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Market Turmoil Leaves Australia On Top

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Market turmoil leaves Australia on topThe Australian dollar is currently hovering around a 20-month low against the US dollar, and several emerging markets across the globe are experiencing havoc. Yet the Australian economy is showing solid progress.  

According to Commonwealth Bank economist Gareth Aird, “A lower Australian dollar is positive for growth. When it drops and stays lower for longer, that’s when the benefits come through.” 

The global turmoil for the markets is due in large part to the growing trade war between China and the US. The main issues stemming from this are the impact each party’s negotiation tactics have on global investors. US president Donald Trump is well known for making big claims and pulling out late during negotiations, with this putting investors into a head spin.  

Currently, trade figures show goods export volumes lifted 1 per cent and services exports 1.2 per cent in the June quarter. With an expected “very solid” second-quarter GDP, which may come as a surprise given the current dollar. However, as Annette Beacher of TD Securities explains, “normally you would need wages or consumer price inflation to disappoint [for the currency] to be at these levels.” With these unaffected, GDP is expected to be surprisingly positive this coming quarter.  

China’s Caixin manufacturing PMI experienced a slightly bigger-than-expected decline, with Chinese growth continuing to slow overall. Emerging markets such as Argentina and Turkey are also trying to battle inflation and slumps in currency value. Su Lin Ong of the Royal Bank of Canada believes “Leading indicators are telling us that global growth is slowing and the breadth of growth is less. That’s the emerging market linkage to the Australian dollar.” 

In conclusion, it seems that Australia will not be experiencing growth or a boom any time soon, in fact we sit in a similar position to other struggling markets. However, as exterior forces unaffected by the trade war remain steady (wages and consumer price inflation), Australia is expected to come out on top. With the earliest indicator of this set to be the second-quarter GDP data expected on September 6. 

Downsizer Contributions – Is It Time To Sell Your Home?

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Downsizer contributionsAs of July 1 2018, super funds are now able to accept downsizer contributions from their members. The federal government introduced the initiative to help relieve housing affordability pressure, encouraging seniors to relocate to smaller homes.

What is a downsizer contribution?

Downsizer contributions were introduced as an easier means for those selling their home to deposit up to $300,000 into their super fund from the sale. These are available for those who are 65 years old or older and meet the eligibility requirements. Until the total balance is re-calculated, the contribution doesn’t affect total super balance.

How do I make a downsizer contribution?

There are 7 eligibility requirements you must satisfy, if you meet the 65+ age requirement:

  • The contribution must be from the proceeds of selling your home, where contract of sale was exchanged on or after July 1 2018.
  • The home was owned by you or your spouse for 10 years or more prior to the sale.
  • Your home is in Australia and is not a caravan, houseboat or other mobile home.
  • Proceeds from the sale of the home are either exempt or partially exempt from CGT under the main residence exemption or would be entitled to this exception if the home was a CGT rather than a pre-CGT asset.
  • You have completed the downsizer contribution into super form before or at the time of making downsizer contribution.
  • The downsizing contribution is within 90 days of receiving the proceeds of the sale.
  • You haven’t previously made a downsizer contribution for another home.

What are the benefits of making these contributions?

There are two main benefits from making these contributions – the amount doesn’t count towards contribution caps or total superannuation balance for the financial year. The contribution also doesn’t have the standard ‘work test’ for voluntary contributions attached to it, which applies to Aussies aged 65-74. Members should be aware that downsizer contributions are not deductible.

However, members who are receiving/hoping to receive the Centrelink aged pension should be vigilant for the impact this has on eligibility. Assets within a super fund contribute towards the asset test which determines eligibility to receive a pension, once at pension age.

If you are an SMSF with members starting to ask about downsizer contributions and don’t feel prepared, give us a call! We are experts in SMSF and small business; we can help you meet your customer needs without sacrificing your own.

Xero Up Their Game With Acquisition of Hubdoc

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Xero acquires HubdocXero’s vision for the workplace is focused on providing code-free accounting, and the platform has taken huge steps towards this with the acquisition of Hubdoc. Hubdoc is an automated data capture solution for real-time financial data that verifies and organises data from over 700 financial institutions.

With this acquisition, Xero adds streamlined data collection and classification to its arsenal, complimenting Xero’s “financial web” strategy. Integration between the two services is currently surface-level, but deeper integration is promised for the future. This acquisition follows the recent partnership between Xero and Gusto to deliver full-service payroll. Xero and Hubdoc are currently dedicated to further enhancing the AI and machine learning features of Xero.

