Articles by

Barbara Drury

Barbara is a financial journalist and author with over 30 years’ experience in Australia and the UK. She is a contributor to The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age Money section, and has worked for the Australian Financial Review and The Australian.

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.
Deeming rates (2024-25) and calculator for the Age Pension income test

Under the deeming rules, you are ‘deemed’ to earn a certain annual rate of return on your financial assets, regardless of the rate of return you actually earn.
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.
How a transition-to-retirement (TTR) pension works

If you are looking to wind back working hours or boost your super in the lead-up to retirement, a transition-to-retirement (TTR) pension may be the answer.
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.
Key superannuation rates and thresholds for 2024-25

A new financial year brings updated thresholds for a range of super measures. Take a look at the new numbers to check for opportunities.
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.
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.
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.
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.
SMSF setup guide: 9 steps you need to follow

SMSFs offer more control than other super funds, but strict rules apply. Follow our 9-step guide to ensure your fund complies with all your legal obligations from the outset.
Multigenerational SMSFs: Benefits and pitfalls

Now that SMSFs can have up to six members, it makes it easier to bring the whole family into the super fold, but it’s important to look before you leap.
SMSF audits: Fees and guidelines

An annual audit is one of the necessary tasks associated with running an SMSF, but it can save trustees from inadvertent and costly breaches of the rules.
What is the DVA (Department of Veterans’ Affairs) Service Pension?

The Service Pension provided similar benefits to the Age Pension for veterans, their partners and widow(er)s, but the eligibility requirements are different, as you would expect.
The taper trap: Super and the Age Pension means test

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.
Asset valuation guidelines for SMSFs

There’s no getting around regular asset valuations for your SMSF, and it needs to be done by the book.
Franked dividends and franking credits for SMSFs

While interest rates have lifted off their historic lows, franked dividends from shares are still a happy hunting ground for income-seeking investors.
SMSFs and financial advice: A matter of cost and trust

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.