We have also worked with some advisers to devise a fixed pricing package to meet all their paraplanning needs. If this is of interest to you, please contact our office.

Now to our latest travel adventure….  Vietnam, a misty land of rice paddies, bicycles, motorbikes and bobbing conical hats worn by women balancing baskets off bamboo rods.  We landed in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon).

Destination Number 1: Mekong Delta,  south of Ho Chi Minh city. 

The rustic floating houses were a welcome sight after haggling with the taxi-driver, searching for the boat in My Tho and the long drive from the airport feeling jet-lagged. Our two nights on the delta were relaxing. We waved at the locals making their way up and downstream as the sun set casting golden hues across the water. We explored Turtle island and took a cycle tour near Ben Tre. Cycling in Vietnam is not for the faint-hearted. While there are few heavy vehicles or cars, the throng of motorcycles and bicycles can be overwhelming. To make things worse, our search for an ATM took us onto the main street in Ben Tre. The stressful cycle to the ATM called for a pause to devour a sugarcane juice at a street stall. All warnings about eating street food, ice and raw vegetables went out the window with our first food encounter in My Tho. How can one enjoy Vietnam, if one misses out on the street food!!!

Sunset on the Mekong

Transporting on the Mekong

Mekong Floating Houses

Destination Number 2: Saigon

The Millennium3 National Conference in Saigon was fantastic. The calibre of the speakers, such as  Matina Jewell and Mike Brady, the non-stop platters of sushis, sashimi and oysters at the welcome cocktail,  the Saigon Sheraton conference facilities and the very chic French gala night were all ingredients to an outstanding conference. Saigon itself was a letdown; a soulless place lacking character which was polluted and noisy.

Hustle Bustle in Saigon

Destination Number 3: Hoi An

What our trip lacked in trekking adventures was somehow made up by the train ride. We boarded the 11pm Reunification Express in Saigon, destination Danang, expected time of arrival 2.30 pm. Two guys, one a Japanese from Sydney and the other a Vietnamese who lived in the US, shared our soft sleeper cabin. We sampled the train food; rice, cabbage and meat, only recommended for the very hungry!! As our train zoomed on, we enjoyed a kaleidoscope of cattle egrets feeding on insects in the rice paddies, banana plantations, plots of sugarcane fields, hills blanketed by mist, glimpses of the grey ocean and buffaloes lazing next to little bamboo houses.

The short taxi ride from Danang took us to Hoi An, the Old Town with the UNESCO World Heritage status. Hoi An was delightful with its Japanese bridge; narrow houses with Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese influence. Locals living in the town often hoist their furniture to the top floor of their homes when the monsoon hit and they are flooded. We saw many assembly halls with elaborate wooden carvings guarded by statues of horses and temples dotted with burning incense. At night, Hoi An was truly magical with its glowing Chinese lanterns, purple, red and green, decorated with Chinese characters; colourful illuminated dragons over the bridge; decorated boats; the live music performances, and of course the delightful Vietnamese cuisine at the popular ‘Morning Glory’ restaurant.  

At dawn, we wandered through My Son, the ruins of the ancient Champa Kingdom dating back to the 2^nd century. But nothing prepared us for the Huyen Khong Cave in Marble Mountains. Imagine a cool spacious cave with sunlight streaming in from the roof, casting a glow on the Buddha’s and scowling statues. We were subdued to silence by the mysticism of the cave.

Ancient Ruins - My Son

Japanese Bridge

Destination Number 4 – Hue

Everything about Hue, the ancient imperial city, speaks of the opulent times of emperors; be it exploring the lavish red and gold temples within the Imperial Enclosure or stepping in the Honour Courtyard guarded by statues of elephants and horses at the Minh Mang tomb after cruising the Perfume river. Unfortunately tourists get constantly harassed whether it is by the cyclos drivers; touts with paintings sharing a sad story or overpriced boat trips. It was a relief to catch the train for an overnight ride to our next destination of Hanoi. Little did we know that our arrival in Hanoi would be so packed with misadventures!!

First we had a very brusque wake-up call, as we were still cuddled up on our sleepers when the train stopped in Hanoi. Then the saviour from the train who guided us to a taxi ended up being a crook.  In consort with the taxi driver they tried to overcharge us for the taxi ride, clocking 48.9 kilometres for a 3 kilometres journey. They dropped us at a hotel with a different name which had its shutters down (on a good note, it was the right hotel which had changed its name 3 days prior to our arrival). Later that morning we were verbally assaulted and short changed by the street seller where we sampled some ‘pho’ (rice noodle soup) for breakfast. Lastly that same day we failed to locate an elusive French bakery despite walking kilometres through the French quarters.

