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.

Which SMSF expenses are tax deductible?

The expenses associated with running your own super fund can add up, so it’s important to understand which expenses you can, and can’t, claim as a tax deduction.
Independent financial advice: Why it’s important and how to find it

Most people would expect the financial advice they receive is independent and free of conflicts of interest, but that is not always the case. Here’s what to look for.
How to find a super financial adviser

Good advice can make an enormous difference to your financial health and wellbeing, which is why it’s worth taking these steps to find the right financial adviser for your needs.
Financial advice: What are the risks and benefits?

There is mounting evidence that financial advice can be good for your hip pocket as well as your general wellbeing, but you need to be vigilant.
8 warning signs of a bad financial adviser

The vast majority of financial advisers want the best for their clients, but sadly, some abuse their position for personal gain. Here’s what to watch out for.
Retirement Income Review finds 9.5% super is enough

The wisdom of increasing compulsory super next July is not the only reason the Retirement Income Review was eagerly anticipated, but it certainly added fuel to the fire.
SMSF compliance: What are trustees’ responsibilities?

SMSFs provide members with a high degree of control and flexibility, but there are strict rules attached.
SMSF reporting and record-keeping requirements

SMSFs have many attractions but keeping up with the admin is not one of them. Here’s what you need to know to stay on the right side of the law.
Starting a pension from your super

When you retire there’s more than one way to withdraw income from your super; we explain your options.
What strategies can I consider to reduce tax on a super pension paid from my SMSF?

When and how you withdraw income from your super in retirement can have significant tax benefits.
What is the Age Pension age?

The age at which eligible retirees can start receiving the Age Pension has risen to 67. Bad news if you were born from 1957 on, but the good news is there are no plans to lift the age further.
ETFs: How do I use them and what do they cost?

Exchange-traded funds have exploded in popularity in recent years as an efficient, cost-effective way to build a portfolio, with new funds launched almost monthly.
SMSFs: Minimum account-based pension payments, strategies and calculator

SMSFs in pension phase need to be extra careful when setting their pension payments for 2023-24, as minimum drawdown rates double from 1 July.
Early release of super on compassionate grounds

While compassion is a general term, the ATO applies strict rules when deciding whether you can withdraw some of your super early on compassionate grounds.
Early release of super due to severe financial hardship

You may be able to withdraw a small lump sum from your retirement savings if you are in severe financial hardship and not otherwise eligible to access your super, but strict rules apply.
Accessing super: Reaching age 65

Once you turn 65 the last barriers to dipping into you super come down, even if you’re not ready to retire.
How to read a super fund PDS

Are you and your super fund a perfect match? All will be revealed in your fund’s product disclosure statement.
Latest Choice super heatmap shows progress but fees remain high

Super funds that allow member choice improved their performance overall in the year to June 2022 but high fees persist, especially for Choice funds closed to new members.