Detail on what the second stimulus package means to your hip pocket, Centrelink payments and staff retention.
The announcements for individuals, retirees, households and employers:
Temporary early release of superannuation for those in need
Reducing the minimum drawdown rates for superannuation income streams for the 2019/20 and 2020/21 years
Reducing the deeming rates by a further 0.25%
An additional $750 lump sum for pensioners and concession card holders
Additional income support payments for the unemployed
Keeping staff employed
NB: There is another article on our site that covers details of Stage 1 of the Government's Covid-19 stimulus package.
Release of super funds:
The Federal Government has decided to allow financially stressed people to access $10,000 tax free of their super fund this financial year and $10,000 next financial year.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg made the announcement on Sunday as part of a broader $66 billion stimulus package to mitigate the fallout from the outbreak that has killed more than 13,000 people worldwide and is tipped to plunge the global economy into a recession.
“These extraordinary times demand extraordinary measures,” the treasurer said in a statement. “The government is taking unprecedented action to strengthen the safety net available to Australians that are stood down or lose their jobs and increasing support for small businesses that do it tough over the next six months.”
Eligibility: One of the following requirements must be satisfied for the early release of super:
You are unemployed; or
You are eligible to receive a job seeker payment, youth allowance for jobseekers, parenting payment, special benefit or farm household allowance; or
On or after 1 January 2020:
You were made redundant; or
Your working hours were reduced by 20 per cent or more; or
If you are a sole trader – your business was suspended or there was a reduction in your turnover of 20 per cent or more.
If eligible, individuals can apply directly to the ATO via MyGov (www.my.gov.au) and will be required to certify that they meet the eligibility criteria. The ATO will then issue a determination and contact the super fund directly to release the money.
It is anticipated that payments will be available from mid-April. Payments will be received tax free and will have no impact on existing income support payments.
Reduction of minimum pension drawdown requirements
As we saw in the Global Financial Crisis (GFC), a temporary reduction to the minimum payment rules will apply for superannuation income streams to assist retirees who would otherwise be forced to sell down assets to meet their minimum pension.
For the 2019/20 and 2020/21 financial years, the minimum drawdown rates will be:
Deeming rates.
Further to the recent decrease in deeming rates announced earlier this month, the Government will reduce deeming rates by another 0.25% from 1 May 2020. The new rates are provided in the table below.
Additional $750 lump sum payment
Two separate lump sum payments will now be available to eligible social security, veteran and other income support recipients and eligible concession card holders as follows:
Payment one – available to those eligible income support recipients and concession card holders at any time between 12 March 2020 and 12 April 2020.
Payment two – available to eligible payment recipients and concession card holders on 10 July 2020.
The two lump sum payments will be received tax free and will not impact existing income support payments.
The payment will be made automatically from July 13 to about 5 million Australians, including those receiving the age pension, a carers allowance or family tax benefit and Commonwealth senior card holders.
For payment one, the qualifying payments and concession cards are as follows:
To be eligible for payment two, the same list applies EXCEPT if you are entitled to the Coronavirus Supplement (explained below).
Additional income support for the unemployed and faster access
The Government will introduce the Coronavirus Supplement, a $550 per fortnight payment available for the next six months to eligible payment recipients. Additionally, access to income support will be expanded and the claims process accelerated to ensure timely payments for those in need.
Eligibility: The payment categories eligible to receive the Coronavirus Supplement are:
Jobseeker Payment (including all the payments that are currently moving to Jobseeker Payment)
Youth Allowance Jobseeker
Parenting Payment
Farm Household Allowance
Special Benefit recipients
While the Coronavirus Supplement is available (temporary measure for approximately six months), the Government will expand access to income support (such as Jobseeker Payment) to:
Permanent employees who are stood down/lose their job
Sole traders/self employed
Casual workers
Contract workers
The standard allowance income test must be met however the assets test that normally applies to allowances (ie $1 over the asset test threshold results in no payment) will be waived for the Coronavirus Supplement period.
Some waiting periods will also be reduced or waived. The standard one week Ordinary Waiting Period, the Liquid Assets Waiting Period (LAWP) and the Seasonal Work Preclusion Period will all be waived.
How to apply: The Government is encouraging all applications to be made online or over the phone if internet access is not available. Measures have been adopted to accelerate the claims process such as removing the requirement for Employment Separation Certificates and the need to make appointments with an employment service.
The commencement date for the Coronavirus Supplement and the expanded access to income support is 27 April 2020.
Casuals and sole traders
If you've found yourself affected by the economic downturn, you'll be able to access a “coronavirus supplement” of $550 a fortnight for the next six months.
