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13 July 2025
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Do you have a criticism of a financial product, and want an explanation? We have a new regular feature called 'Caveat Emptor?'
Caveat Emptor is defined as: 'the principle that the buyer alone is responsible for checking the quality and suitability of goods before a purchase is made.' So we want to help the buyers, and you can contribute by sharing your concerns.
We invite readers to send us criticisms or questions about any financial product, and we'll ask the product manufacturer or another expert to respond. Write to us at mail@cuffelinks.com.au.
We ask anyone else with a constructive view to then write a comment on our website. The Q&A will be collected under a new menu tab called 'Caveat Emptor?' for future reference. We hope this becomes a good reference point for product enquiries.
Folks, Just a short note before Christmas – Your site is outstanding. I would like to say thank you for your efforts with the Cuffelinks Emails. Probably the best source of commentary and information I have seen over the past 20 years – the last 15 as an adviser. I trust you and all the team that put the effort in – get the opportunity to enjoy a break and spend time with those closest to you over the next month or so
My concern lies with shares. I don't believe there is enough done by the overall industry to list new companies in Australia's strengths being Agriculture/Food and Tourism. Many companies seem to get a start in say mining or technology and then fall by the wayside destroying shareholder funds. These funds could be utilised elsewhere in say as an example Darryl Lea, Spring Gully type operations.
Thanks for the questions coming in for Caveat Emptor? We have passed them to appropriate people and will chase a response next week. Keep them coming!
My personal pet peeve are "Dividend Income Funds". The name would imply that such funds are invested so as to maximse DIVIDEND income, be it franked or not, and as CASH (or even DRPs). Yet, the number of so called "Dividend Income Funds" whose investment strategy is to access income-like outcome through the usage of derivative arb strategies confound. Whilst I accept such strategies may yield (pardon the pun) income like results, they are not Dividend, they are not tax effective, nor as they paid out as received CASH. If we're fair dinkum, then why not call them what they truly are: "Synthetic Arb Funds"? Rhetorical question as any agent could answer why they're not. Another, perhaps, would be to highlight how investment paper issued by banks are NOT term deposits? Caveat Emptor indeed, but the "caveat" is fair only when there's symmetry in information I'd suggest.
Thanks, Rob. So we don't show any favouritism, any volunteers to defend these income funds? Or we'll track one down.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers aims to tackle tax reform but faces challenges. Previous reviews struggled due to political sensitivities, highlighting the need for comprehensive and politically feasible change.
You've no doubt heard about Division 296. These case studies show what people at various levels above the $3 million threshold might need to pay the ATO, with examples ranging from under $500 to more than $35,000.
The $3m super tax could be put down to the Government needing money and the wealthy being easy targets. It’s deeper than that though and this looks at the factors behind the policy and why more taxes on the wealthy are coming.
The super tax has caused an almighty scuffle, but for SMSFs impacted by the proposed tax, a big question remains: what should they do now? Here are ideas for those wanting to withdraw money from their SMSF.
Business investment and per capita GDP have languished over the past decade and the Labor Government is conducting inquiries to find out why. Franking credits should be part of the debate about our stalling economy.
With Div. 296 looming, is there a smarter way to tax superannuation? This proposes a fairer, income-linked alternative that respects compounding, ensures predictability, and avoids taxing unrealised capital gains.
There are many ways to invest in stocks, but some strategies are more effective than others. Here are nine tried and tested investment approaches - choosing one of these can improve your chances of reaching your financial goals.
The $3 million super tax has many rethinking their super strategies, especially issues of wealth transfer on death. This reviews the taxes on super benefits and offers investment alternatives.
Markets are reassessing the impact of AI, with initial euphoria giving way to growing scepticism. This shift is evident in the performance of ASX-listed AI beneficiaries, creating potential opportunities.
Concerns over the US fiscal position seem to have overtaken geopolitics and interest rates as the biggest tailwind for gold prices. Even if a debt crisis doesn't seem likely, there could be more support on the way.
With further RBA rate cuts forecast this year, small caps may be key beneficiaries. There are quality small cap LICs and LITs trading at discounts to net assets, offering opportunities for astute investors.
Forget speculation about a future US-China conflict - it's already happening. Through cyberwarfare and propaganda, China is waging a grey war designed to weaken democracies without firing a single shot.