Imperial Enclosure

Thien Mu Pagoda

Minh Mang Tomb

Destination 5 – Halong Bay Cruise

Imagine a mysterious ocean dotted with limestone karsts, the gentle hum of the junk, the mist casting an ethereal atmosphere, constant light rain and being surrounded by lanterns robed  junks. This is the magic of Halong Bay. We could not fault our IndoChina Sails two nights’ cruise. The luxury of the marble bathroom, the kayak exploration of caves, the discovery of floating villages, the succession of delicious dishes, our knowledgeable guide and fellow travelling companions, made it all so perfect.

Views over Halong Bay

Kayaking Halong Bay

Destination 6 – Hanoi

We were back in Hanoi for our last two nights in Vietnam. We again stayed in the Old Quarter with its constant flow of motorcycles, where pavements are overtaken by street vendors, where the streets are often named after the established businesses. We enjoyed the Water Puppet theatre and had a long stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake before departing for a one night stop-over in Singapore.

Anybody for a fresh Chook?

Hanoi by Night

So what may impact on the contribution limit?

1. The contribution is counted towards the cap when the superannuation fund receives it. For example if the SG contribution for the financial year ending 30 June 2010 is received by the fund on the 4th of July 2010, it will be counted in the cap for 2010/2011.
2. Life insurance premiums paid by the employer through superannuation is counted as Concessional contributions.
3. Insurance premiums paid by the individual when the policy is set up as a superannuation policy gets counted as Non Concessional contributions.
4. The unexpected receipt of a bonus or increase in salary when already salary sacrificing to the limit.
5. Reallocating contributions to a later year.

As much as possible we conduct meetings on Skype. Skype software is free and it enables free communication between Skype users and for a minimal subscription fee to call non-users. However Skype only works with a fast internet connection. Please add us on Skype, our address is: paraplanningdirect.

In October, I attended the Millennium 3 conference at the Vines Resort & Country Club in Perth. It was a great opportunity to network and catch up with clients and colleagues.

2011 was also the year of our great African adventure. We spent the last seven and a half months touring Southern Africa, visiting South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, and Botswana and of course my homeland, Mauritius. Technology enabled me to manage the business during our travels and it was great signing up new clients along the way.  The highlights of our trip were three walking trails and a pony trek through Lesotho.

First in March was the Giants’ Cup Trail, of 59.3 Kms.  The trail is located in the Drakensburg or Barriers of Spears, South Africa.   We set off from Sani Lodge at the foothill of the Sani Pass on a morning where the clouds were hanging low. The scenery along the trail was spectacular and one could be easily have been mistaken to think that the trail was winding through the Scotland Highlands rather than the midst of Southern Africa; the light drizzle and mist accompanied us all the way to the first hut, Pholela Hut. We would soon mourn this overcast day as the sun grilled us on the rest of our trek, making the walking much more arduous.  After so much heat, we could not resist the cool water of the pools at the end of day 2 and day 4. Peppermint Pools, a 10 minutes’ walk from the Swiman Hut with its crystal clear water, the smooth rock lining and the backdrop of mountains, was a pleasant reward after covering  over 12 kilometres on that day. On Day 3, we were lucky to experience an amazing display of lightening over the distant mountains as we picked up the pace to the Winterhoek hut, in time to avoid the rain. Winterhoek Hut was in fact 7 thatched roof rondavels set like a kraal with a lapa (common area) in the middle. The beautiful green mountains, the waterfalls, rivers, the Langalibalele cave with its bushman paintings and sightings of elands and baboons made it a memorable experience.

Winterhoek Hut

Peppermint Pools

The Drakensburg

The Drakensburg

The pony trek in Lesotho was very ambitious for non-riders. Not only did we opt for a 4 day ride, but we choose to ride to the summit of Thabana Ntlenyana, 3482 m, the highest point in Southern Africa.  We booked the trek, despite the warning on the website as follows:

“NOTE: This tour is for the experienced horse rider as it entails 2 1/2 to 3 long days in the saddle!! Accommodation in the motebo is very basic and warm sleeping bags are required.”

