Articles by
Robert Barnes
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How long you can expect to live and what it means for your super
UpdatedWhile 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
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 fee comparison tool
UpdatedPension 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
UpdatedSuper 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
UpdatedDe-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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Running an SMSF without a financial adviser: What are the risks?
UpdatedUnadvised 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
UpdatedGovernment 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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SMSF disputes: Lessons from AFCA complaints
UpdatedWhy 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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Super news for July 2026
UpdatedBudget 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)
UpdatedHave 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?
UpdatedA 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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Australian income tax brackets and rates (2026-27 and previous years)
UpdatedSee every Australian income tax bracket and rate for 2026-27. Clear tables, plain-English explanation, and previous years for comparison.
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AI and SMSFs: What trustees should know
UpdatedAI 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
UpdatedJim 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
UpdatedOnce 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.
