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Jon Kalkman

Check eligibility for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card

Eligibility for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card has no asset test and a relatively high income test. It's worth checking eligibility and the benefits of qualifying to save on the cost of medications.

Move on from franking: Is tax-free retirement fair?

Superannuation funds receive franking credit refunds simply because their marginal tax rates are low, and no other reason. This point is often lost in the franking credit debate, but is low or tax-free super fair?

Let's make this clear again ... franking credits are fair

Critics of franking credits are missing the main point. The taxable income of shareholders/taxpayers must also include the company tax previously paid to the ATO before the dividend was distributed. It is fair.

How long will my retirement savings last?

Many self-funded retirees will outlive their savings as most men and women now aged 65 will survive at least another 20 years. Compare your spending with how much you earn to see how long your money will last.

Apparently, retirees should learn to SKI

The Retirement Income Review demonstrated limited understanding of the risks faced by self-funded retirees implementing rational human behaviour. Spending to qualify for the age pension is not a solution.

Tax-free super is due to a social contract

The design of superannuation is part of a social contract, and people who do not understand the long-term context are often offended that super funds should be tax-free in retirement. Don't blame Peter Costello.

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Investment strategies

UniSuper CIO shares his reflections on the 2025-2026 financial year

Markets climbed a wall of worry in FY26, but artificial intelligence remained the dominant force, rewarding some of the world’s biggest companies while leaving others behind.

Planning

Post-Budget blues? A knee jerk won’t help

Sweeping tax changes are reshaping the investment landscape and many investors are considering major restructures. But before chasing lower tax bills, it's worth asking whether those decisions will strengthen—or undermine your ability to build wealth across generations.

Investment strategies

Is value investing still relevant in today’s stockmarkets?

Is value investing relevant in an age when momentum investing, quant strategies and index funds increasingly dominate markets? It is underappreciated how share price distortions may be creating some of the best opportunities for patient, disciplined investors.

Investment strategies

How to find opportunity in global equities

Australia's concentrated market makes global diversification essential, but breadth alone is not enough. Investors still need a disciplined framework combining business quality, sensible valuation and a credible catalyst.

Gold

What keeps the world’s most patient investors returning to gold

While many investors are asking whether gold has peaked, the world's central banks appear to be asking different questions altogether. Their thinking offers useful insights for long-term investors.

Investment strategies

Don’t underestimate Australia

Investor sentiment towards Australia has turned increasingly gloomy, but the data tells a different story. There are still plenty of reasons to remain optimistic.

Superannuation

Are you making these SMSF mistakes?

After four decades advising investors, there are a few common mistakes I've seen SMSF investors make. From holding too much cash and chasing yield to overtrading and trusting tips. Are these errors costing you?

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