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Meg Heffron

Meg on SMSFs: Why a trust deed is still important

Even though SMSF trust deeds are often generic nowadays and almost always easy to change, they’re still vital. They’re definitely not all the same so it’s important that SMSF trustees know what they’ve got.

Meg on SMSFs: Facts and figures 2023/24

This is your Quick Reference Guide for the year’s important facts and figures. It includes what you need to know on personal tax rates and offsets, as well as super contributions, caps, benefits, and thresholds.

Meg on SMSFs: Is a binding death benefit nomination worth it?

A binding death benefit nomination makes sense if you belong to an APRA super fund, yet how about if all of your super is in an SMSF? Here are the pros and cons of having such a nomination in your SMSF.

Meg on SMSFs: negative earnings and the $3 million tax

There’s no good news in the draft legislation for 'Division 296 tax', the new name for the tax on super over $3 million. These worked examples show the flaw in taxing unrealised gains. And stop calling it a 30% tax.

Meg on SMSFs: Timing and the new super tax

Many people spooked by the proposed new tax on super balances over $3 million are contemplating withdrawing large amounts in the next few years before the tax takes effect. This isn't a good idea for most people.

Meg on SMSFs: should I start my pension before selling assets?

Tax breaks are one reason to have long term investments in super because it can mean a complete tax exemption on capital gains that have built up over years. But is it essential to start the pension before selling assets?

Latest Updates

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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