Articles by
Barbara Drury
-
SMSF investing: 20 most popular LICs/LITs
Listed investment companies and trusts are facing stiff competition from cheaper ETFs and passive index funds, but have a place in many SMSF portfolios.
-
SMSF investing: 20 most popular managed funds
Traditional managed funds have been partially eclipsed by the rise of ETFs, but they remain core holdings for many SMSF investors looking to diversify.
-
SMSF investing: 20 most popular international shares
Direct holdings in international shares fell in 2024–25 due to volatile market conditions but perhaps also to the growing appeal of ETFs to access global markets.
-
SMSF investing: 20 most popular Australian shares
Australian shares remain the most popular asset class for SMSF investors, with portfolios dominated by the big banks and miners.
-
SMSF investing: 20 most popular ETFs
Gen X and Millennials are fuelling the rapid take-up of ETFs by SMSF investors, drawn to their instant diversification, global reach, accessability and low cost.
-
Deeming rates (2025-26) and calculator for the Age Pension income test
On 20 August 2025 the government announced the first change to deeming rates since 1 May 2020 when rates were frozen at artificially low levels during COVID.
-
Pension fund performance: Monthly returns to August 2025
Pension funds continued their positive momentum in August, with returns up 3% in the financial year to date.
-
Super fund performance: Monthly returns to August 2025
Super funds built on their strong start to the new financial year with a 1.3% return in August, with Chant West estimating the median Growth fund is up 3.2% over the two-and-a-half months to mid-September.
-
Super fund performance reckoner: Monthly returns for 5 investment categories
In our reckoner below you can view the median monthly investment returns for 5 superannuation investment options going back to January 2016.
-
MySuper funds: What they are and who offers them
Default MySuper funds have been undergoing a makeover in recent years, with performance under the microscope and fees falling.
-
How do I transfer a UK pension to an Australian super fund?
It can make sense to bring your UK pension funds home to Australia, but the process is far from straightforward. We explain how it’s done.
-
What are lifecycle super funds, and how do they perform?
Lifecycle funds are designed to reduce risk as you near retirement without sacrificing returns; recent research shows many do just that but you need to know what to look for.
-
Which SMSF expenses are tax deductible?
The expenses associated with running your own super fund can add up, so it’s important to understand which expenses you can, and can’t, claim as a tax deduction.
-
Age Pension calculator (September 2025 update)
Our Age Pension calculator gives you an estimate of your potential Age Pension entitlements based on your situation, assets and income.
-
Age Pension assets test rules (from September 2025)
This article details the rules and limits of the Age Pension assets test (how much your savings and other assets are worth), which is one half of the means test (along with the income test) that determines how much Age Pension you could be eligible for.
-
Age Pension rates (September 2025 to March 2026)
Age Pension rates are rising again. Check the latest rates for singles, couples and transitional pensions and learn what you may be entitled to.
-
Age Pension income test rules (from September 2025)
A common question for those nearing or in retirement is “How much can a pensioner earn before it affects the pension?”.
-
My retirement diary (Part 6): Light at the end of the tunnel
In the final instalment of my retirement diary, I review my progress and set the date.