That's on top of other benefits — so if you're already receiving payments through Jobseeker (formerly known as Newstart), you can claim both.
Sole traders and casual workers who are currently making less than $1,075 a fortnight will be eligible to receive the full supplement.
In practice, that means if you're a single parent (receiving a maximum fortnightly payment of $612 through Jobseeker), for example, and you meet the criteria, you'll take home about $1,162 a fortnight.
“This means anyone eligible for the maximum Jobseeker payment will now receive more than $1,100 a fortnight, effectively doubling the Jobseeker allowance,” Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said.
Sole traders or casual workers who have had their income or hours reduced by 20 per cent or more as a result of coronavirus will also be able to access to up to $10,000 of their superannuation tax-free.
Employers who want to keep staff
Not-for-profits and small businesses with a turnover under $50 million will receive a tax-free cash payment of up to $100,000 to help them retain staff and continue operating.
The Government expects 690,000 businesses employing 7.8 million people and 30,000 not-for-profits will be eligible for measures in the stimulus package.
It doesn't mean extra pocket money if you're an employee, but by linking the payments to staff wage tax withholdings, businesses will be given an incentive to hold on to more of their workers.
“We know that small businesses are enormously resilient but this is really hurting them,” Mr Morrison said.
“Whether it is a coffee shop or mechanic or hairdresser… by providing at a minimum $20,000 and up to $100,000 for small businesses who employ people, [it] gives them a chance to get to the other side.”
Expect more to come…
An important thing to keep in mind is that this is the second suite of measures announced by the Government in just a matter of weeks. Details about the first stimulus package can be read here.
For more information
For more information on these measures and other announcements made by the Australian Government visit treasury.gov.au/coronavirus or speak with your Financial Planner or Accountant.
General Advice Warning: The information contained on this web site is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs, and where appropriate, seek professional advice from a financial adviser.
Retirement Planning
Retiring on your own terms is not always easy to achieve, however it is evident that those who plan for retirement are more likely to do so. Results also show that obtaining professional help during the pre-retirement years further improves the probability of attaining your retirement objectives.
The earlier you start implementing a plan the better the outcomes.
During one’s working life there is always an income to make ends meet when raising children, paying off a mortgage, etc.
Retirement planning is about the lifestyle you will have after you stop work and receiving employment income. Planning 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.
Planning properly is becoming even more important now we are expected to live longer. This greater need means that professional help has never been more important.
At Wybenga Financial we will provide the time and expertise needed to help you implement the best pre-retirement plan possible. Contact us today to discuss how we can work together on: (02) 9300 3000 or .
Building Wealth
Investing your hard earned savings can be a complex task. 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. It can often seem a daunting task. At Wybenga Financial we have the expertise to assist you in taking control of your finances and making sure you are generating the wealth you need both now and in the future.
The first step is to create a plan. At Wybenga Financial we take great care in getting to know our clients and their future goals and objectives. We combine our knowledge of your personal goals together with an analysis of your current situation, to create a detailed, personalised plan that will help you meet your objectives. This plan will become your road map which outlines how we are going to meet your goals, whilst aligning all investment decisions to your specific risk tolerance.
After we have created your personal plan, we move to implementation. This is where we action the immediate changes set out in your plan, and put in place reminders for anything that is to occur in the future. As your professional advisers, we can action many steps on your behalf making the implementation of changes as painless for our clients as possible. We aim to make the process smooth and seamless, providing a holistic service that can be executed with ease.
The final and most important phase of the relationship with Wybenga Financial is the ongoing management of your wealth. This ensures you are sticking to your plan and that your portfolio is aligned to your needs and attitude toward risk. An ongoing relationship ensures that we know when your circumstances change and that these can be recognised and reflected in changes to your investment approach.
While we are reviewing your portfolio from the perspective of your personal goals and situation, we also take into account the wider economic landscape and changes to legislation. We continually review and analyse our preferred investments in a structured and objective way. The benefit to our clients is that we are unemotional. This can be significantly beneficial over the long term.
At Wybenga Financial we can provide the time and expertise that will help you invest intelligently and prudently. Contact us today to discuss how we can work together: (02) 9300 3000 or .
Personal Insurance
Life insurance isn’t just a cost, though it often feels like it. You buy peace-of-mind that should a serious issue effect you then the consequences won’t unduly affect your family. Insurance provides you with the ability to manage the financial and emotional impact of some of the more drastic events, whether personally or in your small business.
Insurance can’t replace a loved one but it can help reduce the financial burden by providing the capital to ensure your family has choices.
Many Australians are underinsured and the consequences can be very serious for families should there be a death or serious injury. A yes to any of the following questions means you may have a need for insurance coverage:
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.