For businesses this development is very exciting, as cloud-based accounting solutions continue to change the face of accounting, Xero has been a frontrunner. With this acquisition, the Xero platform continues to increase in ease and accessibility, enabling businesses to offload bookkeeping completely as all documents are available in one central location.

Collaboration is one of the biggest benefits of using Xero; the ecosystem of the platform allows users to pick and choose from endless tools to suit their needs. Whether you are doing your own accounting, or an accountant delivering value to your clients, the Xero marketplace has tools for everyone. At RA Business Advisors we are passionate about small businesses utilising Xero; if you would like to learn more about how Xero and Hubdoc could benefit your business, get in contact with us today!

Mid-Market to See Xero and Intuit Enter Arena

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Xero and Intuit to enter mid-marketAs the roll-out of Single-Touch Payroll sweeps across Australian businesses, MYOB Premier have decided against adding relevant services to their platform. This has given Xero and Intuit incentive to enter the mid-market, but is it worth your time?

Hang on, what is the mid-market?

The mid-market consists of the 50,000+ businesses in Australia with more than 20 but less than 200 staff. As well as more than $3 million turnover and three or more users of the core business system. This is a market currently dominated by MYOB, but soon to be contested by Xero and Intuit.

Why would I want to use Xero or Intuit anyway?

These platforms have been game changers for small businesses, offering a cloud-based platform which is constantly updating to include support for the future. Technologies such as machine learning, bank feeds, as well as well optimised user interface are huge selling points of Xero. However, to many these options are only available to small businesses with Xero or corporate level businesses with Workday. This is where the mid-market jump for Xero and Intuit comes into play.

Why isn’t the mid-market using these platforms now?

One of the main reasons cloud software hasn’t penetrated the mid-market is because of fear and cost of change. The majority of companies using MYOB do so because they doubt smaller software can perform, and fear the cost of corporate platforms. But this is not the case, as more businesses are realising Xero can match and exceed the performance of MYOB, as well as offering more features at a lower price point.

Single-Touch Payroll: How Is It Going To Change Things For You?

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While the name may suggest some weird form of physical payroll, single-touch payroll (STP) is a new initiative from the ATO which came into effect at the start of this financial year. STP is currently applicable for employers with 20 or more employees. However, STP will also be used for employers with fewer than 20 employees from the start of next financial year.

single-touch payroll

 

What is single-touch payroll?

STP enables employers to report salary or wages, PAYG withholding and super information directly to the ATO at the same time they pay their employees. STP will send a copy of these to the ATO automatically when these are sent to the employee. The system is designed to make reporting easier for employers, as well as addressing the unpaid superannuation crisis.

How do I report through STP?

Reporting is easy as the process of STP is automatic, once your reporting software is STP-enabled. Before lodging your first report, make sure you authorise people to lodge reports on behalf of your business. As well as checking if you are in need of an AUSkey, this identifies you as the representative for your business when using online government services.

There are some payments which cannot be reported through STP, these include:

  • payments that are generally not paid through a payroll process;
  • payments made by payers to recipients that are generally not their employees

Are there any issues that could arise from STP?

As long as you are up-to-date on your super payments there is no need to worry. However, for smaller businesses that don’t pay super on time due to limited cash flow, consider breaking down these payments to be more regular to meet your obligations under STP. If you’ve missed superannuation payments in the past, there is an amnesty period until May 2019 to rectify any past non-compliance without penalty. Grievances can be backdated as far as 1992, so make sure you are on top of your superannuation!

Are there any benefits for employees?

Peace of mind. Through establishing the STP system, the ATO will get a report every time an employee is paid and will be able to instantly verify the superannuation payments are up to date. Employees will also be able to complete Super Choice forms and TFN declaration forms through their myGov account.

How Can Accountants Use Blockchain To Step Up Their Game?

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The buzz is continuing to grow across the business world for Blockchain, and we have written about it in the past, but how can accountants use Blockchain to streamline their work?

Wait, how does Blockchain work again?

Put simply, Blockchain removes the need for storing your own transaction records through creating an audit trail on “blocks”. These blocks are public and can be accessed/maintained by all parties involved in a transaction. The audit trail of a transaction builds as more information is added, blocks are encrypted to ensure privacy breaches don’t occur. Once a block is verified and added to the Blockchain. These can’t be manipulated by others but can be corrected by those involved.

