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Home / SuperGuide newsletters / September 2020 newsletter

September 2020 newsletter

Government ponders more super changes, Age Pension freeze, Affordable financial advice, Super returns continue positive run, Super funds take climate action

Highlights of the September 2020 edition of the SuperGuide Premium newsletter include:

  • AGE PENSION INCREASE ON HOLD: There will be no September rise in the Age Pension for the first time in 23 years, but increased asset and income thresholds give some part-pensioners a lift.
  • IS SUPER IN FOR ANOTHER SHAKE-UP? Senator Jane Hume discusses early release, her ambivalence about the planned SG increase, and how to close the super gender gap.
  • SUPER RETURNS KEEP ON COMING: Buoyant share markets lifted super fund returns in August, but can this five-month winning streak continue?
  • DEMAND SOARS FOR AFFORDABLE ADVICE: As the shake-up in financial advice gathers pace, super funds are moving in to meet the demand.  
  • CLIMATE-PROOFING SUPER INVESTMENT RETURNS: More funds are signing up to dial down their financial exposure to climate risk.
  • SMSFs TAKING CONTROL OF THEIR FUNDS: Managed accounts offer greater control, flexibility and tax benefits than traditional managed funds, tempting more SMSFs to make the switch.

SUPER NEWS

Super news for September 2020

Early release super scheme hurts the young and low paid, ‘Herstory’ of superannuation, Confusion about ESG and super caps and Increased appetite for financial advice.

Read more

Video: Senator Jane Hume on changes to super

Tracey Spicer talks to Senator Jane Hume, Assistant Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and Financial Technology about recent and upcoming superannuation changes including the early release of super scheme, the proposed rise to the superannuation guarantee, what can be done to improve super outcomes for women and the outstanding recommendations from the Royal Commission.

Read more

Video: How super policy settings work against women

Tracey Spicer talks to Cate Wood, Chair of Women in Super about some of the ways that super policy works against women, and how COVID-19 may widen the super gender gap.

Read more

SUPER FUNDS

Super fund performance: Monthly returns to January 2021

Super funds continued their positive run in January despite challenging conditions on global markets.

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What are lifecycle super funds, and how do they perform?

The surprisingly strong share market rally from April through to August resulted in strong positive returns for all Lifecycle cohorts during that period.

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Super funds are feeling the financial heat from climate change

New research indicates a fresh determination among Australia’s largest super funds to act on climate change risks.

Read more

10 points to check on your annual super fund statement

Checking your annual super fund statement is important. Here are 10 key points you need to review to ensure your super fund is working hard for you.

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Selecting your super fund: Can I make the choice?

Uncertain about whether or not you can choose your own super fund? Check out our simple guide to the current fund choice rules.

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SUPER GUARANTEE

Your simple guide to Superannuation Guarantee (SG) contributions

The Superannuation Guarantee (SG) contributions made by your employer into your super account are the foundation of a successful retirement. So it’s worth understanding the SG rules and how they work.

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What to do if your employer doesn’t pay your super

Employers are required to make SG contributions into your super account on a regular basis. But what can you do if they don’t pay?

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How the Division 293 tax works: Super surcharge for high earners

High income earners need to watch they don’t incur an extra 15% tax on their super contributions under the Division 293 rules. Here’s a simple guide to everything you need to know.

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What is the maximum super contribution base for 2020/21?

While your employer is required to make regular Super Guarantee contributions on your behalf, higher income earners can miss out if they earn above the quarterly maximum super contribution base (MSCB) limit.

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AGE PENSION

Note: There are no changes to Age Pension rates or the assets test or income test thresholds this September, but there are still opportunities for you to maximise your Age Pension entitlement and learn more about how the Age Pension is assessed.

Video: Maximising your Age Pension

Tracey Spicer talks to Regan Welburn from Marathon Financial Planning about how to maximise your Age Pension and other concessions available for seniors.

Read more

How to maximise your Age Pension

There are many strategies you can employ to ensure that you’re making the most of your Age Pension, and in this article we’ll showcase some of the best options that may assist you.

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Case studies: How is the Age Pension assessed?

In this article we detail how the Age Pension is assessed, how the income and assets tests work, and illustrate with case studies for a Single and a Couple.

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Am I eligible for the Age Pension?

A common question from people planning their retirement is if, and when, they will be eligible for the Age Pension.

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FINANCIAL ADVICE

Financial advice through super funds: What’s on offer?

There’s a huge unmet demand for affordable financial advice and super funds are keen to fill the gap.

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Free financial advice: Yes, it does exist

It’s a rare person who doesn’t want to improve their financial situation, but cost is often a barrier to seeking advice. Yet free advice does exist if you know where to look.

Read more

SMSFs and financial advice: A matter of cost and trust

Call it the COVID-19 Catch-22. Even though more SMSFs report an unquenched thirst for advice, fewer are seeking out financial planners.

Read more

SMSFs

SMSFs switch to managed accounts

Managed accounts are increasingly taking the place of managed funds in self-managed super fund (SMSF) portfolios because they give advisers the ability to act swiftly when markets move, as well as offering tax advantages and improved transparency.

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Video: Pros and cons of SMSFs

Tracey Spicer talks to Deborah Kent from Integra Financial Services about the pros and cons of SMSFs, and how ethical investing is becoming more popular.

Read more

IN RETIREMENT

What is the Pension Loans Scheme, and how does it work?

Older Aussies looking to boost their retirement income can take advantage of the government’s Pension Loans Scheme to generate a non taxable fortnightly income stream that helps pay their bills.

Read more

What government services are available for older Australians?

If you are retired or planning to do so in the near future it’s worth taking some time to check out the wide range of services, concessions and discounts available for older Australians.

Read more

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How super works
Super for beginners
Super rules
Employers guide to super
Super contributions
Super and tax
Accessing super
Super news
Women and super
Super tips and strategies
How-to guides
Super quizzes
Superannuation Q&As
Superannuation glossary
Super funds
Best performing super funds
Super fund rankings
Best performing pension funds
Pension fund rankings
Super fund average returns
Super investing strategies
Comparing super funds
Choosing a super fund
Choosing an investment option
Super fund fees
Insurance and super
Super fund profiles
SMSFs
SMSFs for beginners
SMSF administration
SMSF checklists
SMSF compliance
SMSF investing
SMSF pensions
SMSF strategies
SMSF Q&As
Plan your retirement
Retirement planning for beginners
When should I retire?
How long will I live?
How much super do I need?
Will I get the Age Pension?
How much will I spend in retirement?
Financial advice
Retiring overseas
Preparing for retirement
Retirement planning strategies
Retirement calculators and reckoners
In retirement
Income in retirement
Super lump sums
Super pensions
Age Pension
Working in retirement
Life in retirement
Senior concessions and services
Aged care
Estate planning
Super death benefits
Compare super funds

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Superguide Pty Ltd ATF Superguide Unit Trust as a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Independent Financial Advisers Australia, AFSL 464629

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