Best performing funds, Super scams, SMSF retirement income strategy, Timing your retirement, Starting a super pension, Tax and death benefits
Highlights of the August 2021 edition of the SuperGuide Premium newsletter include:
- TOP SUPER FUNDS: We reveal which funds are the best performers, the best at managing risk and top sustainable funds.
- SCAM ALERT! With super scams on the rise, being alert to the danger signs can save much alarm.
- FOCUS ON RETIREMENT INCOME: SMSFs have been put on notice that the Retirement Income Convenant will also apply to them.
- COUNTDOWN TO RETIREMENT: Recent rule changes make it easier to boost your nest egg close to retirement, but timing still matters.
- SUPER WAYS TO START A PENSION: So you’re ready to start withdrawing your super. We guide you through your options.
- DEATH AND TAXES: Understanding how death benefits are taxed will benefit your loved ones when they inherit your super.
HOW SUPER WORKS
Super news for August 2021
Retirement income covenant position paper released, Latest Superannuation Inquiry is “political theatre”, Retail investors flock to sustainable strategies, Superhero launches new super fund, SMSFs most satisfied superannuation fund members, Australians engaged with superannuation.
Super scams: What are they and how to avoid them?
Super scams are increasingly sophisticated and on the rise so it pays to learn how to detect and avoid them.
Bring-forward vs carry-forward contributions: What’s the difference?
These case studies show you how to bring forward future super contributions and carry forward unused contributions from the past.
SUPER FUND PERFORMANCE
Top 10 Balanced super funds ranked by risk and return
While all super funds aim to deliver good long-term returns, some also strive to smooth short-term fluctuations along the way to take some of the worry out of investing for their members.
Top-performing sustainable super funds (to December 2023)
Demand for sustainable, or ethical, super funds has been growing and the latest performance results show returns are competitive with mainstream investment options.
Super fund performance: Monthly returns to February 2024
Super funds continued their winning streak in February on positive economic news, despite concerns that markets appear fully valued.
Pension fund performance to December 2023
A strong finish for shares and bonds provided stellar returns for pension fund members in 2023, more than wiping out the previous year’s losses.
BEST PERFORMING SUPER AND PENSION FUNDS
Check out the best performing super and pension funds across 5 different investment categories over 1 year and 10 years, updated to 30 June 2021.
Super funds
Pension funds
SUPER AND PENSION FUND QUARTILES
If your super fund is not in the top 10, see which quartile it ranks in across 5 different investment categories and 8 different timeframes, updated to 30 June 2021:
Super and pension fund performance: Where does your fund rank?
SMSFs
Should you develop a retirement income strategy for your SMSF?
The new retirement income covenant effective from 1 July doesn’t apply to SMSFs, but that doesn’t mean trustees can’t learn from it.
Had enough of your SMSF: What are your options?
Running an SMSF can sound appealing when you start out, but as the years pass there are many reasons you may want out. So, what are the alternatives?
How do ETFs compare to LICs/LITs and managed funds?
Exchanged-traded funds have taken off in Australia, but there is still a role for LICs and managed funds. Learn about the pros and cons of each.
SMSF property investment rules
The ability to invest in real property is one of the attractions of SMSFs, but it’s tightly regulated.
RETIREMENT PLANNING
What to consider if you plan to retire this year and start a super pension
With the amount you can transfer into a retirement phase pension set to increase on 1 July 2023, there are pros and cons to delaying retirement until after that date.
How a transition-to-retirement pension works
If you are looking to wind back working hours or boost your super in the lead-up to retirement, a transition-to-retirement (TTR) pension may be the answer.
Why financial literacy is vital for a good retirement
Good financial literacy and understanding how to manage and invest your nest-egg is an essential skill when it comes to navigating the complexity of creating a steady retirement income.
How do I apply for the Age Pension?
This article is a step-by-step guide to claiming the Age Pension and getting it right the first time so you can avoid any delays or frustration.
IN RETIREMENT
Starting a pension from your super
When you retire there’s more than one way to withdraw income from your super; we explain your options.
Who gets your super when you die? A guide to death benefit nominations
With 5 different types of death benefit nomination to choose from when deciding who gets your super death benefit, it’s important to know what each one means
Reversionary pensions: What they are and how they work
Having your super pension automatically revert to an eligible beneficiary is an easy way to ensure your wishes are followed without the trustee’s involvement.
A simple guide to what tax is payable on super death benefits
Your beneficiaries could end up paying more tax than necessary when they receive your superannuation death benefit if you don’t learn the rules that apply.