As we were returning from the Giants’ Cup Trail the day before the pony trek, we assumed that we would be in top shape and that no physical exertion would be too much for us.  We would soon find out that walking and riding are very different physical activities.

As for sleeping in the motebo or shepherd’s hut, it was a real experience. Firstly cow dung on the floor, not dried… but fresh from a wondering calf, secondly the ticks or whatever the bugs were that had us scratching all night and then the cold air streaming into the motebo,  as  motebos have no doors.  Definitely not for the faint hearted!!  It was after the night in the motebo that we tackled Thabana Ntlenyana. We ended up being 12 hours in the saddle on that day!!We were fortunate in reaching the summit shortly before the clouds rolled in and spread across the valley. Shepherds standing silhouetted against the skyline above us, sleeping in the motebo and village rondavels guarded by fierce dogs, food cooked by the locals in the villages, using the long drop and last but not least the physical pain after being in the saddle for so long were all part of the pony trekking experience.

Thabana Ntlenyana

Basuto boys

Makhupana Valley

Motebo (shepherd's hut)

Imagine magnificient views, the bark of baboons, mighty mountains passes, fynbos (indigenous plants) overgrown mossy valleys, streams dotted with flat white rocks with the sun’s rays dazzling through the fernery… stretch the imagination further… showers at the end of a day’s walk and flushing toilets.  This is what is on offer on the Tsitsikamma Trail (place of the roaring waters); a 60 km trail in the Eastern Cape that we explored over the Easter break. While the trail starts at Nature Valley, we cut short the first few kilometres of the trail. The first hut, Kalander Hut was too close to civilization for peace of mind so we decided to skip it. We were after all in South Africa, with its horror stories of mugging, raping and killing. Not only is the trail first class, but the facilities at the huts and location were amazing. Bloukrantz Hut perched on a cliff overlooks the Toulbos River with its clear ponds, waterfall and reddish cliffs. The panorama is magnificent and the pools so appealing that despite having covered over 13 kilometres on day 1, we were keen on a dip in the freezing water. Our toughest day was on Day 3, walking to Heuningbos Hut, we covered 13.7 kms in 6.45 hours. The undulating terrain with slippery patches covered with trees debris, mossy roots, all presented a challenge.  Day 4 was another taxing day with the crossing of two saddles, Splendid Pass and Nademaalsnek, both over 400 metres high.  On this clear day, the views were incredible. However as the clouds gathered we doubted our chance of getting to the Sleepkloof Hut dry. The Gods were watching over us and we made it just in time.

Tsitsikamma Trail

Tsitsikamma Trail

Bloukranz Hut in the distance

Pool on the Tsitsikamma Trail

Finally in July we set off for the Fish River Canyon in Namibia. The Fish River Canyon is a classic hiking trail and one that features predominantly in the trekking reading books.  The Canyon, 160 kms long and 27 kms wide, is the second largest canyon in the world right after the Grand Canyon in the US. So it was with much trepidation that we were about to embark on this gruelling trek. Fellow hikers have warned us about the boulder hopping and knee-jarring experience of going down the canyon.   Yet nothing could have prepared us for the amazing experience.  What we did not know and found out the hard way, was that walking the canyon is not simply following the Fish River for 90 kilometres; there are a number of tributaries,  tracks cutting inland, huge boulders that forces one to cross the river, thigh-height river crossings. We were extremely lucky to catch up with a church group of trekkers from Cape Town that took us under their wings. Had it not been for them we might still be wondering the canyon… in fact a few days after we exited the canyon, three trekkers went missing in the canyon.  While the Canyon is majestic with its wild horses, hot springs and grandiose scenery, the one thing that sets it apart is the sense of total isolation. The feeling of being at one with nature and away from civilization is incredible. There are no set camps, no huts, no markers, no toilets or taps.  On some evenings, we only had the stars and the moon for companions. Although it was winter, the sun at midday created extreme heat as we struggled up and down boulders and trudged through the sand. Fortunately the numerous river crossings provided an opportunity to dip and cool down. Exceptionally this year, the canyon was littered with wildflowers; this array of yellow, pink and blue flowers blanketed the canyon floor in parts and was in total contrast to the otherwise arid scenery.  So it was with a heavy heart that we reached the little palm oasis of Ais Ais, which marked the end of the trail.

Near Baboon Hill Fish River Canyon

The Quartz

Another river crossing

 

 

 

 

 

Fish River Canyon

For a more detailed account of our Southern Africa trip, click on the link below.

