February 2022 newsletter

If you thought governments were constantly tinkering with super, you’re right. Here’s your guide to the good, the bad and the ugly super changes so far.

Your myGov account can help you do everything from consolidate multiple super accounts to checking how much more you could contribute this financial year.

Sustainable funds delivered strong returns last financial year, comparing favourably with their non-sustainable peers.

Pension fund returns exceeded minimum withdrawal rates for most retirees in 2024, providing a buffer against volatile times ahead.

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.

While lagging the performance of large super funds some years, SMSFs have outperformed them over the longer term.

SMSF investors continued their love affair with dividend-paying Australian shares in the year to June 2024, with all the usual suspects in the top 20.

While the number of SMSFs investing directly in global shares is still relatively small, the booming tech sector is attracting an increasing number of those that do.

Despite the inroads made by ETFs in recent years, traditional managed funds remain popular with SMSFs seeking easy access to global shares and fixed interest.

ETFs were the fastest growing asset class among SMSF investors in the year to June 2024, with a surge of inflows to international shares driven by booming tech stocks.

Many Australians dream of retiring overseas and some actually turn the dream into reality, but there are health and financial considerations to consider before you take the plunge.

If you dream of retiring to an exotic overseas location where the living is easy, be sure to look at the financial, health and other considerations before you make the leap.

There’s a lot to think about when you’re on the threshold of retirement, so it’s not surprising that mistakes are made and opportunities overlooked. Here’s what to watch out for.

Sheena Stow-Smith from PensionHelp answers reader questions about how minimum drawdowns impact Age Pension entitlements.

When you are planning your retirement bucket list, aged care probably doesn’t rate a mention, but it should if you want to live out your days in comfort and security.

Government funding is available for older Australians who want to remain in their own home with in-home care, but you need to know where to look.