including:

• The setting up of a SMSF and all administration tasks such as preparation of your trust deed and the completion and lodgement of relevant ATO statements.
• Superannuation consolidation.
• Ensuring your SMSF is compliant with current superannuation laws and regulations
• Advice on life and disability Insurance options.
• If there is more than one member in your SMSF, we can offer advice on what will happen in the event of ill health, death, relationship breakdown, or waning interest.
• Advice regarding Investment in Property
• Appointment of Trustees
• Audit of your SMSF

Ask a Question

Investment Strategies

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.

Ask a Question

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.

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.

Ask a Question

Income Protection

At Plouto, we understand the importance of securing your financial future, even when life takes unexpected turns. Our Income Protection Service is designed to help you safeguard your income, ensuring that you can maintain your lifestyle and financial commitments in the face of unforeseen circumstances.

What We Offer:

• Needs Assessment
• Insurance Policy Recommendations
• Personalized Planning
• Risk Management Strategies
• Ongoing Support and Review
• Education and Resources

With our Income Protection Service, you can have peace of mind knowing that your income is protected, allowing you to focus on achieving your personal and professional goals.

Ask a Question

Finance Solutions

At Plouto, we understand that financial well-being is essential for achieving your life goals. Our Personalized Financial Planning service is designed to provide you with comprehensive financial solutions tailored to your unique situation.

Our expertise includes the following:

• Comprehensive Assessment
• Investment Strategy Development Retirement Planning
• Debt Management
• Tax Planning
• Estate Planning

Ask a Question