Super perks, Tax offsets, Best and worst funds, SMSF wind-up costs, share transfer to your SMSF, Adjusting to retirement.
Highlights of the October 2021 edition of the SuperGuide Premium newsletter include:
- PERK UP YOUR RETIREMENT: From tax savings and cheaper insurance to estate planning, there are more benefits to super than you might think.
- SAPTO, LMITO, LITO: Never mind the acronyms, check out the tax savings for eligible seniors and lower income earners.
- HOW DID YOUR FUND PERFORM? A new survey sorts the super fit cats from the fat cats and shares tips on how to spot them.
- YOU’RE WINDING ME UP: All good things come to an end, even your SMSF. Here’s what costs to expect when you wind up your fund.
- MAKING AN IN SPECIE TRANSFER: We walk you through the process of transferring shares into your SMSF.
- RETIREMENT SURPRISE PACKAGE: Our retiree panel reflect on life after work, and the things that surprised them most.
SUPER NEWS
Super news for October 2021
Draft retirement income covenant released, TWUSUPER calls off EISS merger, Superannuation industry at risk of losing billions due to climate change, SMSFs must use SuperStream for rollovers, Financial services coalition calls for broad financial compensation scheme, Design and Distribution Obligations (DDO) go live.
SUPER FUNDS
Hidden perks that make your super account even better
We’ve done the digging to help you make the most of what your super fund has to offer.
Small APRA funds: What are they and why would I need one?
Small APRA funds are often overlooked, but they offer valuable benefits if you want more control of your super investments without the trustee responsibilities.
How to find your lost super
If you are wondering why you have so little super to show for all your hard work, it may be time to search for super accounts you forgot you had.
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.
INCOME TAX
How does SAPTO work? (Senior Australians and Pensioners Tax Offset)
If you are eligible for the Age or DVA pension you could be in line for a handy tax rebate, depending on your taxable income and relationship status.
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.
Australian income tax brackets and rates (2024-25 and previous years)
Now that the stage 3 tax cuts are law, most Australians will receive a tax cut in 2024-25. Until then, existing income tax rates and thresholds apply.
SMSFs
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What on earth is an in specie transfer?
If you’ve ever wondered if you can transfer shares or a business property into your SMSF, the answer is yes but strict rules apply.
Case study: Transferring shares into your SMSF (an in-specie transfer)
Moving assets into the lower-tax super environment can be a rewarding strategy. This is how it’s done.
Currency hedging for SMSFs
You may think currency hedging is too esoteric to worry about, but it can make a significant difference to your returns from global investments.
How to buy a commercial property and lease it through your SMSF
Many restrictions that apply to the purchase of property via an SMSF don’t apply to commercial property. Here’s how it’s done.
How to record SMSF minutes
Recording minutes of your SMSF decisions and resolutions is not only a good habit to get into, it’s a legal requirement. Here’s how it’s done.
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.
RETIREMENT PLANNING
How to plan your spending through the 3 stages of retirement
Research shows your spending in retirement depends not just on how much you have in your nest egg, but also on the phases you go through as you age.
Retirement income rules of thumb: Do they measure up?
If you are getting serious about planning your retirement income needs and don’t know where to start, these handy estimates could help.
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.
How sequencing risk affects your retirement
Sequencing risk can ruin even the most carefully planned retirement. Losses and low returns just as you move into retirement mean you will have much less to spend.
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.
IN RETIREMENT
Retiree reflections: What surprised me most when I retired
Before retirement, the focus is often on preparing our finances. After retirement, our changing priorities can come as a surprise, and often in a good way.
The importance of the 10/30/60 Rule to your retirement income
The investment return on your super pension account is just as important as the returns you earn on your super while you are working, as this simple ‘rule of thumb’ demonstrates.
How to choose an investment option for your super pension
Selecting the right investment option for your super pension has a big impact on how much money you can spend during your retirement years.
Commonwealth Seniors Health Card: Eligibility and how to apply
Our updated guide which now features a thorough video explainer, detailing the main benefits, the income thresholds and tips on how to apply.
