SuperGuide
Superannuation and retirement planning information
The way super intersects with the Age Pension has a big impact on retirees with ‘middling’ super balances, but it’s important not to fixate on short-term pension entitlements at the expense of long-term financial security.
The ATO has increased scrutiny of SMSFs and common areas of non-compliance with superannuation law, and the penalties for getting it wrong can be substantial.
There’s no getting around regular asset valuations for your SMSF, and it needs to be done by the book.
While interest rates have lifted off their historic lows, franked dividends from shares are still a happy hunting ground for income-seeking investors.
The number of SMSF trustees who have unmet advice needs is growing, but upcoming reforms and new technology offer the prospect of improved affordability and access.
If retirement beckons, it’s time to work out how much income you think you will need to fund your desired retirement lifestyle. Here’s what you need to consider.
Older Australians are wealthier than ever before, so careful estate planning is crucial if you want your super and other assets to be distributed in line with your wishes.
It can be easy to put off retirement planning when you are caught up in the demands of running your own business, but it pays to plan ahead if you want to make the most of all your hard work.
There’s a lot to think about in the run-up to retirement, from where your income will come from to where you’ll live, but answering these questions should help you prepare.
As the debate over passive vs active investing continues, both have their place in SMSF portfolios, depending on your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Income-generating investments are always in demand, but investment selection is key in a volatile interest rate environment.
Last year investment markets surprised on the upside, with a late surge in shares and bonds and a resilient residential property market. So what’s in store for 2024?
In a world of ever-increasing prices, the ATO’s annual SMSF supervisory levy has been remarkably stable for almost a decade.
Industry consolidation is creating fewer, larger super funds as smaller or underperforming funds are urged to shape up or ship out.
If you dream of retiring to an exotic overseas location where the living is easy, be sure to look at the financial, health and other considerations before you make the leap.
Default MySuper funds have been undergoing a makeover in recent years, with performance under the microscope and fees falling.
Income protection premiums continued to increase at a significantly higher rate than death and TPD premiums in 2023, but the cost of cover varies widely.
As the cost of living rises, life and TPD insurance premiums inside super have bucked the trend with little or no movement in 2023.
