Latest super fund performance, Best and worst performing funds, Super tips for every age, Latest sustainable investment score card, Accessing super, What to do when the market tanks
Highlights of the October 2020 edition of the SuperGuide Premium newsletter include:
- IS YOUR SUPER FUND FIT FOR PURPOSE? Stockspot’s annual Fat Cat Fund Report has weighed the contestants and guess what – the higher the fees the lower the returns. Check out the fit and the feeble.
- SUPER TIPS FOR THE AGES: Super is a marathon not a sprint, but like any long-distance runner, it’s important to check your vital signs at milestones along the way.
- WOMEN’S RETIREMENT SAVINGS NOT SO SUPER: The recent federal Budget was criticised for the lack of initiatives to help women close the gender work, pay and savings gap. But some super strategies can help.
- THE INEXORABLE RISE OF SUSTAINABLE INVESTMENTS: Even before Rio Tinto blew up Juukan Gorge, the writing was on the wall. Investors are voting with their feet and flocking to investments that do good, not harm.
- RETIREE SURVIVAL KIT FOR MARKET STORMS: A big market fall when you have just retired, or are close to it, can derail the best-laid plans. The best form of action is not reaction, but planning.
- THINKING OF A SEACHANGE OR TREECHANGE? Let’s face it, after the year we’ve had who isn’t. Retirement expert Jill Weeks gives some practical tips for a successful move.
SUPER NEWS
Super news for October 2020
One-off super amnesty a success, Customers remain satisfied with super funds, Latest statistics for SMSFs, ASFA supports 40:40 Vision campaign, Early Release Scheme data, Cybersecurity matters more than ever.
Super fund performance: Monthly returns to February 2024
Super funds continued their winning streak in February on positive economic news, despite concerns that markets appear fully valued.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
See also our coverage of the 2020 Federal Budget.
SUPER TIPS
Super tips and strategies if you are in your 20s
When you’re in your 20s, retirement seems a long way off, but there are some important things you can do. Here’s 10 tips to ensure your savings stay on track.
Retirement planning tips and strategies if you are in your 50s
In your 50s you’re in the final stretch before retirement, so it’s important to pay attention to your super to ensure you’re set to reach your retirement goals.
Super tips and strategies if you are in your 60s or 70s
In your 60s and 70s, super is still very important and there are some significant decisions to make, so here’s some tips on what to keep an eye on.
Super tips and strategies if you are in your 30s or 40s
You’ve barely reached mid-career and retirement can still seem a long way off. But there are some important things you need to check when it comes to your super, so here are 10 top tips to help ensure your retirement plans are on track.
SUPER FOR BEGINNERS
How superannuation works: Super for beginners guide
Super often ends up being your biggest asset outside the family home, so it pays to understand how it works and then to keep tabs on it.
How to find your lost super
If you are wondering why you have so little super to show for all your hard work, it may be time to search for super accounts you forgot you had.
How to compare super funds in 7 easy steps
Comparing super funds may not seem very exciting, but getting into a quality fund that meets your needs could be one of the best things you do for your retirement.
How to invest your superannuation: Super for beginners guide
Just because we may be compelled to have superannuation, is no reason to leave it to its fate. In fact, playing a role in how your super is invested is one of the key ways we can influence its outcome. Here we break down the key concepts to help you gain confidence with the investing side of super.
Women and super: How to beat the odds
When it comes to super, it’s still a man’s world. That means it’s up to women to even the score. We show you how.
SMSFs
SMSFs: Sustainable investing just got personal
The year 2020 has been a turning point for sustainable investing on so many levels. COVID has brought to the forefront of investors’ minds considerations such as how companies treat their staff, as well as numerous other environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues.
SMSFs and cryptocurrency investments
More SMSFs have been dipping their toe into the cryptocurrency market, but the risks are high as the tumultuous events of last year show.
SMSFs: Investment property tax deduction mistakes to avoid
Property investment is popular with SMSFs, so it’s important to know what your fund can and can’t claim as investment property tax deductions if you want to stay on the right side of the ATO.
SMSF investment rules: Collectables and personal use assets
An ATO crackdown on asset valuations, and the proposed tax increase on unrealised capital gains in $3 million-plus super accounts, is putting pressure on SMSFs with collectables to take stock.
SMSFs reserves: What are the rules?
There are legitimate reasons for maintaining reserves in your SMSF, but the ATO is keen to point out that avoiding tax is not one of them.
ACCESSING YOUR SUPER
What age can I access my super (Preservation Age)?
There are a series of hurdles you need to clear before you can access your super. The first is your age.
Accessing super: Reaching preservation age and retiring
Many of us dream of early retirement, but if you need to access your super to live the dream you need to tick a few boxes first, beginning with your age.
Accessing super: Ceasing employment after 60
One of the milestones in your super journey is reached when you turn 60 and can access your super tax free, under certain conditions.
Accessing super: Reaching age 65
Once you turn 65 the last barriers to dipping into you super come down, even if you’re not ready to retire.
RETIREMENT PLANNING
What to do if the market tanks and you’re retired, or close to it
Volatile markets and an uncertain economic outlook are challenging for investors, especially if you are close to retirement. But even retirees can benefit from playing the long game.
Perspectives on retirement
As a retirement coach I help people with their emotional (non-financial) journey to a fulfilling retired life. The definition of a ‘fulfilling retired life’ is very personal, which means it can’t be defined by a checklist.