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...
How to get into the retirement comfort zone

How to get into the retirement comfort zone

A third of Australians retire without a plan. Here's why you should have one. . Working and generating a stable income can be described as a comfort zone for most Australians. The same can be said for having a well-considered retirement plan that clearly...
Compliance focus impacts wind-ups

Compliance focus impacts wind-ups

The ATO’s strategic increased focus on compliance is having a noticeable effect on the sector and is now the most common reason why many SMSF trustees have closed their funds, the latest Investment Trends research has shown. . “A speech by ATO deputy commissioner Emma...
NALE bill passed by parliament

NALE bill passed by parliament

The bill that will introduce changes to the non-arm’s-length expenditure (NALE) provisions has passed through parliament and is now awaiting royal assent before it can take effect, possibly as early as 1 July. . The Treasury Laws Amendment (Support for Small Business...
Middle-to-higher incomes boosting SMSF growth

Middle-to-higher incomes boosting SMSF growth

The SMSF sector experienced healthy growth over the March quarter, with men and women on middle-to-higher incomes driving an increase in new funds established, according to statistics released by the ATO. . The SMSF quarterly fund statistics for March 2024 showed...
The superannuation changes from 1 July

The superannuation changes from 1 July

The super changes on the way from the start of the 2024-25 financial year. . A number of superannuation changes will come into effect from 1 July 2024 that are designed to help working Australians get more money into the retirement savings system. If fully utilised,...
Investment and economic outlook, May 2024

Investment and economic outlook, May 2024

Region-by-region economic outlook and latest forecasts for investment returns. . For the last decade-plus, a lack of both automation and new general-purpose technologies (GPTs) have weighed on U.S. economic growth. But new  research suggests that artificial...