Articles by

Janine Mace

Janine has over 25 years’ experience writing about superannuation, including a decade as Managing Editor of the ASFA’s highly respected industry magazine, SuperFunds. She has worked with a range of super funds and leading institutional investment managers. Her work has appeared in the Australian Financial Review personal finance section and she has been a regular contributor to Money Management and Financial Planning magazines.

Creating effective salary sacrifice arrangements with your employees

A salary sacrifice arrangement with your employee needs to meet certain rules if you want to avoid problems with the ATO later on.
Are you paying your super contributions on time? Deadlines for employee contributions

When you make super contributions for your employees, ensure you pay by the deadline – or risk having to pay a penalty to the ATO.
What are the penalties for failing to meet employer super obligations?

Failing to report and pay your SG obligations can result in hefty penalties from the ATO, so ensure you meet your quarterly responsibilities.
Choosing a default fund for your employees

When you make SG contributions, some of your employees won’t have a super fund, so it will be up to you choose a default super fund for them.
Life insurance through super: A definitive guide

Holding death cover through your super fund can be a costeffective way to protect your family and financial dependents and to help pay off your debts if you die.
Employee or contractor for super purposes? How to tell the difference

Employers generally don’t pay super for contractors, but it’s tricky to work out how they differ from employees. Here’s some rules to help you understand the difference.
How to plan your spending through the 3 stages of retirement

Research shows your spending in retirement depends not just on how much you have in your nest egg, but also on the phases you go through as you age.
What are annuities, and how can they help in retirement?

For some people, annuities can be an easy way to convert some of your super into a guaranteed income stream to cover your basic expenses in retirement.
Tax returns in retirement: Do I need to lodge one?

Just because you’re retired doesn’t mean you can avoid dealing with the ATO. If you have an SMSF, or income other than a tax-free super pension, you still need to lodge a tax return.
The importance of the 10/30/60 Rule to your retirement income

The investment return on your super pension account is just as important as the returns you earn on your super while you are working, as this simple ‘rule of thumb’ demonstrates.
What is the value of financial advice when it comes to your retirement?

When it comes to planning your retirement, good financial advice can provide valuable benefits – both for your finances and your emotional wellbeing.
How to choose an investment option for your super pension

Selecting the right investment option for your super pension has a big impact on how much money you can spend during your retirement years.
Indexing options in your super fund: Pros and cons

Indexing is an increasingly popular investment strategy and many super funds offer it as an investment option, but how does it work and what are the benefits?
How to keep good records for your employees’ super contributions

Keeping detailed records on SG contributions for your employees is essential if you want to avoid problems with the ATO and claim the available tax deductions.
Managing your employees’ SG contributions? Technologies you need to know

When you are paying SG contributions for your employees, there are various payment options and technologies you can select to make the task a little easier.
The financial and health benefits of working into retirement

Staying in the workforce past the traditional retirement age can have many benefits – both financially and in terms of your physical and mental health.
Do you know what your super fund is invested in?

More disclosure of the investment assets held by your super fund makes for interesting reading and can help you compare different investment options.
Unlisted assets: What are they and why is my super fund investing in them?

Unlisted assets are an important investment for some larger super funds as their more stable returns provide a useful balance for the volatility of listed assets like shares.