Articles and information on superannuation usually fall into one of two types – what you need to know when you are saving it, and what you need to know when you are spending it. Much of the coverage of superannuation funds can be similarly narrow. Comparing...
Superannuation Articles
Could your retirement savings survive another GFC?
The most commonly asked questions in retirement income are ‘Will my money last as long as I do?’ And ‘Am I in danger of running out?’ The problem is, there is no really useful way to respond. The correct answers to these two questions are ‘probably,...
Crackdown on super: Higher taxes on the way
Recently released data shows that 28 Australians hold more than $100 million in super and 107 hold more than $50 million. These look like eye watering numbers, particularly when you realise that the earnings on these super accounts are taxed at the...
Can you move money into super after retirement?
Last week Laura asked us a question, which on the face of it, is quite straightforward: ‘I have switched my super to pension mode and so I now have an Account-Based Pension. Does this mean I can’t move any more money into super?’ Well it might, but it...
Making your savings … and super work harder
We recently reported on a statement by Aaron Minney, head of research for annuities provider, Challenger, which we believe is a massive game changer. Aaron said that it’s important for retirees to stop viewing their super as a ‘nest egg’ and to consider it,...
Using super rules… to maximum advantage
As we noted last week, it’s easy to get basic super rules wrong. It doesn’t matter much if this is in a quiz. But if you make a mistake with your own money, that can be painful. There are two different contribution rules which can be used to significantly...
Easy way to understand super: What your statement means
About this time of the year your annual superannuation statement should drop into your inbox. Or perhaps it comes by mail. If you bother to open it and check the detail you’ll be in the smart segment of Australians who actually care about the performance of...
How many retirees really understand super?
Here’s the results to our quiz We know that the overall level of engagement with super savings is quite low across the population. If you are in your 30s - say 20 - 30 years before Preservation Age – this lack of interest is not exactly ideal, but perhaps...
Your super, your savings: How much ‘should’ you spend?
The recent regulatory report card that found that super funds are not providing sufficient retirement income support has sparked a discussion about the role that funds can and should play in members’ finances. But there is a fine line between helping...