Articles by
Robert Barnes
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Pension funds with the lowest fees (June 2026 update)
Pension fund fees vary widely by fund, investment option and balance size. Find out how funds compare and which options were cheapest.
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Super funds with the lowest fees (June 2026 update)
Super fund fees vary widely by fund, investment option and balance size. Find out how funds compare and which options were cheapest.
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Running an SMSF without a financial adviser: What are the risks?
Unadvised doesn’t always mean uninformed. Tim Steele and Meg Heffron on what the data reveals about the 4 in 5 SMSFs now started without financial advice.
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SuperGuide news for August 2026
Government moves to tighten super consumer protections, More than one in three ask AI about super, AustralianSuper announces online advice and fee rise, Half of adults never seek retirement information, Deeming rates rise again from 20 September, Rest finds 43% unsure how to prepare, Working more can leave pensioners worse off, Vanguard chart puts a…
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How does a super fund work? Trustees and other key roles
Ever wondered why your super fund is set up like it is or who provides its services? It comes down to who does what, and who’s accountable when things go wrong.
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SMSF disputes: Lessons from AFCA complaints
Why do so many SMSF complaints end up at AFCA? Alexandra Sidoti explains the most common mistakes, warning signs and practical lessons for trustees.
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SuperGuide news for July 2026
Budget borrowing ban and CGT changes, Labor blocks (then backs) teenage super push, Super fund call centre failures, ASIC warns investors and super membersThe balance that decides retirement, Most pre-retirees aren’t prepared.
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What’s your super risk profile? (Quiz)
Have you ever wondered if your super option is too risky for comfort, or too ‘safe’ to meet your retirement goals? Take our quiz to find the right investment ‘fit’ for your age and tolerance for risk.
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Does your super reflect your values?
A review of 15 major super funds found $89 billion invested in issues of concern, from fossil fuels to human rights. Most funds make it hard to find out what they hold, but there are ways to see inside your own.
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AI and SMSFs: What trustees should know
AI is becoming an increasingly important part of the SMSF landscape. Dr Evan Morrison, Head of the Innovation Lab at Hub24, discusses the opportunities, risks and practical ways trustees can use AI to improve efficiency and decision-making.
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Federal Budget 2026 overview
Jim Chalmers hailed his fifth Federal Budget as “the most important and ambitious Budget in decades”. While there were a number of significant tax reform measures, from a super perspective there are practically no changes.
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Keeping Centrelink up to date: A guide to Age Pension reporting obligations
Once you’re on the Age Pension, knowing what to report to Centrelink – and what’s handled automatically – can mean the difference between receiving the right amount and accumulating a debt. Justin Bott from Services Australia walks through the 14-day reporting rule, common mistakes, and the simple habits that keep your payments on track.
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What to know before applying for the Age Pension
There are more myths about the Age Pension than almost any other government payment. In this video, Justin Bott from Services Australia explains what you can actually earn while receiving the pension, how the Work Bonus works, what the gifting rules really say, and what to do before you apply
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SMSF retirement income strategies: Managing risk, income and longevity
Planning a reliable retirement income is one of the biggest challenges for SMSF trustees. Actuary Melanie Dunn walks through the key risks – longevity, market volatility and spending uncertainty — and how to build a strategy that lasts.
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How Aware Super’s Retirement Manager helps you plan your retirement income
Watch our video demonstration to see how you can make the most of one of the most comprehensive retirement income calculators – for free.
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SMSF valuations: Common mistakes and what really matters
SMSF valuations can affect contributions, pensions and tax outcomes. This interview explains what trustees can get wrong and why documentation and process matter just as much as the final valuation.
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Payday Super is a good reminder to review your SMSF investment frequency
More frequent and timely employer super contributions are an opportunity for SMSF investors, but they are also a call to action.
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Lifetime income streams explained: How they work and who they’re for
In this video interview we’re diving into one of the most important – yet often overlooked – parts of retirement planning: how to actually draw down your super and other savings.
