Articles by
Barbara Drury
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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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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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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.
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What to do if the market tanks and you’re retired, or close to it
Volatile financial markets make it difficult to plan ahead, but in uncertain times having a plan and sticking to it can make a big difference to your retirement outcome.
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How to plan for your retirement
It can be difficult knowing where to start when you are ready to think seriously about retirement, but working through these easy steps will help.
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Do SMSFs rely too heavily on bank shares for dividend income?
Interest rates are finally on the way down, raising concerns about bank profits and dividend payments. Should SMSF investors be worried?
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Retirement income rules of thumb: Do they measure up?
If you are getting serious about planning your retirement income needs and don’t know where to start, these handy estimates could help.
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SMSFs and insurance: Rules and considerations
Even if you have life insurance outside super or in a pre-existing fund, SMSF trustees are still required to consider their insurance strategy.
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What are the penalties for SMSF non-compliance?
SMSFs offer a high degree of flexibility and control over your retirement savings, but there are legal guardrails and hefty penalties for trustees who breach them.
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The role of cash and bonds in your portfolio and what’s available
High interest rates are loathed by borrowers but they are money in the bank for people seeking reliable income with a high degree of safety from their investments.
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Can I get free financial advice?
If you could do with some help with your finances but can’t afford a professional adviser, all is not lost. Free financial advice and digital tools are out there if you know where to look.
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2024 year in review, 2025 year in preview
For the second year running, investors had a surprisingly good year in 2024 thanks to moderating inflation, economic growth holding its head above water, falling interest rates (just not in Australia) and buoyant share markets.
