Consider these two risks before you start a super pension
Market volatility and economic uncertainty can wreak havoc with retirement plans, so it’s important to develop strategies to ensure your savings last the distance.
Articles by Barbara Drury
SMSFs: Investment property tax deduction mistakes to avoid
Property investment is popular with SMSFs, so it’s important to know what your fund can and can’t claim as investment property tax deductions if you want to stay on the right side of the ATO.
Your home: The foundation of retirement planning
The family home is much more than a roof over your head in retirement. It’s also a potential source of income and aged care funding.
Saving for retirement outside super
While super is synonymous with retirement, the reality is that many Australians will also draw retirement income from investments held outside super in their own name, a company or trust.
SMSF investment rules: Collectables and personal use assets
An ATO crackdown on asset valuations, and the proposed tax increase on unrealised capital gains in $3 million-plus super accounts, is putting pressure on SMSFs with collectables to take stock.
Super and pension fund performance: Where does your fund rank?
Now updated to 30 June 2024. Have you ever looked at your super fund’s investment returns and wondered how your fund compares with similar funds? Is it a consistently high performer or an inveterate underachiever?
Mind over matter: The psychology of retirement planning
Rising inflation and volatile markets are forcing many of us to make important decisions about our finances, so it’s important guard against these common mental traps.
How do ETFs compare to LICs/LITs and managed funds?
Exchanged-traded funds have taken off in Australia, but there is still a role for LICs and managed funds. Learn about the pros and cons of each.
What concession cards are available for seniors and pensioners?
Even if you aren’t eligible for the Age Pension, there are a variety of valuable concession and healthcare cards available, depending on your age, income and location.
Choosing an SMSF service provider
They may be referred to as DIY funds, but in practice most SMSF trustees will need at least some professional advice, from setting up their fund to the annual audit and tax returns.
How to plan for your retirement
If retirement beckons, you probably need a plan. You could seek professional financial advice, but it’s not difficult to make a basic retirement plan yourself by following these steps.
What on earth is an in specie transfer?
If you’ve ever wondered if you can transfer shares or a business property into your SMSF, the answer is yes but strict rules apply.
What age should I retire?
It’s a common question and the short answer is that age is only one of many considerations when you are weighing up when to retire.
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.
Super pensions: Trends in payment frequency, flexibility, fees and more
Super funds have slow to respond to calls for more innovative retirement income products that address members’ needs, but there are some changes to watch out for.
Independent financial advice: Why it’s important and how to find it
Most people would expect the financial advice they receive is independent and free of conflicts of interest, but that is not always the case. Here’s what to look for.
How to find a super financial adviser
Good advice can make an enormous difference to your financial health and wellbeing, which is why it’s worth taking these steps to find the right financial adviser for your needs.
Financial advice: What are the risks and benefits?
There is mounting evidence that financial advice can be good for your hip pocket as well as your general wellbeing, but you need to be vigilant.
