Note: This article is updated regularly with the latest lifestyle/income data. The most recent data was released in May 2013 (for lifestyle costs as at March 2013), and includes Age Pension rates effective from March 2013 (until September 2013). Due to reader demand and the current market … [Read more...]
Note: This article is updated regularly with the latest lifestyle/income data, and latest Age Pension rates. The most recent data was released in May 2013 (for lifestyle costs up to March 2013) and includes March 2013 Age Pension rates (which apply until September 2013). Due to reader demand and the … [Read more...]
Q: I'm new to Australia and I have no idea where to start with my super in order to have the best outcome 40 years from now. So far, I have had my super spread between 3 industry super funds, as organised by temp employment agencies. I know this is not the way to continue, but I am not sure who to … [Read more...]
Q: I have a life insurance policy owned by my self-managed super fund (SMSF) of approx $2 million. Currently there is only about $80,000 accumulated in the fund. I am 40 years old. If I die tomorrow is my wife able access an income stream from the fund tax-free? For instance, upon my death if this … [Read more...]
Q: Six months ago, my wife and I started a self-managed super fund. We pay a flat fee to have it administered on our behalf. All the assets in the fund at this stage are my rollovers. I am also in the PSS (a public sector fund) and my wife has a small amount in an industry fund, where she … [Read more...]
Q: I am looking at setting up a DIY super fund whereby I take over from a wrap provider, saving about $5000 in fees. Is there a ready-made program I can buy now, or how would you plan for this? Any books or articles that would assist? Choosing to run your own super fund is not just a cost … [Read more...]
For the rates and thresholds for the 2010/2011 year, check out Super rates and thresholds for 2010/2011 year. This page gives you a list of super and retirement-related rates, thresholds and caps that are indexed in line with rising prices, or indexed in line with average weekly earnings. … [Read more...]
In what must be a Pinocchio moment (of which there are many – see this month’s THE SOAPBOX: Does the Government think we're stupid?), the Government is closing the Pension Bonus Scheme (PBS) to new entrants from 20 September 2009. The reason? The scheme is too complex and not meeting its … [Read more...]
