Articles by
Barbara Drury
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Consider these two risks before you start a super pension
Market volatility and economic uncertainty can wreak havoc with retirement plans, so it’s important to develop strategies to ensure your savings last the distance.
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SMSFs: Investment property tax deduction mistakes to avoid
Property investment is popular with SMSFs, so it’s important to know what your fund can and can’t claim as investment property tax deductions if you want to stay on the right side of the ATO.
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Your home: The foundation of retirement planning
The family home is much more than a roof over your head in retirement. It’s also a potential source of income and aged care funding.
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SMSF investment rules: Collectables and personal use assets
An ATO crackdown on asset valuations, and the proposed tax increase on unrealised capital gains in $3 million-plus super accounts, is putting pressure on SMSFs with collectables to take stock.
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How do ETFs compare to LICs/LITs and managed funds?
Exchanged-traded funds have taken off in Australia, but there is still a role for LICs and managed funds. Learn about the pros and cons of each.
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What concession cards are available for seniors and pensioners?
Even if you aren’t eligible for the Age Pension, there are a variety of valuable concession and healthcare cards available, depending on your age, income and location.
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Choosing an SMSF service provider
They may be referred to as DIY funds, but in practice most SMSF trustees will need at least some professional advice, from setting up their fund to the annual audit and tax returns.
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What age should I retire?
It’s a common question and the short answer is that age is only one of many considerations when you are weighing up when to retire.
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Which SMSF expenses are tax deductible?
The expenses associated with running your own super fund can add up, so it’s important to understand which expenses you can, and can’t, claim as a tax deduction.
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Financial advice: What are the risks and benefits?
There is mounting evidence that financial advice can be good for your hip pocket as well as your general wellbeing, but you need to be vigilant.
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8 warning signs of a bad financial adviser
The vast majority of financial advisers want the best for their clients, but sadly, some abuse their position for personal gain. Here’s what to watch out for.
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Retirement Income Review finds 9.5% super is enough
The wisdom of increasing compulsory super next July is not the only reason the Retirement Income Review was eagerly anticipated, but it certainly added fuel to the fire.
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SMSF compliance: What are trustees’ responsibilities?
SMSFs provide members with a high degree of control and flexibility, but there are strict rules attached.
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What is the Age Pension age?
The age at which eligible retirees can start receiving the Age Pension has risen to 67. Bad news if you were born from 1957 on, but the good news is there are no plans to lift the age further.
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ETFs: How do I use them and what do they cost?
Exchange-traded funds have exploded in popularity in recent years as an efficient, cost-effective way to build a portfolio, with new funds launched almost monthly.
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SMSFs: Minimum account-based pension payments, strategies and calculator
SMSFs in pension phase need to be extra careful when setting their pension payments for 2023-24, as minimum drawdown rates double from 1 July.
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Early release of super on compassionate grounds
While compassion is a general term, the ATO applies strict rules when deciding whether you can withdraw some of your super early on compassionate grounds.
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Early release of super due to severe financial hardship
You may be able to withdraw a small lump sum from your retirement savings if you are in severe financial hardship and not otherwise eligible to access your super, but strict rules apply.
