Top super funds of 2021, Legacy pension relief, SMSF trust deed checklist, Your say on the Budget, Benefits of working longer, Pension Loans Scheme explained
Highlights of the June 2021 edition of the SuperGuide Premium newsletter include:
- TOP SUPER AND PENSION FUNDS: What separates the best from the rest? The annual awards provide some useful pointers.
- LASTING LEGACY: It’s been a long wait, but SMSF trustees may soon be able to trade in their old-style pensions for new.
- YOUR 2021-22 SMSF HEALTH CHECK: The new financial year rings in big changes for super, so be sure to give your SMSF trust deed a once-over.
- BUDGET REFLECTIONS: We asked retirees and pre-retirees if the recent Budget delivered any super good news.
- WORKING LONGER, LIVING BETTER: The latest research shows working into your 60s and beyond has health as well as wealth benefits.
- TAPPING INTO YOUR HOME EQUITY: If you could do with some extra retirement income, the Pension Loans Scheme could help. We explain how.
SUPER NEWS
Super news for June 2021
Pension payment relief extended for another year, Super bills pass, Retirement costs rise, March super stats show super increase, Running out of money in retirement major concern for retirees, Magellan launches fund with reserving strategy.
Super funds of the year awards: Best super funds for 2025
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.
Pension fund of the year 2025: What makes a winner?
As more and more members move into retirement phase, innovation is slow, but a handful of funds are making all the right moves.
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.
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
SMSFs: Legacy pension relief at long last
Proposed changes to legacy pensions will make it much easier to switch to newer, more flexible products without some of the previous hurdles and restrictions.
Video: Explainer on the legacy retirement income products amnesty
John Maroney, CEO of the SMSF Association explains the amnesty on legacy retirement income products that was announced in the 2021 Federal Budget.
Which asset classes are popular with SMSFs?
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.
Franked dividends and franking credits for SMSFs
While interest rates have lifted off their historic lows, franked dividends from shares are still a happy hunting ground for income-seeking investors.
What are the SMSF residency requirements?
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.
RETIREMENT PLANNING
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Financial advice: What are the risks and benefits?
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.
How the First Home Super Saver (FHSS) scheme works
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.
Downsizer super contributions: Rules and eligibility
Eligible downsizer contributions can be a great way to boost your super without falling foul of many of the rules affecting other super contributions.
What are the current work test rules for 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.
IN RETIREMENT
The financial and health benefits of working into retirement
Staying in the workforce past the traditional retirement age can have many benefits – both financially and in terms of your physical and mental health.
How the Home Equity Access Scheme works (formerly Pension Loan Scheme)
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.
Using the Home Equity Access Scheme to fund aged care
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.
What is a testamentary trust and does my Will need one?
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.
Tips for writing an advanced care directive
Advanced care directives are documents that state your preferences for future medical care, should you lose the capacity to make decisions.