At Wybenga Financial we know how to protect your wealth and will recommend solutions that best suit your needs. Contact us today to discuss how we can work together: (02) 9300 3000 or .
Superannuation
Superannuation is mandatory but taking an early and active interest in your retirement planning is critical to ensuring your benefits are maximised by the time you retire. Many will have a superannuation scheme through employment but increasing numbers are starting their own Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF).
For many, simply relying on employer contributions may not be enough to provide the lifestyle you desire at retirement. We can assist in building strategies to ensure your retirement goals are met and your required lifestyle is maintained throughout retirement.
It is always best to start saving and planning for your retirement as early as you can.
At Wybenga Financial we know our job is to help you meet your retirement needs and we have the skills and experience to do this for you. Contact us today to discuss how we can work together: (02) 9300 3000 or .
Self Managed Super Funds
Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs) offer a good strategy option for many individuals, families and small business owners to build tax effective wealth and to protect assets over time. SMSFs are becoming popular for those who are ready to take control of their own super investments as they give you ultimate control and flexibility to manage your retirement benefits.
It must be noted though, that you will have increased responsibilities as a trustee of the fund. As a SMSF Trustee you need to keep up to date with all required regulations and keep up with the fast paced financial markets.
Wybenga Financial can work with you to understand your personal financial situation and decide whether a SMSF structure is appropriate for you. We will also make sure your assets are invested in the most effective way to maximise your retirement benefits.
Should you wish to consider establishing a SMSF then we can help with all aspects of the process from establishment to managing your compliance obligations.
Wybenga Financial would welcome the opportunity to discuss how we can help maximise your opportunities to grow your wealth through a Self Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF). Contact us today to discuss how we can work together: (02) 9300 3000 or .
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.
Having an estate plan is extremely important. Having a will is just the first step in your estate plan. It is critical to consider what outcomes you would like for your estate and to ensure a plan is in place to achieve those outcomes, both including and beyond the terms of your will.
Wybenga Financial would welcome the opportunity to discuss how we can help ensure your estate is organised to ensure your plans are implemented as you wish. Contact us today to discuss how we can work together: (02) 9300 3000 or .
Finance
Loans and loan management are central to overall financial management. Obtaining the the most appropriat loans for your needs is crucial and Wybenga Financial can help you with solutions that meet your short and long term needs.
At Wybenga Financial we work with experienced mortgage brokers that can assist you in obtaining the most appropriate loan for your needs and objectives. Whilst this is an external service, we work closely with the brokers to ensure the process is as easy and smooth as possible.
Contact us today to discuss how we can work together: (02) 9300 3000 or .
Property
We have partnerships with many respected property agents and research firms. This enables us to source suitable properties for individuals, couples and families looking to make an investment into property.
At Wybenga Financial we will assist you implement the most appropriate property investment plan possible. Contact us today to discuss how we can work together: (02) 9300 3000 or .
Strategic Planning
Strategic planning is determining how an investor is going to meet their goals and objectives. It is about helping clients define their goals, gathering information and analysing data to make a plan, then implementing the plan and reviewing the results. It is also reviewing and updating goals and objectives as clients move through different phases of life.
At Wybenga Financial, this is the most critical service we provide. For more information please visit our Building Wealth through Strategic Planning page or contact us to discuss how we can work together: (02) 9300 3000 or .
Financial Videos
Secure File Transfer
Secure File Transfer is a facility that allows the safe and secure exchange of confidential files or documents between you and us.
Email is very convenient in our business world, there is no doubting that. However email messages and attachments can be intercepted by third parties, putting your privacy and identity at risk if used to send confidential files or documents. Secure File Transfer eliminates this risk.
Login to Secure File Transfer, or contact us if you require a username and password.
General Calculators
Please enjoy the links to these free tools supplied by MoneySmart – a great resource for general financial information. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss any questions that you may have as a result of using these calculators.
Tess has been working in Chartered Accounting Firms since 2001 and in this time has had a broad range of experience in superannuation, taxation, business services, and financial strategy.
Since 2016, Tess has turned her attention to Financial Planning, earning a Diploma of Financial Planning in 2015 and leading the newly established financial division of the Wybenga Group as a director of Wybenga Financial.
Tess’s mission is to bring the ethics and integrity of her Chartered Accounting background to the area of wealth management.
As a woman in a male dominated field, Tess is active in promoting gender equality in the industry through various programs and mentoring opportunities.
Using her depth of knowledge and experience in tax and accounting Tess is able to demonstrate a level of competence that is unique in the Financial Planning sector.
