Articles by
Robert Barnes
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Super funds with the lowest fees
Super fund fees vary widely by fund, investment option and balance size. Find out how funds compare and which options were cheapest as at March 2026.
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Pension funds with the lowest fees
Pension fund fees vary widely by fund, investment option and balance size. Find out how funds compare and which options were cheapest as at March 2026.
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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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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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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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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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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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Inside an SMSF audit: What auditors look for
Even if you outsource most of the boring SMSF admin, there are two annual tasks trustees can’t avoid.
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Division 296: What to consider before 30 June
With Division 296 on the horizon, many investors are wondering whether they need to act before 30 June. In reality, most won’t – but there are a few important decisions worth understanding.
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SMSF pension failures: Why missing a payment can be costly
Failing to meet the minimum pension payment rules in an SMSF can have serious tax consequences. Here’s what happens if you miss the required withdrawal and how trustees can avoid costly pension failures. ?
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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.
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Get clear on what you’ll need for retirement – and if you’re on track
Planning for retirement can feel overwhelming, especially when every article seems to start with a different number. The good news is that you don’t need perfect predictions to make meaningful progress.
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Investing in retirement: Balancing risk, income and longevity
In this video interview we’re tackling one of the biggest challenges facing retirees – how to invest once you’ve stopped working and started drawing down on your savings.
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Super news for September 2025
Costs for retirees continue to rise, Use of AI to make investment decisions grows, Senate committee cancels inquiry, Financial services misconduct an ongoing concern, Super sector tops $4 trillion, Advised retirees feel confident.
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Webinar: Super contributions workshop
How does the 3 year bring forward rule actually work? What are the tax benefits around the unused concessional contribution rules? When is the best time to make large contributions to super?
