Self Managed Super Fund


Super: where it's a fee for all occasions

David Potts Charges are so out of whack because in our compulsory system fund managers get away with it.


Will fees eat my super before I recover?

Ask Noel

Noel Whittaker If you are off work for a period of time due to an injury, what should you do with your superannuation?


Super account balances almost double in 10 years


John Collett Another good year for super funds has helped push account balances to almost double what they were 10 years ago


How to slice up an inheritance and keep tax low

Eating cake: Retiring gracefully.

George Cochrane For one writer there is some good news, there is no inheritance duty or gift duty in Australia.


DIY fund trustees exposed to risky investments

Redefinition: The new interpretation means assets can be compiled differently.



Will I have to pay tax on my Commonwealth super?

Your Questions dinkus

George Cochrane I have been in the Commonwealth Superannuation Scheme since 1961. A recent article raised the hope that I may not have to pay tax on the amount I receive.


How to read your super statement

Mark Bouris dinkus.

Mark Bouris Here are a few tips to help you investigate how your super is performing:


How will the new pension rules affect us?



How can I provide for my son after I'm gone?

Vulnerable adults: Age,  is not an issue if a one of your children  has mental or physical issues issues that require your ongoing involvement in their lives.

George Cochrane My son is 43 and lives on a disability pension, how can I look after him when I'm gone?


Children may book a tax deduction




What's our financial formula once we've helped kids through uni and beyond?

Full fee degree: You don't mention what course of study your son is doing but the cost and the fact that he will work as some sort of intern, makes me suspect he could be in the medical field.

George Cochrane We're helping our children through their studies and want to retire in five years' time. Are we too ambitious?


Carbon data will help drive better fund choices

John Collett It's anyone's guess as to how most superannuation funds invest. That is because there are no hard and fast rules on what information should be disclosed to investors.


Why not top up your super yourself?

David Potts The trouble with super is we have a hybrid system where the compulsory side isn't enough and the voluntary part is too much.

Your Questions

Can I retire early and bring up the kids too?

That's entertainment:  Children, they are expensive.

George Cochrane My plan involves investment properties and my public service super. But will it fly?


Why the seven-year super freeze is a bad idea

John Collett Most people are not interested in their retirement savings, at least not until retirement is in sight.


Can we pull off our granny flat plans?

Serious note: The granny flat will start out life as a separate dwelling from your home.

Noel Whittaker We want to take out a loan to build a granny flat in our backyard - what tax deductions are available?


Let off on property's capital gains tax




ETFs have a downside but can widen your exposure



Plug other options into your super

Sweetener: Transferring shares can free up money to reduce an outstanding mortgage or personal debt.

Daryl Dixon More industry funds are offering members the option to invest in shares, exchange traded funds or term deposits.


Pressure on pensions as asset rules shift

Commonwealth Seniors Health Card


Max Newnham There is a high likelihood that changes to eligibility for Centrelink benefits will become a reality.