If you are unhappy with your super account’s investment return you may consider switching super funds. Depending on the reasons for your dissatisfaction, a simple way to boost your savings could be to move some, or all, of your existing super account balance into another investment option within your current super ... Read more
Planning for retirement
A Super Guide
Planning for retirement is a big topic that covers the key decisions you need to make when looking ahead to the lifestyle that you hope to have, after you finish working. One of the first steps in making a successful transition to retirement is to have a plan, or at least start thinking about a plan.
For those new to the topic, or for those readers needing a refresher, why not start with our ‘Retirement planning for beginners’ section (see link below). If you’re looking for more specific information on retirement planning, such as the age you can retire, or the magic amount of super you need for a worry-free retirement, or whether you will be able to claim the Age Pension, then this special SuperGuide section can help you.
Note: The term ‘retirement’ has a special meaning for when you can access your superannuation benefits (see Retirement definition).
Set out below are key SuperGuide links on Planning for retirement:
- Retirement planning for beginners
- What age can I retire?
- Age-based Super Guide
- How long will I live?
- How much super do I need?
- Retirement Calculators and Reckoners
- $1.6 million transfer balance cap
- Types of super benefits
- Will I get the Age Pension?
- Obtaining financial advice
Set out below are key SuperGuide articles on Planning for retirement:
Set out below are all SuperGuide articles referring to Planning for retirement.
Superannuation: 10 great benefits you may not know about
Besides being a great way to save for retirement, superannuation offers lots of little-known benefits for super fund members. Depending on the type of fund you belong to, and your employment status, there is a swag of benefits you may be receiving without even knowing it. SuperGuide has gathered together a list of ... Read more
Over 60: Want to save some cash? Get a state Seniors Card
Note: This article explains the benefits of state Seniors Cards, and how to apply for a card in your state. If you’re seeking information on the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC), then check out SuperGuide article Are you eligible for a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card? Everyone loves a bargain, but once a ... Read more
Investment returns: Does your super fund use a crediting rate or unit pricing?
Understanding why your super balance goes up and down is more than just checking fees, super contributions and insurance premiums. It’s also knowing how – and when – your super fund calculates and applies investment earnings to your super savings. Like many aspects of superannuation, there’s no right or wrong way to ... Read more
Buy/sell spread costs: Why these charges may shrink your super
Mention a buy/sell spread and even the most interested super fund member will look a little confused. These super charges are one of the least understood costs of being a member of a super fund. So just what are these mysterious charges and how do they work? ... Read more
Investment returns after retirement: Understanding the 10/30/60 Rule
When Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) governor Philip Lowe effectively ruled out an interest rate rise in the foreseeable future, retirees around Australia were not exactly thrilled. The RBA has already kept official interest rates on hold at 1.5% since August 2016 and this ultra-low rate has made retirement planning ... Read more
Want investments that help you sleep? Understand your risk profile
Everyone is different and when it comes to investing, some people find themselves tossing and turning in bed, while others sleep easy. As an investor or super fund member, the key to getting a good night’s rest is to pick the investments (or investment options in your super fund) that match your personal risk ... Read more
Responsible investment: A guide to investing your values with your super account
Although super fund members want their super fund to produce a good investment return every year, many also want their money to be invested responsibly and in line with their personal values. Some super fund members feel uncomfortable with their retirement savings supporting activities like fossil fuel mining, ... Read more
Super pensions: choosing an investment option in retirement
Most people think all the hard work of creating a retirement income is over once they collect their final pay cheque, but decisions still need to be made about how to invest your hard-earned super savings. Although people often choose to take their super account balance and invest it themselves during their ... Read more
No tax in retirement because you SAPTO
This article is updated annually with new rates, or updated periodically to highlight changes (if any) to the Seniors & Pensioners Tax Offset (SAPTO) rules. This article includes SAPTO rates for the 2018/2019 year, and the 2017/2018 year (and earlier financial years). Before 1 July 2012, the SAPTO was called the ... Read more
Superannuation rates and thresholds for 2018/2019 year (and earlier years)
Note: The article lists the latest superannuation rates and thresholds for the 2018/2019 and 2017/2018 years, and earlier financial years. One of the most searched-for superannuation thresholds is the concessional (before-tax) contributions cap for the latest financial year. For the 2018/2019 year (1 July 2018 to 30 ... Read more
Coping with myGov: Why the government wants you to go online
If the federal government has its way, the days of rolling up to your local Centrelink, ATO or Medicare office will soon be a thing of the past. Instead of talking to real people, get ready to deal with an alternative online reality – via your very own myGov account. Over the next few years the myGov platform will ... Read more
