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Maree Pallisco

New role for outcomes test and member goals

Recent regulatory proposals expand the existing scale test to an outcomes test by determining annually whether the fund’s MySuper products are meeting the clients’ best interests. Similar tests can apply to SMSFs.

Super funds need a member engagement makeover

The top priority for all superannuation funds is improving member engagement, but most need to improve their techniques. It's one way to reduce the leakage of members, especially to SMSFs.

Cost of life insurance will rise significantly

Superannuation members have been getting a great deal, but this is clearly not sustainable, and many superannuation funds are finding their insurance premiums rising significantly.

Technology advances key to improving delivery of intra-fund advice

Revolution in the application of technology to the delivery of financial advice, in all its different forms, is critical if the issues around quality and access are to be meaningfully addressed.

Super reforms not nearly enough

The recent superannuation reforms were just tinkering around the edges of Australia’s retirement savings system challenges. We need far more radical policy changes if our nation is to survive its demographic time bomb.

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SMSF strategies

Meg on SMSFs: Withdrawing assets ahead of the $3m super tax

The super tax has caused an almighty scuffle, but for SMSFs impacted by the proposed tax, a big question remains: what should they do now? Here are ideas for those wanting to withdraw money from their SMSF.

Superannuation

The huge cost of super tax concessions

The current net annual cost of superannuation tax subsidies is around $40 billion, growing to more than $110 billion by 2060. These subsidies have always been bad policy, representing a waste of taxpayers' money.

Planning

How to avoid inheritance fights

Inspired by the papal conclave, this explores how families can avoid post-death drama through honest conversations, better planning, and trial runs - so there are no surprises when it really matters.

Superannuation

Super contribution splitting

Super contribution splitting allows couples to divide before-tax contributions to super between spouses, maximizing savings. It’s not for everyone, but in the right circumstances, it can be a smart strategy worth exploring.

Economy

Trump vs Powell: Who will blink first?

The US economy faces an unprecedented clash in leadership styles, but the President and Fed Chair could both take a lesson from the other. Not least because the fiscal and monetary authorities need to work together.

Gold

Credit cuts, rising risks, and the case for gold

Shares trade at steep valuations despite higher risks of a recession. Amid doubts that a 60/40 portfolio can still provide enough protection through times of market stress, gold's record shines bright.

Investment strategies

Buffett acolyte warns passive investors of mediocre future returns

While Chris Bloomstan doesn't have the track record of his hero, it's impressive nonetheless. And he's recently warned that today has uncanny resemblances to the 1990s tech bubble and US returns are likely to be disappointing.

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