This month we would like to welcome our new Partner at KMW, Scott Amos.

The global financial crisis (GFC) has led to many retirees experiencing substantial declines in the value of their retirement savings. Members of self managed super funds (SMSFs) in pension phase, in particular, have been hard hit with many having to sell assets in times of market downturn and forced to realise capital losses in order to meet pension requirements. A strategy that is often overlooked is the use of an annuity as part of the SMSFs investment portfolio.

Turn invoices into instant cash Most businesses find cash flow a juggle at one time or another. If your company offers credit terms to your customers, then waiting on payments can put a considerable strain on your working capital. Fifo Capital provides quick, simply and effective finance solutions for small to medium sized businesses. Whether your requirement is $10,000 or $250,000+, they can assist you without the need of property security and in less than 24 hours.

Account based, allocated and market linked pensioners are currently allowed a 25% reduction in their required minimum payment amount. The Government has announced that draw-down relief will be extended for one year.

The festive season is just around the corner and Australians are expected to spend $23 billion this Christmas. It's quite easy to spend up big at Christmas, and overspending can wreak havoc on your finances as well as your stress levels.We've put together the 7 ways to save this Christmas season, so you can wake up on Boxing Day without a credit card hangover!

KMW will be closing from Thursday 22nd December and will re-open on Thursday 5th January. We wish all of our clients a wonderful Christmas. We look forward to working with you again in the new year.Look out for our Christmas card in the mail! Ruby Kent from Sherwood State Primary School won our Christmas card design competition with this wonderful entry.

Whilst most Australians insure their vehicle or home and contents, the one thing to pay for all of these items - their income - is not insured.

The Export Market Development Grant scheme applications close on 30th November 2011. Want to know if youre eligible for financial assistance from the government for your business?

Emma Cunningham, Director of Aventree Financial will be sharing her knowledge in our November Boardroom Briefing Session.

ASIC has developed a directory of unlicensed overseas companies that are known to be scamming millions from everyday Australians. If you receive an unusual email or phone call from someone offering you a great investment opportunity or loan, be very wary as you dont want to be the next victim.

Overseas Representatives are a major expense and a very important success factor to many of our exporting clients.We were recently asked what needs to be included in an overseas rep agreement. As we understand the importance of this document we thought it would be prudent to provide some insight into the types of things should be included in an overseas rep agreement.

In October KMW will be participating in the Australian Red Cross "Big Cake Bake."

The Business and Industry Transformation Incentives (BITI) Grant is a State Government Grant available to businesses who undertake projects that will promote transformation in various Queensland Industries.

As the number of "work from home" requests increase in SME workplaces, there is concern for workplace health and safety liability. In a recent AAT case, a Telstra employee has claimed compensation after being injured whilst working from home. According to Legal experts, the Telstra ruling could force SMEs to conduct workplace health and safety audits in the homes of 1 in 4 Queenslanders who work from their private residence for lifestyle reasons.

You may remember from our previous newsletter that the ATO has recently issued a controversial draft ruling regarding pensions, that if implemented will have potentially serious consequences for pension members and their beneficiaries. This draft ruling has continued to receive significant media attention yet it will be many months until any further guidance is received from the ATO.

From technology to marketing and client skills, here are 10 tips from Industry experts that will hopefully give your business the edge!

In the recent events of global economies and markets, we have an update on the current situation and how it will affect you.

The ATO has recently issued a controversial draft ruling regarding pensions, that if implemented will have potentially serious consequences for pension members and their beneficiaries.

The ATO has developed an easy-to-use electronic business calendar to help you plan and manage your tax obligations and give you timely reminders.

At KMW we are having a 'Wear White Wednesday' on Sept 7 to support White Balloon Day and raise funds for victims of child sectual abuse.