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Monica Rule

Top 10 hints for SMSF trustees before 30 June

Continuing our series on EOFY strategies, there are many things SMSF trustees should check immediately, with updated comments where relevant on the implications of the budget proposals.

The merits of reversionary versus non-reversionary pensions

Due to the complexity of superannuation law, it can be easy for SMSF trustees to miss out on some opportunities, including the use of reversionary pensions for tax and estate planning benefits.

SMSFs can lend to some relatives

When is family not family? In the case of SMSF members lending to their relatives, some are more 'related' than others. Even so, you still need to comply with arm's length transaction rules.

SMSFs investing in overseas real estate

While it is possible for an SMSF to invest in overseas real estate, staying on the right side of the superannuation law and regulations in the foreign country may be more trouble than it’s worth.

Meeting the work test for contributions

Not all superannuation is the same. When making contributions after turning 65, it seems the rule for the work test is different for SMSFs and public funds.

Watch SMSF borrowing rules for separate assets

The superannuation law allows SMSFs to borrow under a limited recourse borrowing arrangement to acquire an asset, but if multiple assets are involved, like a property on more than one title, things can get complicated.

Latest Updates

Property

The 5% deposit scheme is bad for homeowners and Australia

An ‘affordability’ scheme making the county more vulnerable to economic shocks and contributing to the deteriorating financial situation of everyday Australians.

Investment strategies

Is defensive the new offensive?

Relatively boring, unglamorous, defensive stocks like Kroger and Allstate have quietly outperformed gilded tech giants, offering steady growth, visibility, and resilient returns in a market captivated by AI and flashier industries.

Shares

How the RBA scores on its inflation goal

The Reserve Bank continues to face criticism from all sides. A reminder of the RBA's mandate and a review of their track record in maintaining price stability since the early 1990s.

Investment strategies

Levered credit: A late cycle ingredient for drawdown pain

As credit spreads normalised through 2025, yield‑hungry investors have turned to leverage for high returns, uncomfortably echoing pre‑GFC behaviours. Investors need to be careful to understand the true risk‑return trade‑off.

Planning

The more things change… longevity just goes on increasing

Australia needs a major shift in longevity awareness, attitudes and behaviour if, as a community, we are to reap the benefits of increasing longevity. Adopting a national strategy is well overdue.

Property

The improving outlook of Australian commercial real estate

The sector is positioned to benefit from defensive and resilient income streams supported by embedded rental increase opportunities. 

Property

Seize hidden opportunities among 50+ home buyer schemes in Australia

There is a laundry list of government schemes to help Australian's struggling with housing affordability. Savvy buyers should take advantage to break into the property market.

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