Best super returns in a generation, Year in review, Income for life, 6-member SMSFs, Age-based super rules, Your best contributions strategy
Highlights of the July 2021 edition of the SuperGuide Premium newsletter include:
- A SUPER COMEBACK: Super fund returns returned 18% last financial year, highlighting the importance of staying invested.
- FROM GLOOM TO BOOM: The 2020-21 financial year kept investors on the edge of their seats, as the economy and markets staged a dramatic recovery from recession.
- CALL AND RESPONSE: Retirees have been calling for guaranteed income for life, and more super funds are answering the call.
- GREEN LIGHT FOR 6-MEMBER FUNDS: SMSFs now have more flexibility to gather the extended family in one fund. What could possibly go wrong?
- SUPER FOR THE AGES: From your teens to your 70s, our guides will help you make the most of the super rules whatever your age.
- MIX AND MATCH SUPER CONTRIBUTIONS: Finding the right mix of before and after-tax contributions can make a big difference to your retirement savings. We explain how.
SUPER NEWS
Super news for July 2021
Pandemic has long-lasting impact on older Australians, Intergenerational report forecasts doubling in older Australians, Hostplus to grow through more mergers, LUCRF Super teams up with AustralianSuper, Super funds make bid for Sydney airport, Six member SMSFS good to go, Dixon Advisory to pay $8.2 million in penalties.
Best performing super funds: Growth category (61–80%)
While a host of new entrants made the top 10 in 2024, over 10 years the top performers are remarkably stable and a much better indicator of long-term excellence.
Super fund performance over 32 calendar years (to December 2024)
Super funds went above and beyond in 2024, with the median Growth fund up 11.4% and even the most conservative investment options performing strongly.
Super fund performance: Monthly returns to March 2025
President Trump’s tariff chaos continued to wreak havoc on global share markets in March, putting a dent in super fund returns although they remain positive for the financial year to date.
Which super funds offer income for life?
It’s been a long time coming, but more super funds are now, or soon will be, offering retirement products that reduce the risk of outliving your savings. Here’s what’s on offer.
YourSuper comparison tool review
Our video review demonstrates how to use the ATO super fund comparison tool to shortlist products you may wish to consider.
SMSFs
2020–21 year in review: A dramatic recovery
After the coronavirus recession of early 2020, the strength of the economic recovery and investment returns defied all expectations, in a good way.
How to boost your SMSF balance with contributions reserving
The increase in contribution caps from 1 July provides opportunities for SMSFs to potentially get up to $57,500 tax-deductible contributions into their super this financial year. Here’s how.
SUPER RULES
In your 70s? The super rules that apply to you
If you’re still adding to your retirement savings in your 70s, it’s important to know the super rules, as making contributions becomes tougher after age 75.
In your 60s? The super rules that apply to you
When you reach your 60s, the rules around making contributions and withdrawals from super start to change, so it’s important to know what’s what.
In your 50s or younger? The super rules that apply to you
When you reach your 50s, it’s time to get serious about your super, so here’s the key super rules for your age group.
In your teens? The super rules that apply to you
Your first job can be exciting, but it’s important to remember your weekly pay could come with super contributions, so here’s the rules applying in your teens.
SUPER CONTRIBUTIONS STRATEGIES
How to make the most of your super contributions
Choosing the optimal mix of before and after-tax super contributions can make a big difference to your retirement outcome. We show you how to work out the best solution for you.
Making superannuation contributions: Super for beginners guide
It can be confusing to understand all the different types of super contributions. But it’s worth learning the main types and what each one offers you.
How do tax-deductible superannuation contributions work?
Making a tax-deductible super contribution can be a great way to boost your retirement savings. Find out whether they could be the right strategy for you.
Salary sacrifice and super: How does it work?
Salary sacrifice can be a convenient and simple way to boost your super and reduce your tax bill at the same time. Learn how to get it right and the alternative to consider.
How carry-forward (catch-up) super contributions work
If you haven’t used all your concessional contributions cap in recent years you can use them to play catch-up and get a handy tax concession to sweeten the deal. We explain how.
A super guide to the bring-forward rule
Using the bring-forward rule is a great way to put a larger contribution into your super account in a single year. Here’s what you need to know about the rules.
How to boost your spouse’s balance and make the most of super caps (including calculator)
Couples who plan together succeed together. Learn how paying attention to your spouse’s super could maximise your opportunities.
What you need to know about investing an inheritance into super
Learn how investing a sudden financial gain in super can pay off, with detailed case studies and a look at important restrictions.
Super recontribution strategy: How it works
Find out how a recontribution strategy can decrease tax for your beneficiaries and help you and your spouse share super balances more evenly.
5 strategies to help fix your total super balance problem
If a high super balance is limiting your ability to get more into the tax effective super environment, there are ways to reduce your balance and maximise contributions at the same time.
What to do if you exceed your super contributions caps
Going over your annual limits for super contributions can cause problems and cost you money, so it’s important to know what to do if you have.