Isn’t Blockchain only useful for cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrency brought this technology into the zeitgeist, but these applications are just breadcrumbs of what Blockchain is capable of. The motivation for the use of this technology is secure and easy exchange of information between parties. These are very important capabilities when exchanging Cryptocurrency, but also useful for accounting and bookkeeping.

Why should I care about Blockchain?

Reports from the World Economic Forum suggest 10% of global GDP will be stored on this technology by 2025. Universities are offering courses in Blockchain, the next generation of accountants will be masters before they even enter the workforce. To put it simply, Blockchain is here to stay and is growing in importance.

How is this going to change accounting?

Because transaction information is entered into “blocks” and securely stored, there is no need for parties to keep their own records of transactions. However, there may become a triple-entry system, where transactions would be entered into both the Blockchain and each party’s ledgers.

Blockchain eliminates the need for auditors to verify transactions, this means accountants will no longer have to reconcile and process transactions as parties can record and share information independently. Standardisation also allows auditors to verify large portions of data automatically, saving time and costs for audits. This marks a shift in the workflow of accountants, through shortening the process of verifying information, this opens up other opportunities.

This technology can be used to improve the integrity of electronic files easily through generating a hash string of a file. Hash strings are electronic fingerprints of files which can be compared once timestamped into a file.

Hashing blockchain

What changes are we seeing right now?

Robert Massey discussed the boom of Cryptocurrency business for accountants at the Accounting and Finance Show. As governments around the world develop better tax guidelines and recognition for Cryptocurrency, tax professionals will see more business.

Massey also discussed the idea of ‘smart contracts’ using Blockchain to embed contract details into third-party sources. For example, a contract where an invoice will pay for itself after checking delivered goods are received based on specifications and presence of funds in a company’s account. At the moment, ‘smart contract’ technology is being used in the legal industry, but the applications are wide spreading.

 

There is a lot of business in Blockchain, start to develop your knowledge now so you don’t get left behind

Blockchain spending

Staying Competitive as a Small Business in the Amazon Age

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Amazon has been operating on Australian shores for some time now, but the ‘Amazon Effect’ has yet to hit. Amazon’s launch has signaled a culture shift for shoppers, with eCommerce sales set to almost double in the next five years. With this in mind, how can you ensure your small business doesn’t get left behind?

Consider how you could use Amazon to your advantage

Amazon’s Marketplace platform provides opportunities to reach a whole new segment of customers. With the recent introduction of Fulfillment by Amazon, small businesses can use Amazons capabilities for storing and sending products. This is especially useful for when their Prime service launches later this year, offering flagship shipping times. The service also processes returns, freeing you up to focus on what you do best.

Focus on your delivery times

If you decide you aren’t going to use Amazon’s logistics services, make sure you are nailing your shipping times. As Amazon keeps growing, delivery speed is going to be a growing driver of business, according to Deloitte’s David White.

Get your online right

Reports from Hitwise and OFX show Australian consumers are eager for a multi-channel shopping experience. Focusing on options such as click-and-collect are critical to bridge the gap between online and in-store customers.

The largest demographics using online shopping are the 25-34 and 35-44 age groups, think about how you can effectively reach these audiences and convert them into customers. Effective online presence is key for this, especially for small business, have a read of our article on online presence HERE.

Brand loyalty was also shown to be increasingly more important in the current retail landscape, that means continuing to engage with customers post-purchase through online newsletters, deals, or targeted ads.

Remember the power of price

Amazon sells products at a premium to US prices with their advantage coming from their range of products and delivery, not their price. Focusing on delivering prices that blow customers away is a simple way to compete against Amazon.

Tick Tock, Time’s Almost Up

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EOFY is just around the corner, so business owners beware. If you haven’t gotten it done, there is still some time left! If you’re a start-up founder, then pay extra close attention as I guide you step by step into your first business EOFY.

Step 1. Get your ducks in a row

Getting your documents in order is absolutely crucial when that panic sticking EOFY rolls around. If you don’t know what your number looks like it’s hard to make a plan on what to do.  As we keep telling you, we are XERO experts and we believe in most circumstances that is the best place to get your business numbers sorted.  For a start-up, there may be more cost-effective options to get you going and we can guide you through that decision.

