Early access to super, March super returns, SMSFs see buying opportunities ahead, Managing your super in a downturn, Minimising super pension risks, Advance care plans
Highlights of the April 2020 edition of the SuperGuide Premium newsletter include:
- SUPER FUND RETURNS FOR MARCH: Super funds recorded significant falls in March but have clawed back some ground in the first three weeks of April.
- EARLY RELEASE OF SUPER: As part of its response to the Coronavirus, the Federal Government is allowing Australians to access up to $20,000 of their super. We give the details, and we also look at the rules around early access that apply to SMSFs.
- SMSFS AHEAD OF THE INVESTMENT CURVE: Perhaps due to their age and experience, SMSF investors are more likely than others to see the current market turmoil as a buying opportunity.
- WORRIED ABOUT YOUR SUPER? DON’T PANIC: It seems counter-intuitive, but the best thing to do with your super when the market panics is often nothing. Janine Mace looks at the evidence for holding tight and offers tips to stretch your retirement dollars further.
- TESTING TIMES FOR SUPER PENSIONS: A big market fall is especially difficult to handle in the years just before and after retirement. Barbara Drury looks at the twin risks to be aware of. While the Government’s temporary halving of pension drawdown rates is a help, Penny Pryor looks at an additional strategy for SMSFs.
- TAKING CARE OF YOUR HEALTH: The Coronavirus has made us all more aware that not just the elderly can become critically unwell. Bina Brown explains why everyone should have an advance care plan. And longevity researcher David Williams shares insights into positive ageing.
SUPER NEWS
Super news for April 2020
Scammers targeting early release of super, ASIC announces advice relief measures, ATO releases Q&As on coronavirus, SMSF annual returns can be deferred, and the federal government releases a Code of Conduct for commercial tenants and landlords.
Super fund performance: Monthly returns to September 2026
Super 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.
ACCESSING SUPER
When can I access my super? All conditions of release explained
Super is designed for retirement, but there are circumstances when you may be eligible to withdraw some or all of it early.
Early release of super due to severe financial hardship
You may be able to withdraw a small lump sum from your retirement savings if you are in severe financial hardship and not otherwise eligible to access your super, but strict rules apply.
Early release of super on compassionate grounds
While compassion is a general term, the ATO applies strict rules when deciding whether you can withdraw some of your super early on compassionate grounds.
Can my SMSF loan money to me or my business?
Loans made by your SMSF are the exception, not the rule, and getting it wrong can be costly.
SMSFs
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Passive versus active: Which investment style is best?
As the debate over passive vs active investing continues, both have their place in SMSF portfolios, depending on your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Common errors SMSF trustees make with their annual returns
If you want to stay on the right side of the ATO and avoid costly penalties, it pays to review its list of common mistakes made by SMSFs when lodging their annual return.
Dealing with an ATO breach notice for your SMSF
If your SMSF comes to the attention of the ATO for the wrong reasons, don’t panic; swift remedial action is generally the best policy.
RETIREMENT PLANNING
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Can I get free financial advice?
If you could do with some help with your finances but can’t afford a professional adviser, all is not lost. Free financial advice and digital tools are out there if you know where to look.
How can you plan your income needs in retirement?
How to plan your income in retirement can be one of the most confusing aspects of retirement planning. In this video members of the Profession of Independent Financial Advisers provide some insights into how they approach it.
How to strengthen your retirement finances beyond super
If the rising cost of living is eating into your retirement savings, it’s time to review your budget and look for potential sources of additional income.
SUPER PENSIONS
Consider these two risks before you start a super pension
With a little planning, you can ensure your retirement income lasts the distance, come what may.
Minimum pension drawdown rates and rules (2026–27)
Age-based minimum annual withdrawal rates apply to account-based pensions. Here’s how they are calculated.
Tax-saving strategies for SMSF pensions
When and how you withdraw income from your super in retirement can have significant tax benefits.
Commuting an SMSF account-based pension
Commuting a pension gives SMSF members flexibility, but getting the timing wrong can cost you valuable tax concessions.
IN RETIREMENT
Advance care plans: Why everyone should have one
Talking about death and dying is always difficult, but making your end of life wishes know can save unnecessary suffering for you and your loved ones.
Rise of the three-quarter life crisis
Move over midlife crisis. New research shows more of us are going through a major life reassessment much later in life.
