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Mark Ellem

Limits to a will’s power over an SMSF

Unlike the rest of a person's estate assets, a will has no power over the decisions of trustees of a superannuation fund when it comes to the payment of a death benefit.

Easier transfer of death benefit pensions

Transferring a death benefit pension can be complicated but new legislation from 1 July 2017 simplifies the process.

Timing on transfer balance cap and CGT relief

A point by point final reminder of actions needed before 30 June on large pension balances, plus good news about the timing to claim CGT relief to reset the cost base to market values.

How to preserve estate money in super

The transfer balance cap affects the amount of a deceased member’s benefits that can be paid to the surviving spouse as a pension or income stream, but there’s a way to retain it in the super system.

Applying CGT relief for SMSFs and TTR pensions

Despite the confusing and technical nature of the CGT relief rules, it's important for SMSF trustees and advisers to consider their implications as decisions need to be made prior to 1 July 2017.

Four ways to avoid super death benefit taxes

Superannuation death benefits paid to adult children can incur a heavy tax impost, but there are strategies available to avoid paying more tax than necessary. It's not always possible to know when you'll die.

Latest Updates

Superannuation

Super is catching up, but ageing is a triple-threat

An ageing Australia is shifting the superannuation system’s focus from accumulation to the lifecycle of retirement. While these pressures have been anticipated for decades, they are now converging at scale and driving widespread industry change.

Investment strategies

Corporate earnings show resilience against volatility but risks remain

Evidence for a strong reporting season had been piling up for months and validated an upgrade cycle already underway. However, risks remain from policy uncertainty.

Superannuation

Want your loved ones to inherit your super? You can’t afford to skip this one step

One in five Australians die before retirement and most have not set up their super properly so their loved ones can benefit from all their hard work and savings. 

SMSF strategies

Sixteen steps in a typical SMSF borrowing

Getting a mortgage is never an easy process but when an investment property is purchased in a SMSF the complexity increases significantly. Read this before taking the plunge. 

Planning

Do HNWI get better advice?

Good advisers lead to more diversification, lower turnover and less home bias. However, studies show the average adviser may not be adding much value to clients. 

Strategy

AFL Final Ten with wildcard edit 'unlevels' the field

When the new AFL season kicks off a wild-card will be added to the finals. Is this new formula fair and how does it impact the odds of winning the premiership.

Planning

Love them or hate them, it's worth understanding annuities

Investors have historically balked at exchanging a lump sum for a future steam of income. Breaking down the financial and emotional considerations of purchasing an annuity.        

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