Superannuation

Australian Super Funds Delivered Gains

Superannuation funds delivered gains in the 2025 financial year. Even though there were challenges like global trade tensions and conflicts in the Middle East, super funds not only held steady, but they also delivered impressive returns.

The Big Picture – Why Financial Goals Matter

Have you ever walked into your financial adviser's office and found yourself saying, "I just want to be better off financially"? It's a common feeling - but it's also a trap. Over the coming weeks, we will provide a practical roadmap to help you clarify your financial goals, communicate effectively with financial advisers, and create a plan that's both ambitious and flexible. With realistic examples and actionable steps, you'll move from vague aspirations to clear financial direction.

Maximise Retirement Savings Without Sacrificing Other Goals

Planning for retirement doesn’t have to mean putting your other financial ambitions on hold. With the right approach, you can grow your retirement nest egg while still achieving goals like homeownership, travel, or paying off debt. Here’s how you can strike that balance.

Making Your Money Work Harder After the Rate Cut

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has made a significant move by cutting interest rates for the first time in over four years, reducing the cash rate from 4.35% to 4.10% in February 2025. This decision offers welcome relief to mortgage holders, and with the possibility of further rate cuts later this year, many are now considering how to make the most of this change. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you decide your next steps.

Superannuation Member and Death Benefits

Superannuation serves as a critical savings vehicle for Australians, designed to provide financial security in retirement. However, the nuances between member benefits and death benefits can be complex. Let's clarify these differences and explore their implications.

Understand Superannuation Trends and Make Better Choices

Are you making the most of your retirement savings? Recent data from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has shed light on some interesting trends in how Australians are choosing to use their superannuation in retirement. What the Data Shows Despite efforts to encourage retirees to use income stream products, many are still opting for lump sum […]

Key Superannuation Changes for 2024/25 Financial Year

Happy New Financial Year! Australia's superannuation system will see several changes in the 2024/25 financial year. The Superannuation Guarantee rate will increase to 11.5%, and both concessional and non-concessional contribution caps will rise. Some proposed changes, such as superannuation on paid parental leave and modifications to tax rates for high balances, are under consideration. Understanding these updates is important for effective financial planning.

Give Your Super a Boost before 30 June!

Discover how to boost your retirement savings and lower your tax bill with superannuation strategies, including understanding contribution caps, catch-up contributions, government co-contributions, and spouse contributions.

When Is the Best Time to Retire and How?

Deciding when to retire is one of the most significant financial decisions you'll make. The right time to retire varies for everyone, influenced by personal circumstances, financial readiness, and lifestyle goals. Here, we'll explore key considerations for determining the best time to retire and how to prepare for a comfortable and fulfilling retirement.

Understanding Insurance in Your Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF)

When setting up a Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF), many are advised to consider how best to handle their insurance needs. While some opt to retain their previous retail or industry super fund accounts primarily for insurance purposes, others explore the potential of integrating insurance directly into their SMSF. In this article, we discuss why and how you can efficiently manage insurance through your SMSF.

Superannuation Contributions in 2024 and Beyond

Superannuation is more than just a pot of money for retirement. It is your lifeline when you transition from working life to retirement and a powerful tool for building wealth. Investments in super are concessionally taxed at 15% making it a smart choice for tax planning. As you approach retirement, having a Self-Managed Superfund (SMSF) and an investment strategy that involves franking credits become even more compelling as your superfund becomes tax free at retirement.

What’s a Super Retirement Bonus?

Understanding retirement bonuses from super funds can help you get more money for your retirement. These bonuses are a way for super funds to thank you for keeping your money with them as you move from working to retiring. Not all super funds offer these bonuses, and they can vary a lot, so it's important to check how they fit into your overall money plan.