Top 10 performing super funds for 2011 calendar year
Investment returns/losses for the growth investment options within super funds ranged from a low of -4.8% through to a high of 2.6%, according to figures released by rating company Chant West.
Super funds lose 2% for 2011 year (12 months to December 2011)
The median superannuation growth fund lost 2% in value for the 2011 calendar year, although the median fund is sitting on a gain of 2% for the 3 months to December 2011, according to rating company Chant West.
8 steps to super success
Merely thinking about your super means you’re straddling the first major hurdle that most Australians face when planning (or not) for their retirement and looking into your future. As an employee, you have your employer helping you with your retirement [...]
2012 checklist: 10 super tips for a financially healthy retirement
Use this list as a kick-start for your 2012 super resolutions. You may not keep all of your resolutions, but if you do just a handful of the tasks listed in the checklist below, you can strengthen the chances of a financially secure retirement.
Does Trish Power offer personal financial planning advice?
Q: I have met many financial planners including 3 independent ones, but they don’t seem to know much and all said different things. They don’t seem to show interest and care for my retirement.
For your convenience: Income tax rates for the 2011/2012 year
Super is a concessionally taxed investment vehicle, which means the rate of tax that you pay on your personal income generally influences any decision that you make regarding your super savings. For your convenience we have included the latest income tax rates.
Super contributions beyond the age of 75
Q: If the SG contribution age limit is being removed completely effective July 2013, does this mean that additional concessional or non-concessional contributions can also be made by those aged over 75?
I’m 59 and I have $180,000 in super. Will my super be taxed?
Q: I’ve just turned 59, and I’m thinking of retiring before I turn 60. I would like to know whether I would have to pay tax on my superannuation. I know that after I turn 60, it’s tax-free, so my inquiry is regarding the period till I turn 60.
Questions about the Australian Retirement Fund system
Q: I have worked in the Retirement Fund environment in South Africa for the last 25 years (training fund trustees for the last 10) and would like to explore the Australian Retirement Fund system as we are undergoing a Reform process in SA.
What hours does my employer have to pay super on?
Q: I am trying to find out on what hours my employer has to pay super. I get paid per hour plus over time, but it is a set roster of 12 hours per shift. Doing less is not optional [...]
Divorce: How is Australian superannuation divided in a NZ divorce?
Q: Are you able to shed any light on how Australian super funds are treated/divided by New Zealand courts in the case of divorce, where the two parties are also New Zealand citizens? We’re not familiar with NZ family law [...]
