Articles by
Robert Barnes
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SMSF asset valuations: ATO guidelines and common mistakes
UpdatedHow SMSF asset valuations work under ATO guidelines, who can value your fund’s assets, and the common mistakes BDO sees. Includes video and transcript.
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How much does an SMSF cost to set up and run?
UpdatedSetting up an SMSF involves upfront fees, ongoing expenses and a commitment of your time. Understand the costs before deciding whether to start your own fund.
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What lifecycle super funds can teach us about investment risk around retirement
UpdatedLifecycle super funds start cutting growth assets at about 50 and keep going after 65. Here’s what APRA’s June 2026 figures show they hold through your 50s and 60s, and what changes when your pension starts.
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What lifecycle super funds can teach younger members about investment risk
UpdatedThe professionals who design super defaults for 25-year-olds put a median 90% in growth assets, against 76% in a typical single strategy default, and over the past decade that gap was worth almost 1 percentage point a year.
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How the spouse contribution tax offset works (including calculator)
UpdatedContributing to a low-income spouse’s super could cut your own tax bill by up to $540. Find out who qualifies, how the offset is calculated and how to claim it.
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Division 293 tax calculator
UpdatedEstimate whether Division 293 tax applies to your concessional super contributions in 2026–27, and how much extra tax you could pay.
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Recontribution strategy calculator
UpdatedSee how withdrawing and recontributing super could boost your tax-free component and cut the death benefit tax paid by adult children and other non-dependants.
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Division 296 tax calculator
UpdatedEstimate your Division 296 tax for 2026–27 from your total super balance and realised super earnings.
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Super for beginners: How your super is invested
UpdatedYour super is invested for you, but you have more say than you might think. Learn how super investing works and how to choose an option that suits you.
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Super fund performance: Monthly returns to September 2026
UpdatedSuper funds dipped in September, with the median Growth fund down 0.4% as shares and bonds fell, but a weaker Australian dollar helped limit the loss.
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Super news for October 2026
UpdatedMedian retirement balance projected to double, Payday Super doubles monthly contributions, super funds to pay $23.8 million compensation levy, government responds to financial abuse inquiry, cost of living delaying retirement for over-50s, ATO to update SMSF borrowing guidance.
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How to consolidate multiple super accounts
UpdatedMultiple super accounts cost you unnecessary fees and reduce your retirement savings. Learn how best to consolidate (or rollover) your super accounts.
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Retirement confidence: What the latest research tells us
UpdatedAt 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
UpdatedOne 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?
UpdatedControl 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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How to make your super last longer
UpdatedWorried 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 fund comparison tool
UpdatedCompare fees and investment performance across pension investment options, ranked within risk categories at $50,000 and $500,000 balances. You can also see which funds offer lifetime income or a retirement bonus.
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Super fund comparison tool
UpdatedCompare fees and investment performance across super investment options, ranked within risk categories at $50,000 and $500,000 balances.