2001 – Commenced employment with Wybenga & Partners and part-time accountancy studies
2004 – Graduated Masters of Commerce from the University of New South Wales
2005 – Admitted as an Associate Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand
2007 – Promoted to Manager at Wybenga & Partners
2012 – Appointed as Associate Director
2015 – Awarded a Diploma of Financial Planning
2016 – Appointed as Director of Wybenga Group Pty Ltd, Wybenga & Parthers Pty Ltd and Wybenga Financial Pty Ltd
Schedule a Meeting with Tess
Adam Roberts
B.Bus, B.Sc, CA, DipFP
Adam has been working in Chartered Accounting Firms since 2005 and in this time has had a broad range of experience in superannuation, taxation, business services, and financial strategy.
Since 2016, Adam has turned his attention to Financial Planning, earning a Diploma of Financial Planning in 2015 and leading the newly established financial division of the Wybenga Group as a director of Wybenga Financial. Adam specialises in Financial Planning, wealth accumulation, portfolion management, tax and investment strategies including structuring investments and superannuation, and insurances.
Adam’s mission is to bring the ethics and integrity of his Chartered Accounting background to the area of wealth management.
Combining traditional accounting and financial services has been a welcome move for Adam, allowing him to operate and advise in the financial sector that has been a long time personal passion.
Using his depth of knowledge and experience in tax and accounting Adam is able to demonstrate a level of competence that is unique in the Financial Planning sector.
2005 – Graduated Bachelor of Science from the University of Western Sydney
2005 – Commenced employment with Wybenga & Partners and part-time accountancy studies
2007 – Graduated Bachelor of Business from the University of Western Sydney
2010 – Admitted as an Associate Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand
2010 – Promoted to Manager at Wybenga & Partners
2012 – Appointed as Associate Director
2015 – Awarded a Diploma of Financial Planning
2016 – Appointed as Director of Wybenga Group Pty Ltd, Wybenga & Parthers Pty Ltd and Wybenga Financial Pty Ltd
Schedule a Meeting with Adam
Advisory Cadetships
What is an Advisory Cadetship? An Advisory Cadetship enables you to commence your career whilst attaining the necessary university qualifications by studying part-time.
How does it work? Generally, our cadets complete a relevant business or accounting degree at the University of New South Wales, the University of Technology Sydney, Macquarie University, or the University of Western Sydney.
The Firm provides 3-hours paid study leave per week to attend university. This can either be taken at the one time or broken between days depending on the individual’s requirements. In addition, the Firm provides paid study leave for both mid-semester and end-of-year exams.
We take the work life balance very seriously at Wybenga Financial and our cadets are encouraged to have a fulfilling life outside the office. A typical day will have you arriving at the office at around 8.30am with most days concluding at 5.30pm.
What are the benefits of an Advisory Cadetship with Wybenga Financial? Our cadets benefit from the following:
Career path – on completion of their degree our cadets have significant practical experience which will assist them in advancing their careers
Work helps your studies – by working full-time our cadets are able to apply their practical knowledge in the university subjects
Camaraderie with other cadets – the Firm has a number of cadets at various stages of their career
Mentoring – cadets are paired with a senior staff member who oversees their progress and training both at work and with their studies
Communication and feedback – the Firm has an open door policy which enables all cadets to interact with all members of staff including Directors
Culture – the Firm promotes a friendly social culture with a number of functions throughout the year
Modern environment – including ‘socialising’ areas such as pool table and break out area
Training – ongoing support and technical training. We also provide internal and external training on a monthly basis
Remuneration – working full-time provides a market salary and independence with salaries being reviewed every 6-months
What happens when I complete my degree? The completion of your degree is the first step of what we hope to be a long and successful career with us. The next step is the commencement of a Diploma of Financial Planning followed by completing the requirements to become a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).
There are always progression opportunities for the right cadets and we are dedicated to the long term development of our staff.
Who should apply? Current Year 12 students or first/second year University Students who:
want to commence their career in financial advisory;
are due to commence or are currently completing a part-time business or commerce degree at university with an advisory major;
want to gain valuable hands-on experience while completing their qualifications;
are looking for a friendly working environment;
are team players who display initiative;
have a commitment to self-development;
possess excellent personal presentation and communication skills; and
are motivated and mature minded.
How do I apply for an Advisory Cadetship? To apply for a Cadetship position at Wybenga Financial send us your details. Please also include in your covering letter why you wish to do a cadetship, include relevant qualities you possess, main interests / achievements, and any previous employment.
Interested candidates should initially forward a resume/covering letter of no more than 3-pages. Please provide full details of contact information (telephone or e-mail).
What if I have more questions? For further information about our Cadetship program, please send your enquiry to .
