{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much superannuation do I need to retire?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The amount depends on your lifestyle, age, and whether you'll receive the Age Pension. As a general rule, plan for $500,000–$1,000,000+ per person, though this varies. We run detailed retirement projections showing how your super, investments, and Age Pension combine to fund your desired retirement. Most Melbourne professionals we work with need $700K–$1.2M to retire comfortably at 65. Our retirement calculator helps you discover your personal number in minutes." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is your fee structure?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "AMGENT operates on a fee-only basis—no commissions, no product sales. Initial strategy session: $495 (or included free in discovery call). Ongoing fees: 0.88% per annum on assets under management, billed quarterly. No lock-in contracts. For business owners and SMSF trustees, we also offer hourly or fixed-fee planning. Transparent, flat-rate fees mean your interests align with ours." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I access my superannuation before age 60?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Generally, no. Your super is preserved until your preservation age (usually 60). Early access is only allowed in extreme hardship (e.g., medical emergency, mortgage arrears) or if you become permanently incapacitated. From age 60 onwards, you can withdraw tax-free. At 55, you can start non-commutable income streams (pensions). We help clients structure early access requests if genuine hardship applies, and we always explore legal alternatives first (salary sacrifice, offsetting, SMSF properties)." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do you work with UK expats and pension transfers?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes—this is a speciality. We guide UK expats through QROPS (Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme) transfers, UK pension consolidation, and tax-efficient integration into Australian super. We liaise with UK pension providers, manage tax residency implications, and ensure compliance with both ATO and HMRC. Most UK expats save 20–40% in tax by strategically transferring pension benefits to Australia. We've processed 80+ QROPS since 2022." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How often should I review my investment portfolio?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "At minimum, annually. We review every client portfolio quarterly at no extra cost, rebalancing when asset allocation drifts >5% from target. This prevents 'style drift'—where a balanced portfolio quietly becomes 80% growth without your knowledge. Market volatility often tempts reactive changes, but we keep you focused on your long-term plan. Our rebalancing discipline typically adds 1–1.5% p.a. to returns versus buy-and-hold." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What's your process for getting started?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Step 1: Discovery call (30 mins, free). We listen to your goals, timeline, concerns, and current situation. Step 2: Initial strategy session ($495 or waived if you proceed). We run projections, identify gaps, explore options. Step 3: Advice & recommendations. You decide whether to work together. Step 4: If yes, we implement—coordinate super, insurance, investments, tax strategies, and estate plans. Step 5: Ongoing quarterly reviews + annual rebalance. No pressure, full transparency. Most clients engage after feeling heard and understanding the plan clearly." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Are you regulated? Do you hold a license?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. AMGENT Wealth Management Pty Ltd holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) authorised by ASIC. We comply with the Financial Advisers and Agents Code of Conduct, prepare detailed Statements of Advice (SOAs) for all advice, and maintain professional indemnity insurance. You can search the ASIC Financial Adviser Register to confirm our current registration and authorised services. We're also aligned with FPA (Financial Planning Association) standards." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the 2026 superannuation changes affecting my retirement?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Key 2026 changes: (1) Superannuation Guarantee rises to 12% (ongoing). (2) Payday Super begins July 2026—employers must pay SG fortnightly/monthly, not quarterly. (3) Division 296 tax applies to balances >$3M (additional 15% tax on earnings). (4) Age Pension indexation 20 March & 20 September. These changes shouldn't derail your plan, but timing salary sacrifice and minimising high-balance tax requires strategic planning. We review 2026 implications for all clients." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How is superannuation taxed in retirement?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "After age 60, superannuation becomes TAX-FREE in most cases. Your pension payments, investment earnings, and withdrawals are all tax-free if you're retired. Before age 60, super is taxed at concessional rates (15% on contributions, 15% on earnings). This is why age 60+ is such a powerful turning point for wealth accumulation—every dollar earned inside super is tax-free. We often shift investment strategy at 55–60 to maximise this benefit." