First Home Buying
Government Schemes, Grants & Stamp Duty for First Home Buyers
Stacking a stamp duty exemption with the First Home Guarantee can save a buyer $40,000 or more before settlement. Here's how it fits together.
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Notes on Planning Decisions
Straightforward explanations of the rules, fees, and trade-offs that come up most often — written for people making the decision, not for other advisers.
Hayes Partners Monthly
Monthly, practical notes on superannuation, retirement and planning decisions. General information only, no product pitches, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Browse by Topic
Category
First Home Buying
- First Home Buying
Government Schemes, Grants & Stamp Duty for First Home Buyers
Stacking a stamp duty exemption with the First Home Guarantee can save a buyer $40,000 or more before settlement. Here's how it fits together.
- First Home Buying
How to Save for First Home Deposit – Advice from Financial Adviser
A 5% deposit, a genuine savings test and your marginal tax rate all change how fast your money should grow and where it should be. Here's the…
- First Home Buying
Are You Financially Ready to Buy Your First Home?
A 5% deposit sound workable? But what about buffer or thresholds? Here's what first home buying readiness really means.
Category
2026 Budget
- 2026 Budget
Are Trusts Still Tax Effective After the 2026 Budget?
Are trusts still tax effective after the 2026 Budget? Learn how the new 30% trust tax affects investors, families, and wealth structures.
- 2026 Budget
Super Balances Over $3 Million: Should High-Net-Worth Australians Rethink Their Strategy?
Learn how the 2026 Budget affects super balances above $3 million and whether high-net-worth Australians should rethink their wealth strategy.
- 2026 Budget
How the New Capital Gains Tax Rules Affect Property Investors
Explore how the 2026 CGT and negative gearing changes affect property investors, after-tax returns, portfolio strategy, and housing demand.
- 2026 Budget
2026 Negative Gearing Changes Explained
Free personal care, more aged care places, dementia funding, and new accommodation deposit rules could affect future care costs and planning.
- 2026 Budget
Shares, ETFs & Crypto: How the 2026 Budget Changes Capital Gains Tax
Learn how the proposed 2026 CGT reforms could affect shares, ETFs, and crypto, including inflation indexation, portfolio rebalancing, and tax outcomes.
- 2026 Budget
SMSF Strategies After the 2026 Australian Federal Budget
Discover how the 2026 Budget affects SMSFs, including CGT, property, trust reforms, diversification opportunities, and super planning strategies.
Category
Insurance
- Insurance
How Your Age Dictates Your Insurance in Super
How does age affect your super insurance? Learn about age-based vs. fixed cover, declining TPD scales, and why your protection might decrease as you get…
Category
Retirement
- Retirement
Transition to Retirement Strategy Explained
Reach age 60 and keep working? A Transition to Retirement (TTR) strategy can help you reduce hours or save on tax. Learn the 4–10% withdrawal rules and…
- Retirement
Retirement Planning for Couples
Are you and your partner retirement-ready? Discover how to align your lifestyle goals, optimise joint super, and manage long-term costs for a secure…
- Retirement
Your Guide to Retirement Pension Options
Confused between the Age Pension, super pensions, or annuities? Explore Australia’s retirement income options to maximise your tax benefits and financial…
- Retirement
Mental, Emotional & Lifestyle Planning for Retirement
Sorted your super but worried about boredom? Learn how to mentally prepare for retirement by building a new identity, routine, and social life beyond your…
- Retirement
How Much Super Do You Need To Retire
Is $500K enough to retire? How much do you need to live comfortably? People transitioning to retirement can get their answers here.
- Retirement
Downsizing Your Home For Retirement
Thinking of downsizing? Learn how the $300K super contribution works, the impact on your Age Pension, and the hidden costs of moving in 2026.
Category
Superannuation & SMSF
- Superannuation & SMSF
SMSF Investment Trends: Who Uses Them, How Big They Are, and Where the Money Goes
A data-driven look at the ATO SMSF statistics. See who runs SMSFs, how big they are, where they invest, and what this means for your retirement plan.
- Superannuation & SMSF
Women & Super Gap Awareness
Understand the gender super gap in Australia, why it exists, and take away strategies women can use to improve retirement outcomes inside and outside SMSFs…
- Superannuation & SMSF
Tax Benefits of Super Contributions for 2025–26
A clear 2025–26 guide to the tax benefits of super contributions. Covers deductions, 15% contributions tax, co-contribution, LISTO, spouse offsets, and…
- Superannuation & SMSF
Superannuation Death Benefits
Your 2025–26 guide to superannuation death benefits covering who can receive them, how they are taxed, nominations, SMSFs, and estate planning for…
- Superannuation & SMSF
Super for the Self-Employed (Guide for Business Owners & Contractors)
A 2025–26 guide to super for the self-employed covering how much to contribute, tax deductions, co-contribution, structures, SMSFs, and retirement planning…
- Superannuation & SMSF
Super Contribution Rules 2025 & 2026
Clear guide to Australian super contribution rules for 2025–26 covering caps, age and work-test rules, SG rates, bring-forward, catch-up, and downsizer…
Category
Inheritance
- Inheritance
Overview of Inheritance and Estate Planning in Australia
Learn how Australian inheritance works, what lies in an estate, super death benefits, probate, key tax rules, and dispute risks for NSW families.
- Inheritance
Tax Considerations for Beneficiaries in Australia
Understand tax considerations for beneficiaries in Australia. Learn how income tax, capital gains tax, and superannuation rules can apply to inherited…
- Inheritance
Understanding Inheritance Tax in Australia
An explanation of inheritance tax in Australia, covering current law, related taxes, estate administration, superannuation, capital gains tax, and…
- Inheritance
Wills, Executors & Probate
Understand the definition of wills, executors, and probate in NSW. Learn about signing & witness rules, revocation, court rectification, storage & access…
- Inheritance
Gifting vs Inheriting in Australia
Understand the differences between gifting and inheriting. Learn when each option makes sense and how to avoid common mistakes when passing on assets.
- Inheritance
Why You Need Financial Advice After Receiving an Inheritance
Inheritance can trigger CGT, super death benefit tax, Centrelink changes, and family issues. Learn how advice helps you protect and invest your windfall.
Category
Financial Planner
- Financial Planner
The Importance of Financial Adviser Regulation and Licensing in Australia
Understand ASIC, AFSL, and professional standards in Australia, why they protect advice clients, how to verify an adviser, and what to expect from…
- Financial Planner
AFP and CFP Designations – Understanding Financial Adviser Qualifications
AFP® and CFP® explained for Australian clients. Who awards them, what each credential means, how the marks must appear, and how to verify an adviser’s…
- Financial Planner
Local Financial Services in Sutherland Shire
Financial advice close to home, grounded in Sutherland Shire realities – suburbs, commuting, property, retirement, and services – so your plan fits how you…
- Financial Planner
Financial Planner vs Financial Adviser – What’s The Difference?
Understand planning vs advice, titles, licensing, documents, costs, independence rules, and how to choose a licensed professional in NSW with the right…
- Financial Planner
Independent vs Institution‑Linked Financial Advisers in Australia: Definitions, Differences, and How to Choose
Legal definitions, product access, fees, conflicts, pros and cons, and a practical checklist to choose well between independent and institution-linked…
- Financial Planner
Online Financial Planning Services in Australia – How to Choose Safely
Learn when online advice makes sense, how security works, what to discuss on video vs in‑person, documents to prepare, and a decision checklist for NSW…
