Articles by
Barbara Drury
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My retirement planning diary (Part 4): Crunching the numbers
Now that I have a retirement income target in mind, it’s time to buckle up and test drive some retirement income calculators to see if my target is achievable.
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Key superannuation rates and thresholds for 2025-26
A new financial year brings updated thresholds for a range of super measures. Take a look at the new numbers to check for opportunities.
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Deeming rates (2025-26) and calculator for the Age Pension income test
Under the deeming rules, you are ‘deemed’ to earn a certain annual rate of return on your financial assets, regardless of the rate of return you actually earn.
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How a transition-to-retirement (TTR) pension works
If you are looking to wind back working hours or boost your super in the lead-up to retirement, a transition-to-retirement (TTR) pension may be the answer.
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Minimum pension drawdown rates (2025–26) and calculator
There’s no limit on the amount you can withdraw each year from an account-based super pension, but there are age-based minimum annual withdrawal rates. Here’s how they are calculated.
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Australian income tax brackets and rates (2025-26 and previous years)
This financial year is one of the few in recent times where the income tax brackets or rates have not changed, although you may see a change in base income if your wage includes super, due to the increase in the Super Guarantee from 11.5% to 12%.
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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.
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SMSF reporting and record-keeping requirements
SMSFs have many attractions but keeping up with the admin is not one of them. Here’s what you need to know to stay on the right side of the law.
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Starting a pension from your super
When you retire there’s more than one way to withdraw income from your super; we explain your options.
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Low Income Tax Offset (LITO): How it works
Low-income earners may be eligible to reduce their tax bill by as much as $700, without lifting a finger. Check our guide to who’s eligible and for how much.
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Planning to retire this year and start a super pension? Here’s what to consider
As retirement beckons, it’s worth checking the rules around making last minute super contributions and how much you can transfer into a tax-free pension account.
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Super strategies after losing your spouse in retirement: What are the rules?
Inheriting your spouse’s super in retirement needs careful planning to ensure you make the most of the tax-free pension phase without exceeding your limit.
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What to teach your (big) kids about super
If your kids are old enough to have scored their first fulltime or part-time job, now’s the time to pass on everything you wish you’d known about super at their age.
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What strategies can I consider to reduce tax on a super pension paid from my SMSF?
When and how you withdraw income from your super in retirement can have significant tax benefits.
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Pension fund performance: Monthly returns to May 2025
Pension funds are closing in on a stellar return of around 10% in the 2025 financial year, after a strong market rebound in May.
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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.
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Super fund performance: Monthly returns to May 2025
After a nail-biting start to the year, super funds are on track for another cracking return of about 9% for the 2025 financial year, after the median Growth fund was up 2.7% in May and markets continuing to rise in June.
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How to find a super financial adviser
There are times in life when the right financial advice could prove invaluable, but it’s important to know what you are looking for and where to find it. Here’s how.
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