Articles by
Barbara Drury
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Franking credits and dividend income in your SMSF
While interest rates have lifted off their historic lows, franked dividends from shares are still a happy hunting ground for income-seeking investors.
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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.
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Have you got an exit plan? The importance of estate planning
Older Australians are wealthier than ever before, so careful estate planning is crucial if you want your super and other assets to be distributed in line with your wishes.
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Passive versus active: Which investment style is best?
As the debate over passive vs active investing continues, both have their place in SMSF portfolios, depending on your financial goals and risk tolerance.
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ATO SMSF supervisory levy: Cost and guidelines
In a world of ever-increasing prices, the ATO’s annual SMSF supervisory levy has been remarkably stable for almost a decade.
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Super funds with the lowest income protection insurance premiums
Income protection premiums continued to increase at a significantly higher rate than death and TPD premiums in 2023, but the cost of cover varies widely.
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Super funds with the lowest life and TPD insurance premiums
As the cost of living rises, life and TPD insurance premiums inside super have bucked the trend with little or no movement in 2023.
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SMSF property tax deduction mistakes to avoid
Property investment is popular with SMSFs, so it’s important to know what your fund can and can’t claim as investment property tax deductions if you want to stay on the right side of the ATO.
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What concession cards are available for seniors and pensioners?
Even if you aren’t eligible for the Age Pension, there are a variety of valuable concession and healthcare cards available, depending on your age, income and location.
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SMSF compliance: What are trustees’ responsibilities?
SMSFs provide members with a high degree of control and flexibility, but there are strict rules attached.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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What government services are available for older Australians?
With the cost of living on the rise, it’s worth making the most of the government discounts and services for older Australians in your state or territory.
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What are the different types of super funds?
Choosing an excellent super fund can make a big difference to your retirement outcomes. The first step is an understanding of the five broad categories of funds on offer.
