Setting a retirement target: Living on more than $55,000
The most popular question about superannuation and retirement planning is, without doubt: How much money is enough?
SMSF investment: Can we sell fund assets to members?
Q. We are aware that SMSFs cannot purchase property from members; however, can members purchase property owned by the SMSF, providing fair market valuation is paid for this? And does the valuation need to be established through a valuation or an appraisal?
Access to super at 55
Q: I took a voluntary redundancy payment in 2008. I have not found a job since then and I am now married to a German and a resident of Germany, I intend to live and retire here. I have $240,000 in my [...]
Life insurance: One in five parents will die early, or be too sick to work
On average, Australians enjoy long lives but the flipside of that equation is that some people die young, and many of those who die young are parents. One in five parents will become too sick or injured to work, or [...]
SMSF providers: What should I look for when setting up my DIY super fund?
Q: I am about to set-up my SMSF but I am not sure who to handle this for me. Some are reasonably priced but I am concerned about access and professionalism as they are online only.
Oh dear! Only 3% of financial plans are ‘good’
In what must be one of the more embarrassing (and unacceptable) situations for the financial planning industry, a study was released in late March 2012 that found only 3% of financial plans were considered ‘good’.
Should I retire? I’m unemployed and have debt
Q: I’m 59 years of age and in March I lost my job. I have since been trying to find work but due to my age I’m finding it excessively hard. After much discussion with my wife we have decided that the best option would be for me to retire. As she earns a decent wage, I am unable to receive government assistance…
Co-contributions: Can I claim the tax-free bonus for the financial year that I retire?
Q: I’m aged 69 and I will retire in December 2010. Am I entitled to make a deposit into my super fund and receive the Government co-contribution for the 2010/2011 year?
Reducing capital gains tax through super contributions
Q: I am about to sell a property which has capital gains tax implications. Is it possible to reduce capital gains tax by transferring some of proceeds of the sale into my super. I will be turning 60 in September. We’ve [...]
Accessing super early: Not for business debts
Q: I am in partnership in a franchise business that needs some financial input at this time. We have been struggling since the beginning of the recent financial crisis, and have fallen behind on rent and we are just managing to keep up with service providers.
Transition-to-retirement pension: Can I work full-time and take a TRIP?
Question: Your site says: “By starting a TRIP, you don’t have to retire to withdraw your super benefits. You can work part-time or full-time or even casually.” But on the TRIP form I have from my super fund it says I have to be permanently retired or be working part time. Which is correct?
