Super for beginners, part 3: Why aren’t my super contributions tax-free?
Q: I checked my statement and I put an extra $10 per week into my super and each time an amount is put in, it has been taxed. Is this right? I thought that my contributions were tax-free?
Super for beginners, part 10: Can I use my super to reduce my mortgage?
Q: I have a rental property unit I owe approximately $190,000 to the bank and I would like to know if I can invest my $60,000 super into the unit to reduce my payments to the bank? Superannuation is subject [...]
Super for beginners, part 6: Can I make concessional (before-tax) contributions while I’m unemployed?
Q: I have been made redundant and would like to know if any contribution in super is tax deductible while I’m unemployed even if I would find work in the next couple of weeks?
Super for beginners, part 15: Super tax – as easy as 1-2-3
Your superannuation benefit can be taxed at three stages: When making contributions, when a super fund earns income and when receiving super benefits
Super for beginners: Top 10 must-know facts
Since we launched the SuperGuide website in 2009, we have received thousands of questions on different aspects of superannuation. We try to represent as many questions as possible, while also ensuring we cater for readers who are just beginning their super education.
Monkeys* stop women taking control of super
For so many women, the needs of other people usually come first — children, partner, parents, friends and even workmates. Often, for a woman to think about her own needs, she has to face a health challenge, financial stress or a relationship breakdown.
Women and super: A worry-free financial future in 6 steps
I have wanted to write a practical non-technical book for women on superannuation for a long time. The first question I was asked when I told some female friends was: ‘Why does there need to be a book on super especially for women?’
Super for beginners, part 11: Is my super fund good enough?
Q: I have my super with a major financial organisation. I’m wondering, are they a good company to be dealing with? I feel that their fees are a bit high: based on an investment amount of $300,000 the MER amount is $6,600 plus a monthly admin fee of $8.44. What are your thoughts on this matter?
Super for beginners, part 20: Comparing your super fund’s performance
Every month or two (or more recently, every week it seems) the media reports the latest returns from Australia’s largest super funds.
Super for beginners, part 7: Can I split my super benefits with my spouse?
Q: I am 41 years old and my partner is 56 years old. We have a very big mortgage as we are both the casualties of wealth destroying divorces and single parenthood! Thus we intend to pay off our mortgage before putting more into our superannuation which will therefore be after the 2012 cut-off date, limiting the amount of $25,000 for my partner’s total contribution.
Super for beginners, part 14: Save tax – Supply TFN to your super fund
Here’s a tip that can potentially save you thousands of dollars. Check that your super fund has your tax file number (TFN). If you joined a super fund before July 2007, or started your current job before July 2007, then your fund may not have your TFN.
