Articles by
Barbara Drury
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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 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Your pot of retirement savings in super may actually be divided into several smaller pots, some of which can be withdrawn sooner than others.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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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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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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Dixon Advisory’s fall from grace: 4 lessons for all investors
When Dixon Advisory collapsed, it left a trail of aggrieved SMSFs and investment losses. It’s a saga we can all learn from.
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The SMSF trustee declaration explained
An SMSF trustee declaration is an Australian Taxation Office (ATO) document that summarises the duties and obligations of an SMSF trustee or director.
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Alternative investments for SMSFs
SMSF trustees are often accused of being unadventurous in their asset allocation, but some are bucking the trend with ‘exotic’ investments in everything from horse semen to vending machines and dividend-paying cows.
