Royal Commission, Best performing super and pension funds, Estate planning, SMSF housekeeping
Highlights of the FEBRUARY 2019 edition of the SuperGuide Premium newsletter include:
- ROYAL COMMISSION: The final report from the Financial Service Royal Commission has finally been released, and it’s likely to trigger a lot of change for the industry, and hopefully legislation that better protect Australian consumers. Janine Mace provides a summary of the main recommendations that will impact the super and financial advice sectors.
- BEST PERFORMING SUPER AND PENSION FUNDS: SuperRatings have generously provided us with the top 30 performing super (balanced) and pension (capital stable) funds over 5 years.
- ESTATE PLANNING: This can be a complex topic, and is often overlooked or neglected by superannuation investors. We provide an overview of the key elements you need to consider, and a checklist to ensure your estate planning is in the best shape possible.
- SMSF HOUSEKEEPING: Is your Trust Deed fit for purpose? Ali Cain explains why it’s important to review at yours at least annually. Penny Pryor also explains the SMSF investment rules and in a separate article details what is required in your investment strategy, and provides examples of what you might include.
- RETIREMENT PLANNING: If creating a retirement plan seems like too big a task, Barbara Drury breaks it down to a a 7 step process. Barbara also provides three case studies to illustrate some of the key aspects you may want to consider.
FEATURES
Revamp for super system: Financial Services Royal Commission recommends change
The final report from the Royal Commission is likely to result in major change for the superannuation industry – both for super fund members and for trustees and executives managing the large super funds.
Mind over matter: The psychology of retirement planning
Rising inflation and volatile markets are forcing many of us to make important decisions about our finances, so it’s important guard against these common mental traps.
Best performing super funds: All Growth category (96–100%)
In this article you can discover the top 10 performing All Growth super funds over 1 year and 10 years to 31 December 2023. All Growth funds have 96-100% invested in growth assets.
Best performing pension funds: Balanced category (41–60%)
In this article you can discover the top 10 performing Balanced pension funds over 1 year and 10 years to 31 December 2023. Balanced funds have 41-60% invested in growth assets.
Estate planning and SMSFs: What it is and why it matters
Along with a valid Will, your SMSF is an essential part of your estate plan. From your personal wishes to tax and legal matters, there’s a lot to consider.
What are annuities, and how can they help in retirement?
For some people, annuities can be an easy way to convert some of your super into a guaranteed income stream to cover your basic expenses in retirement.
SMSFs
SMSF trust deed health check for 2022–23
As your circumstances or the regulatory environment changes, your trust deed may also need updating.
Which SMSF expenses are tax deductible?
The expenses associated with running your own super fund can add up, so it’s important to understand which expenses you can, and can’t, claim as a tax deduction.
Writing your SMSF investment strategy (including templates)
As an SMSF trustee, your fund’s investment strategy is one of the most important documents you will ever create so it’s important to get it right.
SMSF investment rules: What every trustee should know
Penalties for SMSF breaches rose on 1 January 2023 so it’s now more important than ever to make sure your SMSF is doing the right thing.
The small business CGT retirement exemption explained
There are two ways you can use the sale proceeds from a business to boost your super, and the CGT retirement exemption is one of them.
RETIREMENT PLANNING
How to plan for your retirement
If retirement beckons, you probably need a plan. You could seek professional financial advice, but it’s not difficult to make a basic retirement plan yourself by following these steps.
Retirement planning case study: Couple aged 47 and 48
If you’re in your late 40s and want to continue your affluent lifestyle in retirement, it’s time to crunch the numbers and boost your super if necessary.
Retirement planning case study: Single woman aged 52
Even if you are already in your 50s on a low to medium income, it’s not too late to achieve your retirement income goals.