Latest news with #Findex


Otago Daily Times
25-05-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Investment Boost should improve business confidence
While the government has been focused in recent times on trying to reduce expenditure to balance the books, the announcement of the new Investment Boost in last week's Budget should help improve business confidence by bringing forward a tax deduction for businesses investing in productive assets. The Investment Boost will allow New Zealand businesses to elect to take a 20% upfront deduction for new capital assets bought for their business. These assets must be used or available for use for the first time on or after May 22, 2025. Businesses already committed to building new assets before this date may still be eligible, provided the asset meets the usage criteria. The Investment Boost will apply to the purchase of most assets that are depreciable for tax purposes such as machinery, equipment and vehicles. It will also apply to new commercial and industrial buildings even though normal depreciation for these assets is 0%. In addition, improvements to depreciable property will be eligible for the Investment Boost if the asset being improved is also eligible. An example of an eligible improvement would be significant strengthening of an industrial building used or available for use on or after May 22, 2025. Assets that will be excluded from the Investment Boost are assets that have previously been used in New Zealand, including land, trading stock, residential buildings (dwellings), fixed life intangible assets (such as patents and trademarks), and assets that are fully expensed under other rules (such as assets that cost less than $1000 that are fully deductible). For businesses currently claiming Research and Development tax credits, the good news is that the deduction will be an eligible expenditure. While opponents might see the Investment Boost as a tax break for businesses, we see this as a positive incentive for businesses to invest in productive assets to boost the economy. If the asset is a depreciable asset, then the taxpayer would have been able to depreciate the asset anyway. Introduction of the Investment Boost will simply allow the deduction to be brought forward while still allowing for the amount to be clawed back in the same way depreciation is if the asset is sold. While the devil will be in the details, we believe this is a positive move for businesses in New Zealand looking to retain funds and invest in their future, which is ultimately what NZ Inc needs. While the early deduction will benefit those taxpayers already committed to expenditure, the hope is that the Investment Boost will also give hesitant businesses nervous about spending sufficient encouragement to invest in new assets. • Jarod Chisholm is a tax advisory managing partner at Findex (NZ). The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the thought or position of Findex.

Sydney Morning Herald
25-05-2025
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Generation squeeze: Why Millennials should start preparing for retirement now
Real Money, a free weekly newsletter giving expert tips on how to save, invest and make the most of your money, is sent every Sunday. You're reading an excerpt − sign up to get the whole newsletter in your inbox. As a generation, Millennials cop a lot of flak. First from older generations – usually with some mumblings about avocado toast or work ethic – and recently from our younger Gen Z counterparts, who think we're cringe or whatever. As an official 'cusp' Millennial, I like to pretend none of this criticism applies to me, and that I'm not cringe at all but actually extremely cool and relatable. Plus, at least I actually know how to use a computer. But if we move past my delusions and into the world of facts, the truth is that Millennials are facing a serious problem. Dubbed the 'generational squeeze', a recent survey by financial advisory Findex found half of Millennial Australians believe they'll need to support their family members. One third believe they'll need to support their elderly parents, and one fifth say they'll have to support their children. Loading What's the problem? While the bank of mum and dad is renowned for handing out loans to children, Millennials could be the first generation that needs to support their offspring and their parents at the same time, a daunting prospect for a generation barely managing to afford the rent. Indeed, one in every five Millennials said they were not confident in their ability to support dependents in retirement. What you can do about it If you're in this boat, there are some things you can do now to prepare yourself:

