Guest contributor: How $1 million can last longer than you
My portfolio looks like heresy when measured against the orthodox modern diversified portfolio designed to manage risk, but I believe that my large asset allocation to Australian shares is actually a smart approach to ensuring the money does not run out over a 30-year retirement.
What a relief! Minimum pension payments reduced by 25% for 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 years
The Government has announced that pension payment relief will be available for the 2012/2013 year as well as for the 2011/2012 financial year.
Swan attack – freeze contributions caps and halve co-contributions
In an attempt to protect the 2012/2013 Federal Budget surplus which was promised after the Global Financial Crisis savaged world economies, and then re-promised in the May 2011 Budget, Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan has tinkered with the super rules, yet again.
SG to be paid for over-70s from July 2013
SuperGuide is proud to announce that our regular reporting of unfair treatment of older workers has contributed to a win for Australians choosing to work into their seventies and even into their eighties.
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?’
Surviving the post-GFC era: 10 super strategies
Investment returns for most super accounts in Australia were abysmal for the 3 months to 30 September 2011, with the median growth super fund losing 5.1% for the quarter, although the sharemarkets did roar back to life in late-October 2011.
Super funds lose 5.1% in 3 months (to September 2011)
The median superannuation growth fund lost 1.9% of value for the month of September, and has suffered a depressing loss of 5.1% for the financial year to date (that is 3 months, from July 2011 through to 30 September 2011), according to rating company Chant West.
Retirement: Can Australia afford to support your lifestyle?
Are you planning to fund yourself over a 40-year retirement or do you think Australia can afford to finance your retirement?
Age Pension: September 2011 rates now available
The new Age Pension rates, taking effect from 20 September 2011 are set out in this article. Note that ‘pf’ stands for ‘per fortnight’. The Age Pension rates are adjusted twice-yearly – in March and September.
THE SOAPBOX: Government must grant greater relief on minimum pension payments
The federal government must reduce the minimum pension payment required to be withdrawn from super pension accounts to at least half of the usual rate. By reinstating the pension relief to 50% of the usual minimum payment, the Government can help retirees to meet minimum pension payment requirements, who may otherwise be forced to sell shares in a continuing depressed market.
