Super rule changes, The power of compound interest, Divorce and superannuation, Weighing up super pensions and lump sums, Spotlight on aged care
Highlights of the April 2022 edition of the SuperGuide Premium newsletter include:
- GET SET FOR NEW SUPER RULES: With big rule changes on the way from July 1, we provide tips on how to make the most of them.
- SUPER AND THE SNOWBALL EFFECT: Even small amounts invested regularly can grow into a tidy sum in the long run, thanks to compound interest.
- SUPER INVESTING SPECIAL: We lift the lid on other investing fundamentals including the Sharpe Ratio, diversification and lifecycle super funds.
- THE BIG SPLIT: Super is generally our biggest financial asset outside the family home, but it’s often overlooked in divorce. We explain how to divide your super.
- SUPER PENSION OR LUMP SUM? How you choose to withdraw your super can make a material difference to your retirement outcome, so planning is key.
- AGED CARE REPORT CARD: Two years and a pandemic after the scathing Royal Commission, we look at what’s being done to improve our aged care system.
SUPER NEWS
Super news for April 2022
Australian Ethical and Christian Super explore merger, Super gender gap was decreasing before Covid, Colonial settles class action with super members, Federal Court orders Westpac to pay $20 million penalty, Hostplus expands its investment options, Australian Retirement Trust focusses on ESG with new appointment, Only one third of financial advisers pass February exam, Easter bunny hit by inflationary pressures.
Superannuation rule changes from July 2025 (and previous years)
Navigating your way around the constant rule changes in the super system is tricky, so here’s our annual list of the modifications you need to know about.
Super fund performance: Monthly returns to May 2025
After a nail-biting start to the year, super funds are on track for another cracking return of about 9% for the 2025 financial year, after the median Growth fund was up 2.7% in May and markets continuing to rise in June.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
2022 Federal Budget overview: Super, tax and retiree announcements
It was a quiet night for superannuation, but the Federal Budget provided some ‘cost of living’ announcements that could give millions of Australians a cash boost over the coming months.
SUPER INVESTING
The power of compound interest
Even modest regular savings can grow into substantial nest egg, thanks to the combined effects of compound interest and time. Here’s how it works.
The Sharpe Ratio: Risk-adjusted returns and your super
We all want to earn top notch returns from our super fund, but at what level of risk? This is how you find the sweet spot.
Why super funds diversify and what you can learn from it
Diversification is one of the key principles behind good investing and there’s a lot you can learn from how successful super funds invest their members’ money.
How much super should I have at my age?
It’s human nature to compare ourselves with the people around us, but when it comes to super, the real question is whether your balance is on target to provide the retirement income you need.
What are lifecycle super funds, and how do they perform?
Lifecycle funds are designed to reduce risk as you near retirement without sacrificing returns; recent research shows many do just that but you need to know what to look for.
SMSFs
Divorce and superannuation: How it works
Super is an increasingly important marital asset and one that should not be overlooked when couples divorce.
What are the penalties for SMSF non-compliance?
SMSFs offer a high degree of flexibility and control over your retirement savings, but there are legal guardrails and hefty penalties for trustees who breach them.
How to invest in infrastructure through an SMSF
Thanks to a growing list of specialist managed funds, SMSFs can invest like the pros in big infrastructure projects.
What to do if a member wants to leave an SMSF
If there’s one thing certain in life it’s this – things change. If you or another member of your SMSF want to take your leave, strict rules apply.
Quiz: SMSFs for beginners
Take the following 10-question quiz to test your knowledge on the fundamentals of self-managed super funds (SMSFs).
RETIREMENT PLANNING
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Strategies for boosting your super in the gig economy
While working in the gig economy can be more flexible, it can also be a recipe for a much smaller retirement savings pot if you don’t take steps to fix it.
Saving for retirement outside super
Super is undoubtedly the most tax effective vehicle for retirement savings, but there are plenty of reasons why you might hold investments outside super to augment your retirement income.
What different types of financial advice should I consider?
Good advice can make a big difference to both your financial position and retirement plans, but it can be confusing to know what’s available and who to ask.
Proportioning rule and super tax: What it is and why it matters
Before withdrawing your super, it’s important to understand the proportioning rule and how it will impact the amount of tax you will pay on your super savings.
IN RETIREMENT
How lump sums can reduce your transfer balance account
If you are considering taking more than the minimum amount from your super pension account, the way you do it counts.
What strategies can I consider to reduce tax on a super pension paid from my SMSF?
When and how you withdraw income from your super in retirement can have significant tax benefits.
Retirement cost of living: 10 tips to boost your finances
The cost-of-living crisis has left many retirees worried about their financial position, so now could be a good time to check if your retirement budget needs a tune-up.
Aged Care Royal Commission report card
The pandemic highlighted massive flaws in Australia’s aged care sector outlined in the recent Royal Commission, but change is underway.