Articles by
Barbara Drury
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How to start a super pension and what to consider first
When you retire there’s more than one way to withdraw income from your super; we explain your options.
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Low Income Tax Offset (LITO): How it works
Low-income earners may be eligible to reduce their tax bill by as much as $700, without lifting a finger. Check our guide to who’s eligible and for how much.
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Retiring this year? What to know before starting a super pension
As retirement beckons, it’s worth checking the rules around making last minute super contributions and how much you can transfer into a tax-free pension account.
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Managing your super after losing your spouse
Inheriting your spouse’s super in retirement needs careful planning to ensure you make the most of the tax-free pension phase without exceeding your limit.
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What to teach your (big) kids about super
If your kids are old enough to have scored their first fulltime or part-time job, now’s the time to pass on everything you wish you’d known about super at their age.
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Tax-saving strategies for SMSF pensions
When and how you withdraw income from your super in retirement can have significant tax benefits.
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How to find a super financial adviser
There are times in life when the right financial advice could prove invaluable, but it’s important to know what you are looking for and where to find it. Here’s how.
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Am I eligible for the Age Pension?
A common question for Australians planning their retirement is if, and when, they will be eligible for the Age Pension.
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My retirement planning diary (Part 3): How much am I likely to spend in retirement?
It’s easy to obsess about your super balance in the run-up to retirement, but how much you have is meaningless unless you know what you need.
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My retirement planning diary (Part 2): My super fund-amentals
After deciding I would retire this year, volatile global markets have forced me to review my plans. In part 2 of this series, I review my super investments and my approach to risk.
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How much does financial advice cost?
Many Australians who admit they need financial advice are reluctant to get it due to the perceived cost, but are they right? We look at what’s available and what it costs.
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Super pensions: Trends in payment frequency, flexibility, fees and more
Despite calls for more innovative pension products, most super funds are tinkering around the edges of their retirement offerings.
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My retirement planning diary (Part 1): Donald you shrunk my retirement!
After deciding I would retire this year, the current market turmoil has put a Trump-sized hole in my plans. If you’re in the same boat, come along for the ride as I review my situation over the coming months.
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Choosing a super fund: Does size really matter?
Size can be an advantage when it comes to economies of scale and investment clout, but big is not always better.
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Mind over matter: The psychology of retirement planning
Understanding how common behaviours and cognitive biases can short-change your retirement is the first step to taking control of your financial future.
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How much super do I need to retire?
The good news is you probably don’t need anywhere near the $1 million often touted to retire in the style to which you have become accustomed. Here’s how to set your savings target.
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SMSF returns are competitive with large funds
While lagging the performance of large super funds some years, SMSFs have outperformed them over the longer term.
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Common ‘myth-conceptions’ about retirement income
Given the complexity of super and how it interacts with the Age Pension, it’s not surprising that misunderstandings abound. So let’s bust a few myths.
