How would you feel if you were having a Zoom meeting with your accountant and they asked “how would you like to save more than $5,000 in income tax over the next six months?”
Minimum pension drawdown rates halved for 2019/20 and 2020/21
On 22 March 2020 the Federal Government announced that the minimum pension drawdown rates would be halved for the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 financial years.
Early release of super due to severe financial hardship
On 22 March 2020 the Federal government announced a temporary measure allowing individuals affected by the Coronavirus to access up to $10,000 of their superannuation in 2019/2020 and a further $10,000 in 2020/2021.
Australian super funds (APRA regulated, June 2019)
On this page you can find a list of all super funds that are regulated by APRA. This is essentially every fund except for SMSFs and small APRA funds.
What aspects of the government’s coronavirus economic stimulus package apply to super and pensions?
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg unveiled details of the stimulus packages on March 12 and March 22, saying they have three priorities: to keep people in work, keep businesses open, and ensure the economy bounces back when the spread of the virus abates.
Key superannuation rates and thresholds (2019/2020 year)
From tax on super lump sums to the transfer balance cap, there are a range of rates and thresholds that can affect your super. In this article we provide an overview of the key aspects of each of these rates and thresholds for 2019/20.
SMSFs: How to start a pension
One of the benefits of having a self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) is its ability to pay members an income stream, or account-based pension. Of course any superannuation fund can do this, but paying a pension from an SMSF offers members more control and flexibility.
How super could soften the financial blow of Coronavirus
With Australia now facing a severe economic (and health) crisis, there are calls to allow people to access their superannuation to obtain cash.
What are lifecycle super funds, and how do they perform?
Another strong performance from global sharemarkets in November has set up younger members of lifecycle funds for bumper returns in the 2019 calendar year.
Super news for March 2020
Pensioners, veterans, other income support recipients and concession card holders will receive a one-off payment of $750 as part of the Government’s $17.6 billion plan to prevent the economy sliding into recession following the coronavirus pandemic.
Age Pension income test rules (March 2020 to July 2020)
A common question for those nearing or in retirement is “How much can a pensioner earn before it affects the pension?”.
Age Pension assets test rules (March 2020 to July 2020)
This article details the rules of the Age Pension assets test (how much your savings and other assets are worth), which is one half of the means test (along with the income test) that determines how much Age Pension you could be eligible for.
What are the different types of super funds?
Whatever your circumstances, it’s important to canvass all your options before you make your final selection. It’s also worth remembering that your choice of fund is not a life sentence. If you are unhappy with your fund for whatever reason, you are free to switch funds provided you have choice.
Worried about outliving your retirement savings? 9 steps that might help
Most Australians are worried about outliving their retirement savings, with pre-retirees the most concerned. But there are some simple steps you can take to help you worry less and sleep a little better.
Investing your super savings? What lifecycle funds can teach you
When it comes to investing your super, working out what mix of assets to use is tricky. But new research shows there are important issues to remember when selecting your mix of investment assets.