Articles by
Barbara Drury
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Lifetime estimator calculator
Without knowing how long we will live, retirement income planning is difficult, to say the least. This calculator provides a personalised estimate, depending on your health and other factors.
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Why it can pay to put as much as possible into super
If your super balance is underwhelming, even small personal contributions can supercharge your retirement savings once compound interest and tax do the heavy lifting.
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Balanced, Growth, Defensive: What’s in a name?
If you are confused about the meaning of super investment option labels like Balanced, Growth and Defensive you’re not alone. Even the funds can’t agree.
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The big picture: Focus on super’s long-term returns
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so we’ve created a visual representation of super’s value in the long run.
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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.
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Top 10 Balanced super funds ranked by risk and return
While super funds with the highest annual returns capture headlines, some funds and their members place a premium on balancing rewards with a focus on consistency.
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How to invest according to your values and address climate risk in your SMSF portfolio
Climate change, sustainability, greenwashing – investing is a minefield these days but there are steps you can take to align your investments with your values.
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SMSF statistics: 1.1 million members with $869 billion in super
The size of the self-managed super fund sector continues to grow in terms of members and assets, at the expense of all but industry super funds.
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What type of people have SMSFs?
As SMSFs cement their place in the retirement savings landscape, trends in income, age and gender of members are emerging.
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How does SAPTO work? (Senior Australians and Pensioners Tax Offset)
If you are eligible for the Age or DVA pension you could be in line for a handy tax rebate, depending on your taxable income and relationship status.
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What is the retirement age in Australia?
When (and if) you retire is up to you, but there are rules around when you can access your super and the Age Pension.
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Accessing super between 60 and 65
Many of us dream of early retirement, but if you need to access your super to live the dream you need to tick a few boxes first, beginning with your age.
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How superannuation is taxed: Super for beginners guide
Super is a very tax-effective vehicle for your retirement savings, but no-one said the taxation of super was simple. Here’s a quick overview of what you pay and when.
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What age can I access my super (Preservation Age)?
There are a series of hurdles you need to clear before you can access your super. The first is your age.
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How retirees are using home equity to boost income
Cost of living pressures are expected to fuel growth in reverse mortgages as retirees look for ways to top up their income.
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How does your super affect the Age Pension?
The amount of Age Pension you are eligible to receive in retirement is means tested, with super among the assets included. This is how it’s assessed.
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What is a self-managed super fund (SMSF)?
SMSFs are a popular choice for people who want more flexibility and control over their retirement savings, but they’re not for everyone so be sure to understand what’s involved.
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Retirement planning for couples
Planning for retirement as a couple offers opportunities to maximise your retirement income from super along with tax and estate planning benefits, but there can also be added complexity.
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