The role of cash and bonds in your portfolio and what’s available
High interest rates are loathed by borrowers but they are money in the bank for people seeking reliable income with a high degree of safety from their investments.
Articles by Barbara Drury
Can I get free financial advice?
If you could do with some help with your finances but can’t afford a professional adviser, all is not lost. Free financial advice and digital tools are out there if you know where to look.
2024 year in review, 2025 year in preview
For the second year running, investors had a surprisingly good year in 2024 thanks to moderating inflation, economic growth holding its head above water, falling interest rates (just not in Australia) and buoyant share markets.
Super fund performance: Monthly returns to November 2024
After a Trump bump on global sharemarkets in November, super funds are closing in on double digit returns in 2024.
SMSFs and insurance: Rules and considerations
Even if you have life insurance outside super or in a pre-existing fund, SMSF trustees are still required to consider their insurance strategy.
Where to find retirement income in addition to super
If you are planning your retirement income and worried you don’t have enough super, don’t forget to factor in other potential sources of income. You may be pleasantly surprised.
Saving for retirement outside super
Super is undoubtedly the most tax effective vehicle for retirement savings, but there are plenty of reasons why you might hold investments outside super to augment your retirement income.
When can I access my super? All conditions of release explained
While super is designed to provide income in retirement, there are circumstances when you may be eligible to withdraw some or all of your savings.
Can I return to work after I access my super?
It’s generally possible to return to work after you retire and start withdrawing your super, but the rules vary according to your age.
Super fund performance reckoner: Monthly returns for 5 investment categories
In our reckoner below you can view the median monthly investment returns for 5 superannuation investment options going back to January 2016.
Super and pension fund performance: Where does your fund rank?
Now updated to 30 September 2024. Have you ever looked at your super fund’s investment returns and wondered how your fund compares with similar funds? Is it a consistently high performer or an inveterate underachiever?
What is the sole purpose test, and how does it work?
As the name suggests, the savings you accumulate in super are meant to be for one purpose only. Straying from that purpose can be costly.
Platforms and wraps: Benefits and downsides
Technology is at the heart of recent innovation by platform providers as they compete against each other, industry funds and SMSFs for your super and non-super investments.
How superannuation works: Super for beginners guide
Super often ends up being your biggest asset outside the family home, so it pays to understand how it works and then to keep tabs on it.
Minimum pension drawdown rates (2024–25) and calculator
Retirees with an account-based super pension are required to withdraw a minimum amount each year. This is how it’s calculated.
Are pension withdrawal rates safe?
Retirees often regard the government-mandated minimum withdrawal rates for their super pension as a default maximum, so how are these rates set and should you consider withdrawing more?
Super funds of the year awards: Best super funds for 2024-25
After a major overhaul of its fund offerings and member services, Aware Super has been awarded the best overall fund by the two major ratings groups, SuperRatings and Chant West.
Selecting a retirement income calculator
Most super funds provide tools to help you estimate your annual retirement income and how long it should last. But how reliable are they? It pays to know what to look out for.