Step 2. Seek expert advice

Many problems arise when tax time comes around; the biggest one is lack of understanding. That’s why our taxperts (link) are well versed in all the laws regarding tax.  We provide both taxation and business advice to arm you with all the knowledge you need. Penalties apply if your business isn’t compliant with legislation, so avoid unnecessary fees by talking to one of our advisors today!

Step 3. Claiming is the game

Small businesses that purchase new assets under $20,000 are eligible for a tax write-off to the full value of those purchases. Traditionally, you’d have to wait potentially say five years to realise this return but thankfully this upfront deduction has been extended. One catch: the assets must be purchased prior to EOFY and businesses cannot write-off expenditure that they are trying to also claim through an R&D tax incentive.  Other deductions such as superannuation contributions (new rules this year) can also make a big difference to your tax bill.

Step 4. Be aware

Tax rule changes are as frequent as Christmas these days, no matter what they change every year. It’s critical that you stay up to date with these changes. Last year the tax rate for small companies dropped from 30% where it had been stuck for quite some time. This year the rate is 27.5% for businesses earning under $10 million and 30% for businesses earning more.

Step 5. Arm yourself

Before the technological age really took off, owning a small business was a living nightmare. Thankfully the ATO has kept up with the times by offering an endless supply of small business administration information. Or if you’re really a tech head, there’s an app for that. Check out the ATO website for information ranging from start-ups to large businesses.  There is also a huge array of clever apps on the market that can help streamline your business and free up your time for the more important things in life.

Artificial Intelligence – The Future of Finance

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Artificial Intelligence – The Future of Finance

If someone said the letters AI to you 20 years ago, you would think they were insane. The prospect of artificial intelligence never seemed real but since the technology era really took off, AI is a reality, not just a dream. Each and every day we are subject to artificial intelligence, from auto-correct on phones and computers to Siri and Google assistant on your smartphones.

The corporate giants are investing heavily in AI because they know it’s not the future anymore, it’s the present. AI provides so many possibilities that us mere mortals never thought possible, that’s why our absolute favorite corporation – Xero are investing heavily in this transformative technology. Unfortunately, as with all technology advancements, there are misunderstandings and massive concerns. Does Skynet ring a bell, anyone?

The Difference Between AI and Machine Learning

AI concept creator John McCarthy explains AI as: “every aspect of learning or any other feature of intelligence can in principle be so precisely described that a machine can be made to simulate it.” This definition moves away from the concept of ‘thinking machines’, as we’ve seen in the Blockbuster  ‘Terminator’. The definition of AI varies based on the goals corporations are trying to achieve.

Machine learning is a data analysis technique that teaches computers to learn from experience. Machine learning uses both supervised and unsupervised learning to predict future outputs and find patterns or structures within input data. Machines use learning algorithms to ‘learn’ information directly from data without relying on predetermined equations as models.

Google Assistant

Tech Mogul Google has always been the forerunner with technology, especially with the release of the small but powerful Google home. Google home utilises the intelligent and responsive google assistant that you can find on any 2016+ Android or Google smartphone. This tiny inexpensive gadget sits anywhere in your house or office and provides you with a whole myriad of features, including but not limited to: playing music, sending directions, providing weather and traffic updates.

Appointment Setter

Even though Google is absolutely obliterating the AI market with Google assistant and Google home, they are furthering this development even more. Enter stage right, the Google Duplex. What is Google duplex? Another step in the direction of advanced AI. Google Duplex is an appointment setter, not an online one mind you, but Google Duplex actually calls the restaurant or hairdresser that you want to book at.




The Backlash

Unfortunately, this new technological advancement has prompted concerns about the ‘fate of the human race.’ In a nutshell, people are worried that we are playing with fire and are about to get burnt. Some claim Duplex is not only strange but completely unethical whilst others are applauding Google for this massive feat. I don’t want to imagine how many man-hours went into accurate speech recognition. Those against the innovative technology said it was immoral for the robot not to identify itself prior to booking the appointment. Google has since given in to these demands and will avoid the assistant ‘deceiving’ humans when setting appointments by identifying itself as a robot to the recipient.

Will AI Affect the Way I Work?

Because of the second payments directive PSD2, significant changes are coming to the accounting industry (significantly good that is). Finally, the big banks won’t be allowed to hold onto user data, this vital information can now be shared (with user permission) to third parties. What does this mean exactly? Management accountants and business advisors will be able to utilise businesses’ banking and account records to accurately predict data and turn towards intelligent cashflow.

