Christmas is just around the corner, along with a hectic round of parties, etc.  To start 2018 fit and refreshed, rather than financially flattened, here's a 7-step plan to consider for managing your upcoming expenses: 1.  Create a budget Use a spreadsheet to work out how much you can afford to spend on gifts, holiday, food and drink and STICK TO IT. 2.  Be sensible with your gifts Talk to family and friends about setting a do...

After a business loan - MCKFS are finance and mortgage brokers As an accredited member of Plan Australia MCKFS has access to many lenders. One of our lenders currently has the following on offer for their small business loans (available until 9 December 2017): Business Essentials Variable Rate of 4.45% pa (residential or commercial security) One flat establishment fee of $800 Loan valuation fee waived 100% loan offset account For new bank loans up to...

AUSTRALIAN TAXATION OFFICE SCAM ALERTS Everyone needs to be wary of anybody calling from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) requesting payment of any outstanding tax debt or requesting their bank account details for crediting a tax return refund. MCKFS Total Service Clients (TSC) should request the person's contact details, and then immediately phone our office (1300 261 373), so that we can assess whether or not the phone call is legitimate. All MCKFS TSC tax ...

Changes to the Age Pension Assets Test commenced 1 January 2017, and may reduce your Age Pension payment. Following is a summary of the main points of the changes: Only the Assets Tests has been changed - there are no changes to the Income Test. Be aware that your Age Pension payment is determined by completing the Assets Test and the Income Test for your particular financial circumstances, and which ever Test provides the lowest payment w...

Introduction Unfortunately, the vast majority of people do not understand what Trauma insurance covers, and why they should have it. This article attempts to explain what Trauma insurance covers, and why most of us should have at least some Trauma cover, by detailing one of my client's recent Trauma insurance claim experience. For privacy purposes, I have changed the client's personal details, however, the facts about the insurance cover and claims process have not been...