Southern Africa 2011

Soon after coming back from New Zealand, we headed north for Exmouth. We had a leisurely drive up to Exmouth with stop overs at Geralton and Carnavon where we camped.  Exmouth lived up to its promises with emus strolling through the town, the hot weather and tons of seafood which we indulged into. But over and above all, the snorkeling made the trip such a success. Turquoise Bay with its ‘drift’ snorkeling experience was very pleasant but somewhat scary. Snorkelling around the Oysters Stacks was the highlight where the Ningaloo Reef with its protected marine park status really came to life. While we had to juggle the tides and be careful of razor sharp rocks, the snorkeling was amazing. We sighted reef sharks, octopus and a myriad of fishes in all colors and shapes. We did a few short walks in the Shothole Canyon and Charles Knife Gorge.

Our traditional July trek on the Bibbulmun Track near Collie was threatened prior to us heading off as a severe weather warning was issued for the South West.  We adjusted our initial plan and cut the walk down by a day. We were dropped off at the Mumballup Tavern and walked south to the Noggerup Campsite. It was a short 5 kilometres walk but some of us got caught in the rain a kilometer or so from the hut. The next day we retraced our steps towards Collie with a stop for lunch at the Tavern. A reasonable walk of 17.7 kms, where we enjoyed the views across Glen Mervyn Dam and the banksias trees covered with crystal drops of rain. We had the Yabberup hut to ourselves, as the rain seemed to have kept all walkers away. The final day walk to Collie was a long haul; 19.7kms with rain bucketing down on the last 10 kilometers. We were all relieved to be back to civilization and hot showers.

2010 was a busy year at Paraplanning Direct. Sini, who is studying Accounting and Financial Planning at Curtin University, is now employed on a part-time basis as a Paraplanning Assistant/Bookeeper.  Sini is from China. It is a delight working with her and when we have lunch together, I take the opportunity to learn more about a different culture. We also welcome David Francis as a contractor. David has a Bachelor in Economics and is a Certified Financial Planner. He is based in Adelaide.  I took the opportunity to meet with David while attending the Millennium 3 conference in Glenelg in October 2010. The profile of our team members will be posted shortly on our website.

Another milestone for Paraplanning Direct is the transition from Visiplan software to Xplan.  It was a great success, with fantastic support from the Xplan team both at Millennium 3 and at IRESS. 

Welcome to our third newsletter.  The highlight of the last 6 months has been our trip to New Zealand, a landing in paradise. Not only is the scenery magnificent with snow-capped mountains and turquoise lakes, but it is a Mecca for trekkers.

Our seven days’ trek on the Routeburn Track and the Greenstone Track started in torrential rain. As we trudged the 8.8 kilometres from the Routeburn Shelter to the Routeburn Falls Hut, mini waterfalls pushed down the slopes and slowed our progress. Even our Gore-Tex gear could not stop the assault of the relentless rain. On that first day, the views were non-existent. The river crossings on the rickety swing bridges were a hairy experience with the water gushing past underneath us.

There is nothing like a very wet day to be appreciative of the timid sun which would greet us on the days to follow. From the mighty Earland falls, which crashed down from its 173m height to the mossy forest where one expects to see goblins popping out from the giant ferns, the trek was memorable. As if we were not spoilt enough by the vistas and well maintained tracks, the huts were unbelievable with flushing toilets, gas cookers and even mattresses on the bunks.

We then headed for Mt Cook/Aoraki, the highest mountain in New Zealand, where the sun  and blue skies joined the party for the next three days. The boots were put back on and we climbed to the Searly Tarns (1,250m).  We shared a mountaineering hut with PHD students who were researching the Kea alpine parrot and we joined them during their research early one morning.

We finished our trip in Christchurch attending the Millennium 3 conference. The conference was very motivational with entertaining speakers like All Black and Rugby Sevens’ specialist, Eric Rush. I picked up some good business tips and interacted with advisers from over East.

For more photos, click here.

On the business front, my personal assistant, Melanie has now also started our in-house training program and will soon be ready to prepare the Simple Risk and Super SoAs.  With three paraplanners on board we are set for a very busy 2010.

