This Month
- Opinion
- Super Q&A
We have $5m in super as a couple. How can we contribute more?
The maximum amount of super that can be transferred into a tax-free pension account is $1.9 million, although investment earnings can grow the balance without penalty.
Hundreds of SMSFs may have been misled into this illiquidity trap
The financial complaints authority says two people who set up SMSFs based on bad advice are owed almost $400,000. Hundreds of others may be in the same boat.
October
This couple put their life savings into an SMSF. They can’t get it out
Alex and David Didlock say they were misled by a financial adviser who promised better returns and maximum liquidity. Now they’re being told they might never see their money again.
- Opinion
- Super Q&A
What’s the best way to transfer super to a surviving spouse?
In some cases, no formal death benefit nomination could be the best option because it provides flexibility.
- Opinion
- Super Q&A
At last, Labor has a plan for legacy pension exits
After years of delay, the federal government has produced regulations that will release retirees from restrictive legacy pensions.
September
- Opinion
- Super Q&A
How to maximise pension payments if one spouse is younger
Keeping a younger spouse’s super in accumulation phase can have the benefit of improving the age pension entitlement of the other person.
- Opinion
- Super Q&A
I’m 74 and want to run my $10m SMSF with less fuss
A wealth manager can help you with investment strategy, administration and accounting. But choose wisely by checking their qualifications.
Help! I’m trapped in my legacy pension product
A reader with $4.3 million in superannuation wants to know how he can exit an outdated, market-linked pension.
August
My short-term memory is a worry – should I close my DIY super fund?
Many retirees with SMSFs worry about diminished capacity as they get older – this is what to do.
With $3.2m super, this couple wants a transition to retirement
Where one person is already retired and the other is still working full-time, what is the best way to manage retirement savings?
- Updated
Couples go under the radar when it comes to gifting rules
It means they will not face age pension cuts when moving super between their accounts to maximise opportunities.
My wife can’t work any more – how do we handle her insurance payout?
The tax rules on super policy payments are complicated when you’re younger – this is how they work.
- Opinion
- Super Q&A
Can I access my super if I sell my business and go part-time?
Even if you have not yet turned 65, you may be eligible to start a transition-to-retirement pension.
July
- Opinion
- Super Q&A
Why the beach house might be cramping your retirement style
Holiday homes are great, but they don’t produce retirement income and might limit your age pension payments.
Can I put $360,000 into super before my divorce settlement?
A reader getting $1.9 million from her ex-husband’s super fund wants advice on maximising her savings and the $15,000 she already has in her fund.
A holiday home in my name means my husband gets no age pension
Doing her parents a favour years ago has created a retirement income headache.
June
Can I start a pension and put the income back into super?
A couple want to maximise their savings in the most tax-effective way before they both retire.
My $1.25m super fund can’t pay me enough income
An 84-year-old is facing liquidity problems with minimum annual pension payments – but there are solutions.
What to do with $400,000 inheritance when you have no super
A windfall could give a woman living in her daughter’s granny flat access to three income streams.