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Will I qualify for the Age Pension?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The Age Pension has a means test based on assets and income. Currently, a single person can have up to ~$314K in assets and still receive part pension (2026 figures). A couple combined: ~$493K. If you have more, your pension reduces by $3 per fortnight per $1K over the limit. We model your Age Pension entitlement at 60, 65, and 70 to identify optimal drawdown timing. Some clients benefit from strategic super withdrawals to preserve Age Pension eligibility." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much can I contribute to super each year?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Concessional contributions cap: $30,000 per year (includes employer SG + your salary sacrifice). Non-concessional contributions cap: $120,000 per year (your after-tax contributions). From age 67–74, you can still contribute but must pass the 'work test' (earning $10K+/year). Contributions above caps incur extra tax. We use both caps strategically to accelerate retirement savings, especially in high-income years." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What's a Transition to Retirement (TTR) income stream?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "A TTR allows you to access super from age 55 (without retiring) as a regular income stream. You don't get full access—withdrawals are limited to protect your retirement. TTRs suit clients semi-retiring (dropping from $150K to $100K income) or wanting to test their retirement budget before fully retiring. Income from a TTR is concessional (taxed at 15% max). After 60, you can convert to a full retirement income stream (tax-free). TTRs are complex but powerful for smooth transitions." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Should I salary sacrifice into super?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Often yes, especially if you're a high earner ($100K+). Salary sacrificing into super means contributing pre-tax, avoiding marginal tax, and only paying 15% tax inside super. A $150K earner saving $20K/year into super via salary sacrifice saves ~$6,000 in tax. Over 10 years, that's $60K+ in extra retirement savings just from tax efficiency. The catch: you can't access the money until 60+. We model salary sacrifice for each client to confirm benefit." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What if I have multiple super accounts?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Multiple accounts are common but inefficient. Each account incurs separate fees, making tracking hard and investment strategy complicated. We recommend consolidating into one growth fund (or two if managing risk differently). Consolidation is free at most providers. However, check whether old accounts have insurance benefits (sometimes insurance is lost during consolidation). We handle all the paperwork and liaise with your funds." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What's the difference between growth and income investing?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Growth investing focuses on capital appreciation (buying stocks expected to outpace the market); you reinvest dividends. Income investing prioritises dividends/distributions (bonds, REITs, dividend stocks); you live off the income. Growth suits younger timelines (20–50 years); income suits retirees needing cashflow. Most pre-retirees (50–65) blend both: 70% growth, 30% income. This hybrid approach balances growth potential with income security in early retirement." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Should I invest internationally or just in Australia?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "ASX is ~2% of global markets. An all-Australia portfolio is concentrated and misses global diversification. We typically recommend 70–80% Australian, 20–30% international for local clients. UK expats often reverse this (80% international, 20% Australian) to hedge currency and maintain UK/global exposure. International adds US tech, European stability, and Asian growth. Currency risk cuts both ways—hedged and unhedged options suit different timelines." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How often should I rebalance my portfolio?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Annually minimum; quarterly is better. Rebalancing means selling winners (now overweight) and buying laggards (now underweight) to restore your target allocation. Most DIY investors skip this, letting portfolios drift 80%+ growth by year 5. This compounds risk without you noticing. Rebalancing discipline adds ~1.5% p.a. long-term and prevents accidental style drift. We rebalance quarterly for all clients at zero additional cost." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What's the difference between managed funds and ETFs?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Managed funds: Actively managed, higher fees (0.5–1.5%), fund manager picks stocks, aims to beat the market. ETFs: Mostly index-tracking (passive), lower fees (0.05–0.3%), track a market index. Reality: 95% of active funds underperform passive over 10+ years. Our approach: index core (lowest cost) + small active overlay (tax harvesting, tactical positioning). This hybrid typically beats either approach alone." