Articles by
Barbara Drury
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Do SMSFs rely too heavily on bank shares for dividend income?
UpdatedReports of the banking sector’s death have been greatly exaggerated. But is it wise for your SMSF to rely on bank shares alone?
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SMSFs and insurance: Rules and considerations
UpdatedEven 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?
UpdatedSMSFs 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
UpdatedHigh 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?
UpdatedIf 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
UpdatedFor 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.
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How to create an investment portfolio in retirement
UpdatedStructuring an investment portfolio designed to support you throughout retirement is a different challenge to the strategies you used to build wealth during your working life.
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What is the sole purpose test, and how does it work?
UpdatedAs the name suggests, the savings you accumulate in super are meant to be for one purpose only. Straying from that purpose can be costly.
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Platforms and wraps: Benefits and downsides
UpdatedTechnology is at the heart of recent innovation by platform providers as they compete against each other, industry funds and SMSFs for your super and non-super investments.
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Are pension withdrawal rates safe? Understanding drawdowns and spending rules
UpdatedRetirees often regard the government-mandated minimum withdrawal rates for their super pension as a default maximum, so how are these rates set and should you consider withdrawing more?
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Selecting a retirement income calculator
UpdatedMost super funds provide tools to help you estimate your annual retirement income and how long it should last. But how reliable are they? It pays to know what to look out for.
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Location the missing ingredient in retirement planning
UpdatedWhen you start planning your retirement, where you live can be just as important as your super balance and have an even bigger impact on your quality of life.
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Lifetime estimator calculator
UpdatedWithout 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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ESG and sustainable investing: A practical guide for SMSF trustees
UpdatedClimate 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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What is the retirement age in Australia?
UpdatedWhen (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
UpdatedMany 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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Preservation age explained: What it means for accessing your super
UpdatedThere 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 your super affects your Age Pension entitlements
UpdatedThe 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.