The Age
24-05-2025
- Business
- The Age
Generation squeeze: Why Millennials should start preparing for retirement now
Real Money, a free weekly newsletter giving expert tips on how to save, invest and make the most of your money, is sent every Sunday. You're reading an excerpt − sign up to get the whole newsletter in your inbox. As a generation, Millennials cop a lot of flak. First from older generations – usually with some mumblings about avocado toast or work ethic – and recently from our younger Gen Z counterparts, who think we're cringe or whatever. As an official 'cusp' Millennial, I like to pretend none of this criticism applies to me, and that I'm not cringe at all but actually extremely cool and relatable. Plus, at least I actually know how to use a computer. But if we move past my delusions and into the world of facts, the truth is Millennials are facing a serious problem. Dubbed the 'generational squeeze', a recent survey by financial advisory Findex found half of Millennial Australians believe they'll need to support their family members. One third believe they'll need to support their elderly parents, and one fifth say they'll have to support their children. Loading What's the problem? While the bank of mum and dad is renowned for handing out loans to children, Millennials could be the first generation who may need to support their offspring and their parents at the same time, a daunting prospect for a generation barely managing to afford rent. Indeed, 1 in 5 Millennials said they were not confident in their ability to support dependents in retirement. What you can do about it If you're in this boat, there are some things you can do now to prepare yourself:


Scoop
20-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Findex Charity Golf Day Racks Up Record Support For Hato Hone St John
Press Release – Findex Returning to the picturesque Nelson Golf Club, the popular event brought together a record 116 golfers for a day of camaraderie, competition, and community impact. With a stacked course focused on fun and supporting a good cause, the fourth annual Findex Community Fund (FCF) Charity Golf Day was described in three short words: a roaring success. Returning to the picturesque Nelson Golf Club, the popular event brought together a record 116 golfers for a day of camaraderie, competition, and community impact. This year, the event was in support of Hato Hone St John's new Nelson Tasman Ambulance Hub in Richmond, a critical project enhancing emergency services for surrounding towns including Nelson, Richmond, Motueka, and Golden Bay. Under clear skies with Tasman Bay's stunning vistas, the Ambrose-style 18-hole tournament at Nelson Links welcomed players of all skill levels, from business owners to weekend warriors. The day buzzed with excitement, kicked off by a Hato Hone St John ambulance sounding the siren for the shotgun start. 'Now that,' says Andrew Smith, Nelson Findex Managing Partner, 'Was a crowd-pleasing moment that underscored the event's purpose!' On-course BBQ and drink stations fuelled players, while the 'Party Hole,' hosted by platinum sponsor Tax Management New Zealand, turned up the fun with burgers, music, and a festive vibe. The Bowater Motor Group's Hole-in-One contest, offering a $40,000 car and a matching donation to St John, kept hopes high, though no player claimed the prize. It was awesome to see the energy and community spirit in action, especially knowing each swing helped fund Hato Hone St John's life-saving services, says Matt Rama, Chief Commercial Officer, of Platinum sponsor TMNZ. 'For TMNZ, supporting the Findex Community Fund just made sense. As a purpose-led business, we share Findex's values around making a real difference. A big thank you to all the players, sponsors, and the Findex team who made the day happen. Together, we've helped make a real impact for a cause that supports New Zealanders.' Smith is thrilled with the turnout. 'A full draw, on point aural branding from Hone Hato St. John, and perfect weather made this one of our best golf days yet,' he enthuses. 'Every swing helped us support a Hub that will save lives in our region.' Debbie Zwies, Hato Hone St John South Island Fundraising Manager echoed Smith's enthusiasm: 'With 86% of our Emergency Ambulance Service funding coming from the government, we rely on a mix of third-party support, fundraising, and community generosity to bridge the gap. Support from organisations such as Findex helps us continue delivering vital services across Aotearoa.' She adds, 'We're pleased to be part of the Findex Community Fund Golf Day and appreciate their contribution to our cause.' The Hub, with a secured site, will feature four ambulances, six rest areas, and a public training facility to future-proof emergency care – all of which, of course, come at a cost. That's why the impact of initiatives like the Golf Day are so crucial, particularly as Hato Hone St John faces rising costs and ageing infrastructure, adds Zwies. 'The Nelson Tasman region is growing, and so are the demands on our ambulance services. That's why we're raising funds for the purpose-built ambulance hub—to provide more space, improved facilities, and future-proof emergency care for the community.' Findex's 2025 event aimed to surpass its 2022 record of $18,000, and early estimates suggested it did just that. Indeed, renowned for their financial acumen if not their prowess on the golf course, once the Findex accountants ran a calculator over the numbers, the total collected is $54,956. 'Not too bad for a day's work…ah, golf,' smiles Smith. Since 2018, the Findex Community Fund has donated over $4.1 million to charities, and this event adds to that legacy. Findex extends gratitude to sponsors including Tax Management New Zealand, alongside players and volunteers.


