Accessing super before retirement
Q: I am 60 years old, working 30hrs week, with a dependent husband. I would like to access my super to at least pay a big proportion of my mortgage because I am not even meeting my interest only on the income I am on.
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.
Investment performance: Benchmarking super fund returns
Q: I am 62 years, retired and draw an allocated pension. What I need is to get sound independent advice about whether I am in the best fund for my needs and how my super fund compares.
SMSFs: Can I transfer my life insurance to my DIY super fund?
Q: I have searched the web and the ATO site to determine if we can have our SMSF pay life insurance for members. I am unable to find whether these things are arm’s length in regard to existing policies or not.
Investment performance: We’re the best super fund. No, we’re the best…
A popular question from SuperGuide readers is: what is the best-performing super fund in Australia? Using the term ‘best’ is dangerous in any field because it involves some level of personal judgement…
Peace of mind, at a cost: 10 things to know about annuities
The GFC, and the financial carnage that followed, devastated the value of many Australian retirement portfolios. For some retirees and prospective retirees, the risk of another sharemarket crash has redirected attention to the possibility of a guaranteed income in retirement, taking the form of an annuity.
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.
SMSFs lead the super pack, again
Individuals running DIY super funds control 32% ($432.4 billion) of the $1.36 trillion invested via Australian superannuation funds. Ten years ago, DIY super funds represented one-tenth (10%) of all superannuation money.
Are you a former Ansett worker? Expect long-awaited super benefits
Remember Ansett Australia airlines? The airline company collapsed on 12 September 2001, the day after terrorists flew planes into the twin towers of the New York World Trade Centre. The two events however were not related.
Super fund fraud victims to be compensated
If you’re a member of one of the super funds listed below, then you need to read this article: Astarra Superannuation Plan; Astarra Personal Pension Plan, My Retirement Plan, (including subplans – Seagrims Retirement Plan, TIC Super, and Titanium Retirement Fund) and Employers Federation of NSW Superannuation Plan.
Accessing super early: Is it possible to withdraw super to pay overdue rent?
Q: I have a tenant who is about to be evicted from their rental home. He has a small super benefit can he access that under the severe financial hardship (clause 4 b) – everyday living expenses?
