Capacity doubts now more common

Capacity doubts now more common

The partner of a legal firm specialising in superannuation has revealed the concept of SMSF member mental capacity is becoming more prevalent in estate planning challenges, prompting the need for practitioners to amend their procedures regarding all fund actions. ....
It’s never too early to start talking about aged care with clients

It’s never too early to start talking about aged care with clients

Financial planning professionals should be having conversations with their clients as soon as possible about their aged care needs, says a specialist adviser. . Speaking at last week’s SMSF Association Technical Summit, Louise Biti, director of Aged Care Steps, said...
What super fund members should know when comparing returns

What super fund members should know when comparing returns

Why you need to compare apples with apples on super fund performances and fees. . If you’re one of the roughly 16 million Australians with a managed superannuation fund account, you may be feeling reasonably chuffed at the moment. After all, your account balance is...
Insurance inside super has tax advantages

Insurance inside super has tax advantages

One of the most significant advantages of holding insurance policies inside superannuation is the tax deduction for life and disability premiums that go towards paying out a disability superannuation benefit, according to a leading technical specialist. . Craig Day,...
SMSF assets reach record levels amid share market rally

SMSF assets reach record levels amid share market rally

How SMSF trustees are investing their retirement savings. . Over 1.1 million Australians are now saving for their retirement using a self managed super fund (SMSF). And data just released by the Australian Tax Office (ATO) shows that the value of investment assets...

Income-free areas set to increase from 1 July

People nearing retirement often want to know how much they can earn before it affects their pension, and now there is a bit of good news on the horizon for SMSF members who receive the Age Pension. . Statistics indicate fewer Australians pass the Age Pension income...
Many Australians have a fear of running out

Many Australians have a fear of running out

Longevity risk is a growing concern for many working Australians as well as retirees. . The fear of running out of money in retirement, also known as FORO, is certainly not a new phenomenon. But Vanguard’s 2024 How Australia Retires research shows just how real, and...
LRBA interest rates increase for 2025

LRBA interest rates increase for 2025

The safe harbour interest rate for related party limited recourse borrowing has changed for 2025. . The new rate for real property has risen to 9.35 per cent from 8.85 per cent in 2023–24, a fraction of the 3 per cent rise that was implemented in the 2023–24 financial...