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the main investment risks I should know about?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Concentration risk: Over-weighted in one stock/sector (ASX200-only). Inflation risk: Returns < inflation erodes purchasing power. Timing risk: Selling after crashes locks in losses. Gearing risk: Borrowing to invest + market falls = underwater. Sequence risk: Bad returns early in retirement derail the whole plan. Currency risk: Unhedged international = gains/losses from AUD movements. We identify *your* biggest risk and design a plan to manage it—not eliminate it, as that's impossible." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do I develop an investment strategy?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Step 1: Set financial goals (0–2 yrs, 3–5 yrs, 5+ yrs). Step 2: Assess risk tolerance ('How comfortable losing 20% quarterly?'). Step 3: Choose asset allocation (cash, bonds, shares, property %). Step 4: Build diversified portfolio (don't put all in ASX200, add international, alternatives). Step 5: Rebalance annually. Step 6: Monitor and adjust if life changes. Most DIY investors skip steps 5–6, costing 1–2% p.a. in compound losses." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Should I try to beat the market by picking stocks?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Statistically, no. 95% of active stock-pickers underperform passive index returns over 10+ years, even after fees. Beating the market consistently is nearly impossible—and the effort usually costs more than it saves. Our philosophy: Use index core (beat the market impossible cost-effectively) + tactical overlay (business exits, tax harvesting, rebalancing). This hybrid typically outperforms pure active *and* pure passive." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do I need a will? What should it include?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Everyone over 18 should have a valid will. It outlines asset distribution (house, shares, bank accounts), names your executor (who carries out wishes), nominates guardians for children, creates testamentary trusts (protects young/vulnerable beneficiaries), specifies funeral wishes, and clarifies charity bequests. Without a will, statutory intestacy rules apply—you lose all control. A solicitor-prepared will costs $1K–$5K depending on complexity. Given the stakes, it's non-negotiable." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What happens if I die without a will (intestacy)?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Statutory rules decide distribution: typically spouse → children → parents → siblings. You have zero control. Timeline is longer (12+ months common). Legal fees are higher (state-appointed executor charged fees). Family disputes over interpretation are common, often leading to estate litigation. Children's money may go into court-supervised guardianship (slow, expensive). One 1-hour will consult now prevents 18 months of chaos and $30K+ in legal costs. We see intestacy disasters regularly." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What's a testamentary trust and do I need one?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "A testamentary trust is created *in* your will, taking effect *after* you die. It suits clients with young children, vulnerable beneficiaries (addiction, judgment issues), or blended families. The trustee holds assets, manages them, and distributes when beneficiaries are older/reach milestones. Tax benefit: Trustee can split income across beneficiaries (lower tax than lump sum). Real use case: $1M estate to kids aged 8 & 10—testamentary trust protects until age 25+. Most clients with young kids should have one." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What's the difference between a will and a power of attorney?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Will: Takes effect *after* you die; gives instructions for asset distribution. Power of Attorney (POA): Takes effect *now* or when you're incapacitated; lets someone manage your finances while you're alive. Enduring POA: Survives your incapacity (critical). Health directive: Separate document for medical/end-of-life decisions. Real scenario: Stroke at 50 = you can't sign documents; wife needs enduring POA to pay mortgage, access super, sell property. Estate plan must include all three." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How is my superannuation affected by my will?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Super doesn't flow through your will—it has separate beneficiary rules. The trustee decides who gets it unless you've made a binding death nomination. Binding nomination: Names who receives your super (must be a dependent—spouse, kids <18, financially dependent). Non-binding: Trustee considers your wishes but isn't bound. Tax impact: Non-dependents pay 15% tax on super payouts; dependents often get tax-free. Old nominations (e.g., ex-spouse) + new will creates chaos. We review and update beneficiary nominations separately from your will." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What about family trusts? Are they still worth it?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Family trusts offer benefits: income splitting (distribute to lower-income beneficiaries, save tax), asset protection (creditors can't easily claim trust assets), succession planning (smooth multi-gen transfer), and flexibility (change beneficiaries without formal deed change). Downside: setup cost ~$2K–$5K, ongoing compliance, ATO scrutiny post-2026 tax changes. For high-net-worth clients ($2M+), trusts usually justify themselves through tax savings. For lower-net-worth clients, often overkill. We recommend trusts strategically." