Super and contributions strategies, SMSFs and ETFs, Quiz time, Latest returns
Welcome to the NOVEMBER 2018 edition of the SuperGuide Premium newsletter. Highlights include:
- SUPER STRATEGIES: Many super laws, rates and thresholds changing depending on your age. It pays to be on top of these and plan appropriate strategies around them.
- CONTRIBUTIONS STRATEGIES: We take an in-depth look at salary sacrificing and the bring-forward rule, as well as lesser known strategies such as tax-deductible contributions and reducing capital gains.
- ETFs: These are increasing in popularity with SMSF investors, particularly because they are a low-cost way to diversify. Robert Barnes reports on the 20 ETFs that are most popular with SMSFs.
- QUIZ TIME: Test your knowledge with our two quizzes on planning for retirement and boosting your super. Each quiz is 10 questions (multiple choice) and we point you to SuperGuide articles where you can get the answer.
- INVESTMENT RETURNS: October was a difficult month for investors, and the median growth fund lost 3% in value. Find out how super funds are tracking so far this financial year.
FEATURES
SMSF investment: 20 most popular ETFs
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.
How the government co-contribution scheme works (including calculator)
A free co-contribution payment made by the government into your super account can be a great way to boost your super account if you have some money to spare.
Tips to boost your super when retirement is approaching
As retirement nears, setting your super on the right path is more important than ever.
AGED-BASED SUPER GUIDES
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.
SUPER QUIZZES
Quiz: Planning for retirement
Take the following 10-question quiz to test your knowledge on how to plan for your retirement.
Quiz: Boosting your super with super contributions
Take the following 10-question quiz to test your knowledge on boosting your super with superannuation contributions.
CONTRIBUTIONS STRATEGIES
Managing capital gains tax in your SMSF
It’s possible to reduce or even eliminate the amount of tax your fund pays on asset sales with these simple strategies.
A super guide to the bring-forward rule
Using the bring-forward rule is a great way to put a larger contribution into your super account in a single year. Here’s what you need to know about the rules.
How do tax-deductible superannuation contributions work?
Making a tax-deductible super contribution can be a great way to boost your retirement savings. Find out whether they could be the right strategy for you.
Salary sacrifice and super: How does it work?
By directing some of your pre-tax income to super, you not only boost your retirement savings but save tax at the same time.
SUPERANNUATION
Selecting your super fund: Can I make the choice?
Most Australians can choose which super fund they want their employer’s super contributions paid into, but there are exceptions. We explain who is, and is not, free to choose and how to go about it.
Superannuation Glossary
Brush up on the super lexicon with our extensive glossary. 15% pension offset: A 15% tax offset available against assessable pension income if you use super money to purchase a pension income stream. The tax offset reduces your tax liability. ABS: Australian Bureau of Statistics Account-based pension: Regular retirement income stream purchased with money from […]
How to boost your spouse’s super balance (including calculator)
Couples who plan together succeed together. Learn how paying attention to your spouse’s super could maximise your opportunities.
3 steps to making a complaint about your super fund
When things go wrong with your super fund or its insurer, it’s good to know there are steps you can take to help get things put right.
Divorce and superannuation: How it works
Super is an increasingly important marital asset and one that should not be overlooked when couples divorce.
Your tax guide to accessing your super over age 60
Once you turn 60 and start withdrawing your super, the tax advantages of the super system come into play.
INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE
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.