The keys to high retirement confidence

The keys to high retirement confidence

Are you retirement ready? Our inaugural How Australia Retires study has uncovered some common themes that make Australians highly confident about their retirement. . How confident are you about your future retirement? Do you think you’ll have enough money to achieve...
Legislation changes give market-linked pensions better outcome

Legislation changes give market-linked pensions better outcome

There is now more flexibility for SMSF members with market-linked pensions whose balances exceed the transfer balance cap with better tax outcomes and estate-planning options said the managing director of a leading SMSF educational organisation. . Doug McBirnie,...
Banking on the Age Pension

Banking on the Age Pension

The ranks of Australians receiving the Age Pension are increasing. It’s important to understand who is eligible and its role in retirement planning. . Just days before the 2023 Federal Budget was handed down on 9 May, the Australian Bureau of Statistics released a new...
Inflation drives the cost of retirement to a record high

Inflation drives the cost of retirement to a record high

Self-funded retirees are the hardest hit by the increasing rise in inflation and cost-of-living according to the latest research from Association of Super Funds Australia. . The annual expenditure needed to reach the ASFA comfortable retirement standard rose another...
Overview of the Federal Budget 2023 – 24

Overview of the Federal Budget 2023 – 24

  The following are all the links to the federal government's description of its 2023 Budget.  At the bottom are the Budget Documents for those that love to get into the fine detail of a Budget.     Delivering cost-of-living relief Energy price relief Reducing...
2023 Federal Budget: Stronger foundations for a better future

2023 Federal Budget: Stronger foundations for a better future

‘Seeing our people through the hard times – and setting our country up for a better future’ “While Australia may have a lot coming at us – we have a lot going for us too” – Dr Jim Chalmers, 2023-2024 Federal Budget Speech. . Summary Superannuation Taxation Individuals...
Unintended consequences of work test changes to be rectified

Unintended consequences of work test changes to be rectified

New draft legislation to the work test mean impacted individuals will retain their ability to claim deductions for personal contributions post 30 June 2022, says a leading adviser. . Craig Day, executive director technical services for Colonial First State said on 19...
Banks launch scam awareness campaign

Banks launch scam awareness campaign

The new campaign highlights the importance of customer alertness against criminal activity by scammers. . The Australian Banking Association has launched a new campaign on cyber security amid a heightened security environment. The ABA’s (ABA) campaign — which will...
ATO warns of rise in SMSF identity fraud and investment scams

ATO warns of rise in SMSF identity fraud and investment scams

The ATO has warned SMSF members to be aware of identity fraud and investment scams. . Justin Micale, assistant commissioner, self-managed super funds risk and strategy for the ATO said in the SMSF sector, identity fraud and investment scams are a top priority because...
The importance of SMSF succession planning

The importance of SMSF succession planning

Preparing for loss of capacity or death is vital for SMSF members. It's important to ensure your trust deed is watertight. . There are more than 600,000 self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) in Australia, managing close to $900 billion of assets on behalf of...