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do I protect my assets in my will?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Strategies: (1) Testamentary trust in will (delays distribution to vulnerable beneficiaries). (2) Family trust (assets held in trust, harder to claim against). (3) Life insurance into will (tax-free lump sum for kids if young). (4) Super beneficiary nominations (bypass will entirely, tax-free to dependents). (5) Asset protection structures (property in company or trust, shields from creditors). Blended families add complexity—we ensure your intentions are clear and legally binding." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much life insurance do I need?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Calculate: outstanding mortgage + kids' education (20 years) + living expenses (10 years) + debt repayment. Example: $400K mortgage + $300K education + $500K living + $100K debt = $1.3M needed. Most people have $200–$400K (employer super insurance); gap = $800K–$1.1M. High earners need more ($1.5M–$3M+). We run a full audit to confirm your gap. Then we source low-cost term insurance (typically $40–$100/month for $500K depending on age/health). Most clients are massively underinsured—this is fixable." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What does income protection insurance cover?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Income protection (IP) pays if you're unable to work due to illness/injury. It covers up to 70% pre-tax income, paid monthly, for 2/5 years or to age 65. Example: $200K surgeon becomes unable to work; IP pays $140K/month for 2 years = $3.36M payout; cost ~$3K–$4K/year in premiums. Key detail: Premiums cover super contributions (additional 11%). After 60, you can't claim IP (you can access super tax-free). 50% of high-earners have zero IP—dangerous gap for income security." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What's Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "TPD is different from IP. TPD pays a lump sum if you're *permanently* unable to ever work (catastrophic injury/illness). IP covers temporary disability (potentially recovers). TPD payout (~$200K–$1M+) goes into super; it's usually tax-free. Many super funds include TPD automatically, but coverage is often inadequate. Young professionals skip TPD insurance ('Won't happen to me') = risky. At age 55+ or with $3M+ super, TPD becomes less critical (you can draw from super). We gap-fill TPD for all clients under 55." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I claim both income protection and TPD at the same time?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Generally no—their definitions conflict. IP = temporary disability (may recover). TPD = permanent disability (never recover). You typically get one or the other, not both. Exception: Some newer policies allow sequential claims (IP pays while you're sick, then TPD if you never recover and meet 'permanent' definition). This is complex, so we clarify your specific policy language. Understanding claim pathways is critical—you want zero disputes when claiming." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What factors affect my insurance premium?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Key factors: (1) Age (younger = cheaper). (2) Health/medical history (smoker = 2–3x more expensive; pre-existing conditions may exclude/increase). (3) Occupation (riskier jobs = more expensive; office workers cheaper than tradies). (4) Benefit period (longer = more expensive). (5) Waiting period (shorter = more expensive). Example: 35-year-old non-smoker, $500K life insurance = $30–50/month. Same person, smoker, higher risk job = $100–150/month. Health matters—get quotes early, before health changes trigger exclusions." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do I need professional indemnity insurance?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Depends on your profession. Mandatory for: financial advisers ($2M+, ASIC-mandated), accountants/tax agents, mortgage brokers, GPs, architects, engineers. Optional but recommended for: consultants, contractors (clients often require it in contracts), anyone giving professional advice. PI covers legal costs + damages if sued for negligence/malpractice. Cost: $1K–$10K+/year depending on turnover. Given liability exposure, it's essential—one lawsuit can bankrupt you without it. We confirm all clients' PI meets regulatory requirements." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Is insurance expensive? What will I actually pay?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Illustrative costs: Life insurance $20–$100/month ($500K cover, age/health dependent). Income protection $150–$500/month depending on income/occupation. TPD $10–$50/month (often included in super). PI (adviser) $2K–$10K/year depending on AUM. Reality: Insurance is cheap relative to risk. A $200K earner with zero IP insurance faces $2M+ income loss if disabled. IP cost ($3K/year) is trivial insurance. Most clients under-insure because they overestimate cost and underestimate risk. We shop competitive market and find best value." } } ] }