Articles by
Barbara Drury
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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.
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SMSF minimum pension payments: Rules and strategies
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.
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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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How to compare super funds in 7 easy steps
Comparing super funds may not seem very exciting, but getting into a quality fund that meets your needs could be one of the best things you do for your retirement.
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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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Is an SMSF right for you?
SMSFs have many fine qualities, but they’re not for everyone. Before you leap in, it’s important to weigh up the costs and benefits for your personal situation.
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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.
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How much super do you need to set up an SMSF?
It’s a debate that never entirely goes away, but there’s a growing body of research that indicates you may not need as much to start your own super fund as previously thought.
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What are unrestricted and restricted non-preserved super benefits?
Your pot of retirement savings in super may actually be divided into several smaller pots, some of which can be withdrawn sooner than others.
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How to find your lost super
If you are wondering why you have so little super to show for all your hard work, it may be time to search for super accounts you forgot you had.
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What are the Age Pension residency rules?
The Age Pension is highly prized, but your eligibility and the amount you receive will depend on your residency status among other things.
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The arm’s length rule for SMSFs
Self-managed super funds are generally a family affair, but “mates rates” for fund transactions or business dealings are strictly off limits.
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How to prepare for an SMSF auditor and fill in your SMSF tax return
Even if you outsource most of the boring SMSF admin, there are two annual tasks trustees can’t avoid.
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The Sharpe Ratio: Risk-adjusted returns and your super
We all want to earn top notch returns from our super fund, but at what level of risk? This is how you find the sweet spot.
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How to benchmark your super fund
If you’re unhappy with your super fund’s performance, it’s getting easier to check how it stacks up against the best of the rest. We explain how.