Scoop
20-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Findex Charity Golf Day Racks Up Record Support For Hato Hone St John
With a stacked course focused on fun and supporting a good cause, the fourth annual Findex Community Fund (FCF) Charity Golf Day was described in three short words: a roaring success. Returning to the picturesque Nelson Golf Club, the popular event brought together a record 116 golfers for a day of camaraderie, competition, and community impact. This year, the event was in support of Hato Hone St John's new Nelson Tasman Ambulance Hub in Richmond, a critical project enhancing emergency services for surrounding towns including Nelson, Richmond, Motueka, and Golden Bay. Under clear skies with Tasman Bay's stunning vistas, the Ambrose-style 18-hole tournament at Nelson Links welcomed players of all skill levels, from business owners to weekend warriors. The day buzzed with excitement, kicked off by a Hato Hone St John ambulance sounding the siren for the shotgun start. 'Now that,' says Andrew Smith, Nelson Findex Managing Partner, 'Was a crowd-pleasing moment that underscored the event's purpose!' On-course BBQ and drink stations fuelled players, while the 'Party Hole,' hosted by platinum sponsor Tax Management New Zealand, turned up the fun with burgers, music, and a festive vibe. The Bowater Motor Group's Hole-in-One contest, offering a $40,000 car and a matching donation to St John, kept hopes high, though no player claimed the prize. It was awesome to see the energy and community spirit in action, especially knowing each swing helped fund Hato Hone St John's life-saving services, says Matt Rama, Chief Commercial Officer, of Platinum sponsor TMNZ. 'For TMNZ, supporting the Findex Community Fund just made sense. As a purpose-led business, we share Findex's values around making a real difference. A big thank you to all the players, sponsors, and the Findex team who made the day happen. Together, we've helped make a real impact for a cause that supports New Zealanders.' Smith is thrilled with the turnout. 'A full draw, on point aural branding from Hone Hato St. John, and perfect weather made this one of our best golf days yet,' he enthuses. 'Every swing helped us support a Hub that will save lives in our region.' Debbie Zwies, Hato Hone St John South Island Fundraising Manager echoed Smith's enthusiasm: 'With 86% of our Emergency Ambulance Service funding coming from the government, we rely on a mix of third-party support, fundraising, and community generosity to bridge the gap. Support from organisations such as Findex helps us continue delivering vital services across Aotearoa.' She adds, 'We're pleased to be part of the Findex Community Fund Golf Day and appreciate their contribution to our cause.' The Hub, with a secured site, will feature four ambulances, six rest areas, and a public training facility to future-proof emergency care – all of which, of course, come at a cost. That's why the impact of initiatives like the Golf Day are so crucial, particularly as Hato Hone St John faces rising costs and ageing infrastructure, adds Zwies. 'The Nelson Tasman region is growing, and so are the demands on our ambulance services. That's why we're raising funds for the purpose-built ambulance hub—to provide more space, improved facilities, and future-proof emergency care for the community.' Findex's 2025 event aimed to surpass its 2022 record of $18,000, and early estimates suggested it did just that. Indeed, renowned for their financial acumen if not their prowess on the golf course, once the Findex accountants ran a calculator over the numbers, the total collected is $54,956. 'Not too bad for a day's work…ah, golf,' smiles Smith. Since 2018, the Findex Community Fund has donated over $4.1 million to charities, and this event adds to that legacy. Findex extends gratitude to sponsors including Tax Management New Zealand, alongside players and volunteers.