Register For Our Mailing List

Register to receive our free weekly newsletter including editorials.

Home / Author: Monica Rule

Monica Rule

Accessing super before retirement

Transition to Retirement Income Streams are no longer tax-free, but you can still access your super before retirement if you meet certain conditions, and there are strategies to reduce the tax paid.

Top 10 tips for SMSFs before 30 June 2017

It is not a standard end of financial year, as there are many items SMSF trustees and super members should check immediately, especially with the changes taking effect from 1 July 2017.

Why 'total superannuation balance' is important for SMSFs

In addition to the $1.6 million transfer balance cap, SMSF members should also understand the concept of ‘total superannuation balance’ to stay within the rules and make the most of contribution opportunities.

Monica's Q&A on $1.6 million super rules

Monica answers questions on her article on the $1.6 million cap. As she will be unable to answer more questions directly for a while, consider registering for her upcoming webinar.

Navigating super law changes with confidence

SMSF trustees and other people with large super balances should realise there are two applications of the $1.6 million transfer balance cap, and final opportunities to grow retirement savings in the most tax-effective way.

SMSFs need vigilance with money in and out

Payments in and out of SMSFs involve legal grey areas where contributions could be made unintentionally and benefits might not be considered paid as intended. Watch those flows.

Latest Updates

Superannuation

So, we are not spending our super balances. So what!

A Grattan Institute report suggests lifetime annuities as a solution to people not spending their super balances. The issue is whether underspending is the real problem or a sign of more fundamental failings in our retirement system.

Investment strategies

The two best ways to maximise dividend income

People often marvel at Warren Buffett now getting 60 cents in annual dividends on every dollar he invested in Coca-Cola 30 years ago. What’s often overlooked are the secrets to how he achieved this phenomenal result.

Taxation

The fetish for lower taxes has gone too far

Since the time of Reagan and Thatcher, most business leaders and investors have clung to a dogmatic belief that lower taxes bring higher profits and economic growth. The truth, as always, is far more complicated than that.

Superannuation

Meg on SMSFs: Winding up market linked pensions with care

Due to recently-introduced rules, many people with old style pensions, also known as legacy pensions, will look to wind them up this year. The temporary amnesty allowing these pensions to be stopped should be navigated with care.

Property

Why our Torrens title property system hasn't been adopted elsewhere

Far from an outdated relic, Torrens title appears to be the revolutionary, cheap, low-risk way to handle property dealings. Here's a look at why this Australian invention from the 1850s hasn't caught on more widely.

Property

DigiCo REIT and the data centre opportunity

Data centres offer compelling growth prospects. But their potential hasn't gone unnoticed, and the DigiCo appears to be buying properties in a seller’s market, resulting in better opportunities being found elsewhere.

Retirement

The $1.2 trillion sea change facing Australian investors

Over the next decade, three million Australians will shift from accumulating wealth to living off it. Those taking part in the great migration need a sound strategy that delivers sustainable income and protection from market bumps.

Sponsors

Alliances

© 2025 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer
The data, research and opinions provided here are for information purposes; are not an offer to buy or sell a security; and are not warranted to be correct, complete or accurate. Morningstar, its affiliates, and third-party content providers are not responsible for any investment decisions, damages or losses resulting from, or related to, the data and analyses or their use. To the extent any content is general advice, it has been prepared for clients of Morningstar Australasia Pty Ltd (ABN: 95 090 665 544, AFSL: 240892), without reference to your financial objectives, situation or needs. For more information refer to our Financial Services Guide. You should consider the advice in light of these matters and if applicable, the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before making any decision to invest. Past performance does not necessarily indicate a financial product’s future performance. To obtain advice tailored to your situation, contact a professional financial adviser. Articles are current as at date of publication.
This website contains information and opinions provided by third parties. Inclusion of this information does not necessarily represent Morningstar’s positions, strategies or opinions and should not be considered an endorsement by Morningstar.