Articles by
Robert Barnes
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How long you can expect to live and what it means for your super
While none of us knows exactly how long we will live, you can narrow the possibilities with these life expectancy projections based on Australian numbers.
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Retirement confidence: What the latest research tells us
At least nine major surveys of Australians’ retirement attitudes have been released in the past year, and their findings converge on one message. Retirement confidence depends on more than how much you have saved. Knowing whether your money will last, having a plan and understanding your options matter too.
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Super news for September 2026
One Nation proposes diverting 3% of super into pay, record new SMSFs started by younger people, Colonial First State settles for $249 million, three funds penalised over misleading disclosures, further fallout from the First Guardian collapse, $21.2 billion in super is sitting lost.
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Which asset classes are popular with SMSFs?
Control and flexibility are popular reasons for starting an SMSF, and a close look at where trustees are investing shows they are making good use of these attributes.
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SMSF investing: 20 most popular Australian shares
Australian shares remain the largest asset class for SMSF investors, although the big four banks hold a smaller share of the money than a year ago.
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SMSF investing: 20 most popular managed funds
Fewer SMSFs hold traditional managed funds than ETFs, but they still hold nearly twice as much money, with close to half of it invested offshore.
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SMSF investing: 20 most popular LICs/LITs
Listed investment companies and trusts are facing stiff competition from cheaper ETFs and passive index funds, but have a place in many SMSF portfolios.
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SMSF investing: 20 most popular international shares
Direct holdings in international shares grew in 2025–26, one of only two asset classes SMSFs increased their exposure to, with technology stocks taking four of the top five spots.
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SMSF investing: 20 most popular ETFs
Gen X and Millennials are fuelling SMSF investment in ETFs, with the value of holdings growing far faster than the number of funds buying them.
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How to make your super last longer
Worried your money will run out? How to test whether your super will last the distance, and nine ways to stretch it further.
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Pension fee comparison tool
Pension fund fees vary widely by fund, investment option and balance size. Our new tool shows you how funds compare and which options were cheapest.
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Super fee comparison tool
Super fund fees vary widely by fund, investment option and balance size. Our new tool shows you how funds compare and which options were cheapest.
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Investing in retirement: Balancing risk, income and longevity
De-risking your portfolio at retirement sounds sensible, but it can leave you worse off. Investment researcher Dr Geoff Warren explains the trade-offs that matter.
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Balanced, Growth, Conservative: What super fund labels don’t tell you
Nearly half of super labels don’t match their true risk category, based on our review of 251 investment options against their actual growth asset mix.
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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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Super 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…
