Government targets fund expenditure, best interests in new super reforms

Government targets fund expenditure, best interests in new super reforms

  Recently released draft exposure legislation will require trustees of super funds, including SMSFs, to exercise their powers in the best financial interests of beneficiaries and require APRA-regulated funds to support their expenditures with evidence.            ...
Retirement costs rising despite COVID impacts

Retirement costs rising despite COVID impacts

  The cost of a comfortable retirement in Australia has gone up over the September quarter despite COVID-induced lifestyle changes, new research has revealed.             Research by the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) has shown that couples...
ATO flags key deadlines for early release of super

ATO flags key deadlines for early release of super

  With the end of the year drawing closer, the ATO has outlined some of the cut-off dates and deadlines applying for members wanting to apply for the early release of their super.           In an online update, the ATO said that for superannuation members who are...
2020 is coming to an end. Phew!!

2020 is coming to an end. Phew!!

  Some fireworks and a great Advent Calendar to help you celebrate. On behalf of all our staff we wish our clients and their families a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and a great holiday period.             Our annual Advent Calendar.  Come back each day and click...
Majority of retirees expected to fall short on retirement savings

Majority of retirees expected to fall short on retirement savings

  Recent research has revealed that more than half of retirees are projected to fall short of their desired retirement income level by more than 10 per cent, says Russell Investments.           In a recently released white paper, Russell Investments said analysis of...
How your coming tax cut could pay off

How your coming tax cut could pay off

  Over the coming weeks, around 12 million working Australians will start receiving extra cash in their pay packets as a result of changes to personal income tax brackets announced by the federal government.             Over the coming weeks, around 12 million working...
Related party purchases must be clean

Related party purchases must be clean

  Trustees must ensure any purchase from a related party is not a proxy for a loan or financial assistance to avoid breaching their obligations.             SMSF trustees making purchases of business real property from a related party for inclusion in their fund need...
Most SMSFs are still poorly diversified

Most SMSFs are still poorly diversified

Data only just released by the Australian Tax Office, detailing the asset allocations for all SMSFs in the quarter to the end of June, shows there was still a large investment weighting at that time towards cash and term deposits. From its COVID-inspired low point in...
Comprehensive list of COVID-19 initiatives and packages.

Comprehensive list of COVID-19 initiatives and packages.

  The response by our Governments to the COVID-19 crisis has been a very good one.  Following is a comprehensive listing of links to important Federal and State initiatives and programs since the pandemic began.             Please click on the following links to...
Capital preservation front of mind for SMSF returns

Capital preservation front of mind for SMSF returns

  SMSF investors will increasingly be attracted to investments offering capital preservation post-COVID, with volatile markets and lower dividends compromising their ability to meet investment objectives, according to an asset manager.             SMSF investors will...