Articles by
Kate Crawford
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APRA’s performance test: Platforms continue to miss the mark
For the second year running, all MySuper products passed APRA’s performance test. A few platform options fell short, while thousands more are not tested at all.
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Case study: High earners near retirement aim for six-figure income and tax-free inheritance
Watch how John and Helen adjusted their retirement plan to secure a six-figure income, extend their savings, and leave a tax-free inheritance.
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Home Equity Access Scheme (HEAS) explained
The government’s reverse mortgage (previously called the Pension Loan Scheme), helps older Australians convert property equity into retirement income without selling their home.
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What to check on your annual super fund statement
Your annual super fund statement provides a useful snapshot of where you are on the road to retirement and if you’re on track to reach your destination – you just need to know where to look.
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How to boost your spouse’s super balance (including calculator)
Couples who plan together succeed together. Learn how paying attention to your spouse’s super could maximise your opportunities.
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Financial advice through super funds: What’s on offer?
Super funds have been expanding their financial advice services to members, but it’s important to understand the different levels of advice on offer, how it’s provided and paid for.
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What to know before taking a lump sum from super
Cashing a chunk of your super tax-free is tempting, but make sure you look before you leap.
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How the First Home Super Saver (FHSS) scheme works
Let low taxes and a generous interest rate do the heavy lifting while you save for your first home in super.
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Reducing tax on capital gains with super contributions
If you’ve made a capital gain this year, the tax office is knocking at the door. A personal tax-deductible super contribution could keep them at bay.
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Total super balance vs Transfer balance cap explained
The acronyms may be similar, but your total super balance (TSB) and transfer balance cap (TBC) are not the same thing. We clear up the confusion and explain how they affect what you can do with your super.
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How to turn your super into retirement income
Choosing the best combination of retirement income sources for your circumstance can make a big difference to your overall retirement income.
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Transfer balance cap (TBC) for super pensions: How it works
The transfer balance cap limits the amount you can transfer from your super savings into a tax-free pension. The cap is currently $2m but you may have a different cap depending on when you started a pension.
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Should you start a super pension when you are eligible, or wait?
Hundreds of thousands of Australians who are eligible to transfer their super into a tax-free pension account have not taken the opportunity. Are you one of them?
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The 7 biggest super mistakes – and how to avoid them
Where super is concerned, small mistakes or oversights can have big financial consequences so it pays to nip them in the bud.
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The why and how of direct investment super options
If more control over the investments and tax in your super is appealing but you don’t fancy the additional attention and time an SMSF requires, direct investing with a public-offer fund could be for you.
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Salary sacrifice and super: How does it work?
By directing some of your pre-tax income to super, you not only boost your retirement savings but save tax at the same time.
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How myGov can help you keep track of your super
Your myGov account can help you do everything from consolidate multiple super accounts to checking how much more you could contribute this financial year.
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5 strategies to help fix your total super balance problem
If a high super balance is limiting your ability to get more into the tax effective super environment, there are ways to reduce your balance and maximise contributions at the same time.
