SMSFs and life insurance
Q: I am a self-employed businessman with my own DIY super fund. I would like to know if I can arrange insurance(s), for example, death, etc through my fund with the premiums paid from the fund? Could you recommend any companies that may supply these services?
Accessing super early on compassionate grounds
From 1 November 2011, any Australian applying to access super benefits early on compassionate grounds must apply to the DHS rather than APRA. I explain what ‘compassionate grounds’ means later in the article.
Free retirement planning assistance now available
You’re starting to think about your retirement but you’re not sure if you want a full-blown financial plan just yet. Perhaps you may not be able to afford a full financial plan, or you may be uncertain how to go about finding an adviser or unsure as to what qualities to look for in an adviser.
Super for beginners, part 4: My son’s super account is bleeding fees
Q: Hi, I am inquiring on behalf of my son who is unable to work at this stage of his life. It has been three years since he worked. He doesn’t have much in the fund and it is going [...]
Ban unhedged international shares in default investment options
A failure by large super funds to fully hedge against the Australian dollar on international share investments is what I consider to be a major investment boo-boo. Hedging is used to fully or partially eliminate the impact of foreign currency movements on the value of investments.
Comparing super funds: Who’s who in the super zoo
Unless you work in the superannuation industry, how the world of super works can be bamboozling (sometimes it can be confusing even when you know the industry well). This article, on the different types of super funds, is the first in a series of articles explaining the main players in the Australian super world.
Unrestricted access to super, sometimes
Q: I was an Australian citizen, age 37, and had been part of a super fund from about 1993/4. I left Australia in 2001. I see from your 12 legal reasons to cash your super that I may be able to access my restricted benefit.
Age Pension: Income test thresholds increase up to 3 times a year
Q: Do you know how frequently the the Age Pension income test thresholds are increased by the government?
Help! Where did my employer pay my Superannuation Guarantee contributions?
Q: I was told this was the website to look up all my employer paid super contributions. I’m no good with technology, can’t find it. Am i on the right track?
THE SOAPBOX exclusive: Only 7 truly independent financial advisers in Australia
And SuperGuide has the list, again! In February 2010, we published a list of 14 truly independent advisers in Australia which triggered much controversy and angst from the financial services industry, and from SuperGuide readers. Well, SuperGuide is at it again, and the number has halved – to 7!
DIY super: Age Pension relief for SMSF lifetime pensions
In March 2009, SuperGuide reported that certain SMSF lifetime pensions would receive a reprieve from repaying Age Pension entitlements when failing a solvency test (see Light relief for SMSF lifetime pensions). The solvency test is conducted by an actuary who [...]
