IMPORTANT: Effective from 20 September 2017, the government has again indexed the income test thresholds for the CSHC (see this article for latest thresholds). The next indexation of the CSHC income thresholds takes place on 20 September 2018. Note that since 1 January 2015, new applicants for CSHC need to include ... Read more
Co-contributions: Can I claim the tax-free bonus as a property investor?
Q: I am not working but I source my income from rents derived from my property investments. Am I able to participate in the Government co-contribution scheme?For an Australian to be eligible for the co-contribution scheme they need to be earning 10% or more of their total income from eligible employment, or from ... Read more
Comparing super funds: Who’s who in the super zoo?
Note: We regularly update this article with the latest data on superannuation funds issued by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority. This article contains the latest data available, released on 22 August 2017 (for data as at 30 June 2017).Unless you work in the superannuation industry, how the world of ... Read more
Do you fit the latest profile of a ‘typical’ SMSF trustee?
Note: We regularly update this article with the latest data on self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) issued by the Australian Taxation Office. This article contains the latest data available as of September 2017 (for data as at March 2017, and in some instances, June 2017).The latest ATO statistics on SMSFs ... Read more
Age Pension age increasing to 67 years
Note: This article explains the current Age Pension age. If you are seeking information on the retirement age for accessing superannuation benefits see SuperGuide article Accessing super: What is my preservation age?If you are seeking information on the January 2017 changes to the Age Pension asset test, then see ... Read more
Australia not ready for Age Pension age of 70 years
The capacity of developed nations around the world to provide a decent taxpayer-funded old Age Pension is being tested constantly with increasing life expectancies, escalating health costs, mind-boggling energy costs, and in many cases, shrinking populations.Although Australia is fortunate (in economic terms) to ... Read more
Retirement Age Reckoner: Discover your preservation age and Age Pension age
Your superannuation benefit and Age Pension entitlements are likely to be very important for your retirement plans.Did you know your right to access your super, or claim the Age Pension, is based on the date you were born? Use the Retirement Age Reckoner below to discover:your preservation age (the minimum ... Read more
Age Pension: More Australians entitled to payments from September 2017
In March, July and September of each year, the federal government changes the rules for claiming the Age Pension… usually for the better! Currently, the Age Pension income test thresholds and the Age Pension assets test thresholds are adjusted three times a year in line with increases in the Consumer Price Index, ... Read more
Age Pension: Income test thresholds applicable from September 2017
Note: This article explains the latest Age Pension income test thresholds, applicable from 20 September 2017 until 19 March 2018. (This article also explains the thresholds applicable from 1 July 2017 until 19 September 2017). If you are seeking information on the latest Age Pension rates see SuperGuide article Age ... Read more
Life expectancy: Will you outlive your retirement savings?
Every five years, the latest data is released on average life expectancies, that is, how many years you’re expected to live, on average. The table contained later in this article contains the most up-to-date information on expected lifetimes.Note: Updated life expectancy tables were released by the Australian ... Read more
Financial freedom: Retirement planning in six steps
How much money do you need in retirement to live a lifestyle free of everyday money worries? For many Australians, this means a lifestyle where you can pay your bills without financial stress, you can enjoy an occasional holiday (or many!), you can maintain your car and house, and you can buy gifts for your children, ... Read more
The super challenge: At what age should I retire?
Selecting a retirement age, even if you plan to continue some form of work during retirement, can be a difficult decision. In some cases, individuals don’t get a choice about when to retire due to health issues, or due to redundancy in later years and then difficulty finding another job.Although life after work is ... Read more
