June 2021 newsletter

Investment returns are important, but they are not the only feature that make a great super fund. Here are the funds that go above and beyond for their members.

As more and more members move into retirement phase, innovation is slow, but a handful of funds are making all the right moves.

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.

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.

John Maroney, CEO of the SMSF Association explains the amnesty on legacy retirement income products that was announced in the 2021 Federal Budget.

Control and flexibility are popular reasons for starting an SMSF, and a close look at where trustees are investing shows they are making good use of these attributes.

While interest rates have lifted off their historic lows, franked dividends from shares are still a happy hunting ground for income-seeking investors.

Proposed legislation will relax the residency rules for SMSF members, but until then it pays to understand the current rules before heading overseas for an extended stay.

There is mounting evidence that financial advice can be good for your hip pocket as well as your general wellbeing, but you need to be vigilant.

Let low taxes and a generous interest rate do the heavy lifting while you save for your first home in super. To encourage take-up of the scheme, changes have been made that simplify the process.

Eligible downsizer contributions can be a great way to boost your super without falling foul of many of the rules affecting other super contributions.

Even though the work test has been abolished for most super contributions, if you are over age 67 there is still one type of contribution that needs to pass the test.

The Home Equity Access Scheme can be a great way to boost your retirement income by taking a loan from the government against the equity in your home.

Proposed changes to the Pension Loans Scheme (now known as the Home Equity Access Scheme) could help more elderly Australians stay in their own home for longer.

Establishing a testamentary trust can have valuable estate planning benefits. With significant amounts due to be transferred via inheritances in the coming decades, it may be worth considering one.

Advanced care directives are documents that state your preferences for future medical care, should you lose the capacity to make decisions.