Same-Sex Couples

Same-Sex Legislative changes took effect from 1^st July 2009. The definition of spouse has been amended in various tax laws to include a same-sex spouse and will impact on the following areas:

• Tax Offset for Dependant Spouse
• Senior AustralianTax Offset
• Medicare levy Assessment
• Main Residence CGT exemption
• CGT rollover relief on relationship breakdown

Same-sex couples may now benefit from:

• Spouse Super Contributions offset
• Splitting of Concessional Contributions

However Same-sex relationships are now recognized for Centrelink and Family Assistance purposes. This may have some adverse impact on the couple’s finances.   

It is imperative that same-sex couples’ financial plans be reviewed in light of the above changes and strategies be put in place to take advantage of the changes while mitigating the reduction in concessions.

New Work Bonus

This replaces the Pension Bonus Scheme which closed on 20 September 2009. Individuals working past the Age Pension age would have 50% of their employment income up to $250 per fortnight excluded under the Income Test.

However the bonus is not available to self-employed pensioners unless they operate under a private trust or company structure. It is worth reviewing the business structure of the self-employed and how they are remunerated and draw funds from their structure.

Centrelink

Why not review all the clients who are on a part-pension? If they are Income Tested, reducing their minimum pension payment to the Centrelink Deduction Amount will enhance their pension.

UK State Pension

From 6 April 2009, certain people will be able to contribute an additional six years of voluntary Class 3 National Insurance contributions (NICs) under new legislation in the Pensions Act 2008. This is over and above those permitted under the current time limits, in order to enhance their basic State Pension entitlement. Find out more by clicking on this link.

 It may be worth reviewing all clients who come from the UK!

The legislation in relation to the Expanded “Income” definition is now in force and took effect from 1^st July 2009. In a nutshell it widens the definition of income to include salary-sacrifice contributions and net investment losses when working out eligibility for various taxation and superannuation concessions and government benefits.

Areas affected by the changes:

• Government Co-contribution eligibility thresholds
• Spouse Super Contributions offset
• Using the 10% rule for super contributions eligibility
• Income Test for individuals under Age Pension age
• Family Tax Benefit, Child Care Benefit, Baby Bonus
• Commonwealth Seniors Health Care card

Pension Bonus Scheme is OUT, New Work Bonus is IN

The Pension Bonus Scheme has closed to new entrants on 20/09/09. However those who attain Age Pension age before that date have still a window of opportunity for 13 weeks (from the date they reach pension age) to register under the old scheme.

Welcome to the 2^nd edition of our News Bulletin.

Paraplanning Direct welcomes Corinne Jacquin on board as a trainee contractor. Corinne has a Bachelor Of Business in Financial Planning from the RMIT (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology). Corinne has worked for two years in a financial planning practice in Western Sydney. Corinne operates from Blairathol in Sydney and this reflects the “no boundaries” nature of our business.

In June, I successfully graded and achieved my Green belt (5kyu) in Karate Goju Kai. It was my first grading since my karate injury in May 2007.

In July 2009, our 4 day trek on the  Bibblumun Track was cut short on Day 2 as I battled a bout of flu to get back to civilization. The Bibbulmun Track is a long-distance walking trail which runs from Kalamunda (Perth Hills’ suburb) to Albany, 403 kms south of Perth. The Track is 973 kilometres long and has 48 three-sided timbers huts spread from 12 to 23 kilometres apart. Our proposed trek was in the Dwellingup region, 136 kilometres south of Perth.  We set off in wet weather with the rain pelting down. The weather eased off by the time we stepped into the Chadoora Hut, where we spent the night. The next day we set off for the 20 kilometres back into Dwellingup where we spent the night at the caravan park before heading back to Perth to recover.

At the end of July, we flew to South Africa via Singapore. During the six hours transit in Singapore, we enjoyed a feast of barbecued stingray, oyster omelette, greens and rice all washed down with sugar cane juice and coconut milk at Chiangi Village.

Our South African visit included a 9 day camping trip in the Kruger National Park which was an amazing experience. Every night we went to sleep to the sounds of animals, whether it be the roar of lions, grunt of hippos, barking of the baboons or yelling of hyenas.  We encountered a mating pair of lions lounging in the sun next to the road and the next day spotted a leopard with 2 cubs frolicking up and down a tree. Our favourite spot was a waterhole away from the main treks where we spotted kudus, impalas and giraffes.

The next part of the trip was Mauritius where I caught up with the family. I enjoyed a number of walks through the Mauritian highlands and a relaxing stay at the beach-house on the North West side of the island. To top it up I managed to work through the time I spent in Mauritius confirming that we are really a business with no boundaries.

If you want to enjoy more photos, click here.