Top performing super and pension funds, why investment indexes matter, investing in infrastructure, benefits of the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, retiring overseas and bucket strategy investing
Highlights of the October 2019 edition of the SuperGuide Premium newsletter include:
- BEST PERFORMING SUPER AND PENSION FUNDS: Find out which were the top 30 performing balanced super funds and capital stable pension funds over 5 years.
- HOW TO TEACH YOUR KIDS ABOUT SUPER: Young adults are unlikely to have a burning interest in super, but engaging them early can make a big difference to their future.
- INVESTMENT INDEXES: 5 REASONS THEY MATTER FOR YOUR SUPER: We give you the lowdown on investment indexesand why they can be useful tools for learning more about the performance of your super account.
- HOW TO INVEST IN INFRASTRUCTURE THROUGH AN SMSF: New products and ways to invest in infrastructure have been growing – an opportunity for SMSFs given the long-term nature of infrastructure investment.
- IS A BUCKET STRATEGY THE SOLUTION FOR YOUR RETIREMENT INCOME PLAN? The bucket approach is a popular way to balance the need for income stability and capital growth in retirement. But what are the drawbacks?
- COMMONWEALTH SENIORS HEALTH CARD: WHAT DOES IT PROVIDE AND HOW DO I GET ONE? Discover whether you’re eligible and how you can benefit from this valuable concession card.
- RETIRING OVERSEAS: It certainly has its advantages, but there are rules, issues and options to consider to best protect your retirement savings.
NEWS
Super news for October 2019
This month we look at the new proof-of-life certificates required for pensioners overseas, the launch of Australia’s first independent superannuation consumer advocacy organisation, the announcement of a major review of Australia’s retirement income system and an awareness campaign to help you stay safe online.
Read moreIndustry funds top satisfaction awards
Industry super funds continue to hold their edge over retail funds for member satisfaction, with Cbus rating highest.
Read moreGovernment retirement incomes inquiry puts superannuation in the frame
The government has announced very broad terms of reference for its inquiry into Australia’s retirement income system, which will trigger fresh debate about the planned future rises in the superannuation guarantee rate.
Read more5 questions about superannuation the government’s new inquiry will need to ask
The government’s new retirement incomes review will need to work quickly so it is completed (as recommended by the Productivity Commission) “in advance of any increase in the superannuation guarantee rate”.
Read moreSUPER PERFORMANCE
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 30 June 2020. All Growth funds have 96-100% invested in growth assets.
Read moreBest 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 30 June 2020. Balanced funds have 41-60% invested in growth assets.
Read moreSuper fund performance: Monthly returns to June 2020
Super funds rose for the third straight month in June, making a 6.5% comeback from the COVID cliff the previous quarter. By the end of the financial year, most funds ended up near where they started with some funds managing a modest positive return. All in all, that’s a good outcome from one of the most turbulent financial years in the past century.
Read moreSUPERANNUATION
How to teach your kids about super
It can be difficult for young adults to think long-term, but engaging your kids early can make a big difference to their future.
Read moreFalling behind with your super? How your super balance compares
Everyone likes to know how their financial position compares to others of the same age. It’s no different when it comes to your super account. But how can you find out how you compare with your peers and whether you are on track – or behind the pack?
Read moreSuper fees and returns calculator
Wouldn’t it be great if you could see the real impact of fees on your super account? With this in mind, we have created the SuperGuide Super Fees and Return Calculator that enables you to project a future super balance based on your current super balance, salary, age and desired retirement age.
Read moreSuperannuation Guarantee (SG) rules for employers
If there’s one thing guaranteed to have employers pulling their hair out, it’s red tape. Unfortunately, your obligation to pay super to employees comes wrapped in red tape and slip-ups can be costly. So what are the rules?
Read moreInvestment indexes: 5 reasons they matter for your super
When it comes to the investment performance of your super account, funds love to talk about how much they have outperformed the index or benchmark. But what does that really mean? And what the heck is an investment index anyhow?
Read more7 ways your super fund manages investment risks
Like it or not, investing to grow a retirement nest egg involves taking some risks. Super funds use a variety of strategies to help reduce the inevitable investment risks they face as they work to deliver good investment returns to their members.
Read moreSMSFs
How to invest in infrastructure through an SMSF
How to invest in infrastructure through a SMSF. We look at new ways of accessing this asset class.
Read moreSMSF options: Should you remain invested or wind it up?
It’s an idea to do a regular cost benefit analysis to ensure if you have an SMSF, it’s still the right way for you to structure your assets.
Read moreWhat happens to an SMSF in the event of divorce?
What happens to an SMSF in the event of a divorce? Breaking up can be hard to do, it can also be financially costly. If you share an SMSF, then you will need to split your assets. Here’s what you need to know.
Read moreSuper scams: What are they and how do you avoid them?
By definition scamming is a fraudulent activity that aims to unlawfully take something from you, whether it be your identity, money, property, or to gain other benefits.
Read moreRETIREMENT PLANNING
Is a bucket strategy the solution for your retirement income plan?
When you retire, how you put your investment portfolio together is more important than ever if you want your retirement savings to last as long as you do.
Read moreCommonwealth Seniors Health Card: What it is and how to apply
The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card is a valuable concession card that can help you with the cost of health care and other government services. Check if you’re eligible and the range of benefits it can offer.
Read moreGuide to transition to retirement pensions (TTRs or TRISs)
Transition to retirement income streams (or pensions) allow you to gradually draw on your super benefits while you’re still working and moving towards your retirement.
Read moreFinancial coaching: What is it and why may you need it?
More Australians are turning to financial coaching to build wealth. Here’s why.
Read moreFive common financial mistakes people make just before retirement
Preparing for retirement can be fraught, and keeping on top of your superannuation may not be front of mind. We take a look five of the common mistakes that pre-retirees make, and ways to avoid them.
Read moreHow to check if your mum or dad’s nursing home is up to scratch
If you’ve read the headlines about poor standards in Australia’s nursing homes, it’s only natural to be concerned about your own family or friends in residential aged care. There was news in recent weeks that 45 of 72 Bupa nursing homes in Australia had failed to meet all health and safety standards.
Read moreShould I retire overseas?
With property prices and the cost of living on the rise, more Australians are weighing up the advantages of retiring abroad.
Read moreHow to structure your super if you’re going overseas
The laws that apply to your retirement savings can become more complex if you live or work overseas for any length of time. Here, we highlight some of the rules, issues and options that you need to consider to look after your retirement savings.
Read more