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.
Cashing in on the co-contribution rules (2011/2012 year)
The Federal Government is giving away money to anyone who makes a non-concessional (after-tax) contribution to their super fund, and who earns less than $62,000 a year. The tax-free giveaway is officially called the co-contribution scheme.
Your 2011/2012 guide to non-concessional (after-tax) contributions
Non-concessional contributions are more popularly known as after-tax contributions. You may even hear them called ‘undeducted’ contributions. Such contributions are subject to a contributions cap, which sets a limit on the amount of after-tax contributions that you can make in one year.
Does the Government’s co-contribution count towards my contributions cap?
Q: Does a co-contribution received after using up the total bring forward cap of $450,000 mean that an excess contribution has been made, or is the Government co-contribution excluded from the after-tax contribution cap?
Federal Budget May 2011: At a super glance
Although Wayne Swan promoted the package of documents as delivering jobs and spreading the benefits of the mining boom to more Australians, the May 2011 Budget also delivered several superannuation measures including:
2011 Federal Budget: What about super’s 4 forgotten issues?
In September 2010, I published a to-do list of 16 major superannuation issues needing action by the Federal Government post the Federal election. I published this list in the form of a public memo, as a helping hand for the newly appointed Minister of Superannuation, Bill Shorten.
Superannuation Guarantee: How do I find unpaid or lost super?
Q: I worked in a company in Perth in 2000. I left that job and returned to the east coast. As it was a new company they decided to pay super after 6 months and supposedly kept the funds in an investment account until then.
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.
Cooper Review: Our Government’s four-pronged response
‘Stronger Super’ is the catch-cry heralding in the Federal Government’s response to the Cooper Review report on the superannuation system.
Super for beginners, Part 1: I’m new to Australia – help me!
Q: I’m new to Australia and I have absolutely no idea where to start with my super in order to have the best outcome 40 years from now.
Mr Shorten, Here’s your superannuation to-do list
Dear Mr Shorten – You have a busy few years ahead of you.
