Thoughts on money, from a Financial Planner in Perth
Australian superannuation now constitutes one of the world’s largest specific retirement savings pools. It is an area beset by misinformation, vested interests and difficult legislation. The aim of this area is to bring some clarity to the area of superannuation in Australia today.
“When the system calls itself balanced, check who built the scales.” When is ‘Balanced’.. balanced? If you’re a member of a balanced super fund, this is a moment to ask what that really means in practical terms. “Balanced” super fund members will soon be finding out just how ‘balanced’ their fund is—or is not. I’m … Read more
Long term super fund returns are about to explode higher!* Yes folks, we are about to enter a period where the longer term super fund returns will look very good indeed. At least – significantly better than they were in fund reports of just two years ago. Here’s the secret that will make long term … Read more
Superannuation rules in Australia have undergone some fairly dramatic changes as of the 1st July 2017. With that threshold date now behind us, let’s consider what this new world looks like.. Superannuation is simple Yes, it truly is. Super for most people will be the least difficult, most rewarding and less stressful area of their … Read more
“Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country” – John F Kennedy’s powerful call for Americans to put aside self-interest, and strive to build a better nation. This is what I think the Federal Government has asked Australians to do when judging its 2016 Budget … Read more
Let’s consider just how many ways super and pension accounts are misrepresented or misunderstood.
Self Managed Superannuation Funds (“SMSF’s”) have long lived under a very harsh penalty regime. If a trustee failed to meet their obligations then the Australian Tax Office (ATO) was able or even required to declare the fund “non-complying”. That was a nuclear bomb option as it resulted in the fund assets being taxed at the … Read more
Marketing is often most effective when it glosses over the smaller details and focusses on just one or two key points… does that lead to better outcomes or is it misrepresentation?
Which is the best super fund, and how will you decide between the thousands of options on offer?
It’s interesting to read notes and articles and research that shows Australia’s pensioners “sitting on a time bomb” or that there is a shortfall in retirement savings of hundreds of billions of dollars. For what it is worth, the bulk of these appear to be a beat-up. For the morosely disinterested or even the remotely … Read more
Todays’ Australian Financial Review includes an article “Disclosure statements found wanting” (page 56 Financial Services, AFR Friday 29th October 2010). Now there is a non sequitur if ever i’ve seen one! That statement assumes that there would be a time when superannuation statements would NOT be found wanting – and i really can’t see that … Read more