 

Millennial Millionaire

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Millionaire Millenial

The Millennial Millionaire

This week we are highlighting a man dubbed ‘The Millennial Millionaire’, Grant Sabatier. Grant is the founder of the
overseas company ‘Millennial Money’. Within a five year period, he went from having $50 to spare each week,
to full financial independence. If like me, you want to know the marvelous journey this man took to get to where he is;
then read on dear reader… read on!

The Beginning

In 2013, Grant was living in an apartment he could barely afford, with student loans (10x worse than HEC debt) and a car loan. Living paycheck to paycheck, with only $50 spare at the end of the month. Whilst he wasn’t drowning in bills, he definitely was not flourishing.

Math time: if Grant had a remaining $50 at the end of the month, how much did he have at the end of the year?

Answer: $600 (that’s not even enough for a small holiday).

The Change

In late 2014, early 2015 Grant underwent a major change of his perspective on his financial situation. He managed to: reduce his $50,000 student loan and car loan to less than $8,500 with final payment to occur in 2018, built an investment portfolio with over $35,000, and accumulated enough savings for an adequate emergency fund.

The Process

  1. Shift to a net-worth mindset – start tracking your net-worth

Income, savings, investment returns, debt to income ratio, all these numbers play an important role when optimising your money but the single most important figure is your overall net-worth. Net-worth subtracts liabilities from your assets. No matter how much you make or save, if your net-worth isn’t increasing you’re on the wrong track. Not sure where to start? Our experts can help. Give us a call on (07) 3367 0852 and talk to an advisor.

  1. Become a bloodhound

I’m not saying become an actual sniffer dog, what I mean is tracking your money every step of the way. Calculate loans, bills, food, entertainment, etc. Similar to getting a loan, ask yourself how much you spend each week on both necessary and unnecessary things. Knowing where your money is ending up is much more important than budgeting (of course, budgeting is ideal anyway!). Doing so can really help put into perspective what you should decrease.

  1. Never stop learning

You don’t have to sign up for a 3-year degree at university, and you certainly don’t have to pump thousands of dollars into a trade accreditation for this step. Luckily in the technology era, free courses and certifications are popping up everywhere. If like me you are into digital marketing, Google offers free certifications in both Adwords and Analytics, whilst HubSpot offers an Inbound Marketing Certification. No matter what industry you’re in, you should always look at increasing both your knowledge and skills.

  1. Adopt a side business

These days it’s so easy to create a side business, whilst it won’t offer you thousands in revenue, it can offer you another income stream. Some people get paid to blog, create logos, produce crafty things or even create a small side business. Similar to selling lemonade for 50c a cup as a child, you can create a small business quite easily. Unless you’re sure this is the career path you want to take, do not invest all of your time and resources into it!

  1. You are #1

From the widely known concept in ‘Rich Dad, Poor Dad’, pay yourself first. Save as much as you can before bills are due but leave enough to ensure no late payments. I’m not saying take half your paycheck and hide it from creditors, I’m saying start squirreling funds away before making purchase decisions. The most effective way is to start with 10% of your pay and place it in an interest-earning savings account, or even invest it. Anytime you earn money from your side business, put it straight in your savings or investment account – don’t spend it! This reduces the risk of impulse buying as you’ll have less and less left over to do so.

  1. Invest, don’t consume

If you were to look at some statistics, you would notice that most people are consumers rather than investors in this world. Investing is crucial if you want to build any kind of wealth or portfolio. Whenever someone earns a raise or accrues some overtime, they spend it on things that don’t work towards financial freedom. In fact, the biggest thing most people do is buy expensive things or live a certain lifestyle they can’t afford, essentially ‘champagne taste with beer pockets’. So the next time you’re at a shopping center or browsing the internet and see something you want, ask yourself “will I actually need this item and if not, will it add value to my financial freedom?” The answer is most likely always no.

  1. Patience is a virtue

Patience is the biggest key to anything in life: getting that promotion, growing your business, meeting the right person, finding the perfect home, etc. There is rarely anything in this world that you can gain without being patient. Don’t be discouraged if you’re saving less than a hundred dollars a month, it all adds up in the end. In a few years, your savings will have increased and you’ll look back proudly at your accomplishment.