Rules of thumb: Do these popular retirement planning hacks measure up?
One of the first questions people raise when they’re thinking about retirement is whether they can afford it. Some simple rules of thumb aim to act as a guide.
Articles by Barbara Drury
Accessing super: Reaching preservation age and retiring
If you are itching to retire but not sure if you can start drawing on your super, you need to understand which hoops you need to jump through and when.
Early release of super due to temporary incapacity
If you are temporarily unable to work due to physical or mental ill-health issues, you may be able to access some of your super.
How to prepare for an SMSF auditor and fill in your SMSF tax return
Just because you’ve chosen a DIY fund, doesn’t mean you have to do everything yourself. But if you choose to do most of the work, there are legal hoops to comply with.
SMSFs structures: Corporate or individual trustee?
Corporate trustees are becoming increasingly popular with SMSFs, but an individual trustee structure also has its merits.
Guide to SMSF trust deeds
Before you set out on your SMSF journey, you will need a road map known as a trust deed.
Guide to SMSF audits
An annual audit is one of the necessary chores associated with running an SMSF, but it can save trustees from inadvertent and costly breaches of the rules.
Mind over matter: The psychology of retirement planning
When it comes to complex decisions about our future financial security, we often shoot ourselves in the foot. But a little self-knowledge can go a long way.
Super strategies after losing your spouse: What are the rules?
Deciding whether to take your partner’s super death benefits as a lump sum, pension or a bit of both requires careful planning; the earlier the better.
What concession cards are available for seniors and pensioners?
A world of potential concessions and discounts opens up once you hit your 60s, even if you are not eligible for the Age Pension. We explain who gets what.
Retirement age calculator: When can you access your super or the Age Pension?
You may be able to retire whenever you choose in Australia, but age matters if you want to tap into your super or apply for the Age Pension.
SMSF statistics: 1.1 million members with $822bn in super
The number of SMSFs in Australia has continued to rise in recent years, along with average individual member and overall fund balances. The majority of SMSFs have been operating for more than ten years and have corporate trustees, with this structure becoming very popular since 2015.
What is a self-managed super fund (SMSF)?
Controlling your own financial destiny is an appealing prospect for many Australians, but it’s important to understand the costs as well as the benefits.
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.
What are unrestricted and restricted non-preserved super benefits?
If you have ever wondered why your super fund breaks down your balance into preserved and two types of non-preserved amounts, this explainer is for you.
