There are a range of benefits attached to the Age Pension, so there’s a lot riding on when you can access it.
Articles by Barbara Drury
What age can I access my super (Preservation Age)?
There are a series of hurdles you need to clear before you can access your super. The first is your age.
Super funds help women and parents over the ‘baby bump’
There is still a big gap between the retirement savings of women and men, but some funds are offering support when younger women and families need it most.
The definitive SMSF guide to franked dividends
Let’s be frank, at a time of historically low interest rates it’s no wonder SMSF investors have been flocking to franked dividends from shares.
What are the SMSF residency requirements?
Proposed changes in the 2021 Budget will level the playing field for SMSFs with members who move overseas.
Financial advice: What are the risks and benefits?
Despite the scandals of recent years, the evidence is clear that good financial advice can provide both material and intangible benefits.
Target retirement income: The 66–80% rule of thumb
Want to know how much income you will need to live well in retirement? This rough estimate may help.
Member services: What separates the best super funds from the rest?
Member services have the potential to rev up your super returns, so check what’s on offer.
Super advice: How to find a suitable financial adviser
Most of us could benefit from personal financial advice at some point in our lives, but finding an independent, qualified adviser attuned to your needs is crucial.
Which super funds accept transfers from KiwiSaver accounts?
If you have savings in a KiwiSaver account, you can voluntarily transfer them to an Australian super fund under the provisions of a Trans-Tasman Retirement Savings Portability scheme that was introduced on 1 July 2013.
Dividends shaken but not stirred
Corporate Australia is emerging from COVID in good shape and dividends are making a comeback. So what dividend yields are on offer and where do dividends fit into your income strategy?
Lifetime estimator calculator
This calculator helps you estimate how long you might live, based on the latest Life Tables from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and the Australian Government Actuary.
Industry super funds lead retail funds in assets, satisfaction and performance
APRA statistics released this week show retail funds have lost nearly $23 billion in value since December 2017, while over the same period industry funds grew by nearly $40 billion. This represents a change in value of assets of -6% for retail funds and +4% for industry funds.
8 warning signs of a bad financial adviser
Getting high-quality independent financial advice is too important to put in the too-hard basket. These red flags will help you avoid bad advisers.
Super fund fees: Do lower fees mean better net returns?
Fees are important, but they are not the only thing driving superannuation’s investment returns.
