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Monica Rule

How do you change a two-member SMSF?

The majority of SMSFs have just two members, typically husband-wife. One of the most common problems with an SMSF is what happens if one member dies or becomes incapacitated.

The will power of binding death nominations

Contrary to popular belief, superannuation assets do not automatically form part of a person’s estate pursuant to a will. If you want your super to be distributed as part of your estate, you'll need a binding death nomination.

Superannuation and terminal illness, disability and death

The benefits received from super if premature death, terminal illness or permanent injury prevent you or your spouse from working to retirement age vary in their conditions and taxation, so it's good to be informed early.

Key changes for SMSFs and new ATO powers

It's not just super contribution limits that have changed since 1 July. The ability to provide insurance policies through SMSFs has been redefined and the ATO can now utilitse new administrative penalty powers.

Understanding the bring forward rule

If you want to make the most of the recently increased superannuation personal contribution limits, here is a timely explanation of how to use the 'bring forward' rule to your advantage.

Just what is a re-contribution strategy?

A withdrawal and re-contribution strategy involves accessing your super and re-contributing some or all of it back into your SMSF as a non-concessional contribution (i.e. all tax-free).

Latest Updates

Property

Affordability issues cap further house price rises

If the RBA starts cutting rates, many believe house prices will rebound strongly. Yet, the numbers on affordability suggest prices can’t rise much further without making housing impossibly expensive for most Australians.

Superannuation

How to shift into pension mode

How do you start accessing your super funds when you stop working, or maybe even before you stop working? This covers the basics, including how to switch your super accumulation account to an account-based pension.

Taxation

Reform overdue for family home CGT exemption

The capital gains tax main residence exemption is no longer 'fit for purpose', due to its inequities, inefficiency, and complexity. Here are several suggestions for adapting or curtailing the concession.

Investment strategies

The two key risks facing investors

In 2024, markets were buoyed by decent economic growth and US rate cuts, even as valuations became stretched. This year, more resilient portfolios may be needed to tackle risks from higher bond yields and market concentration.

Superannuation

Why systemic risks from ‘Big Super’ may be overplayed

What are the implications of ‘Big Super’ for our economy, financial markets and population? New research looks at the beneficial, detrimental and debatable aspects, spanning current impacts and potential future developments.

Property

What AI’s ‘Sputnik moment’ means for data centres

What we know about DeepSeek so far could be a mixed bag for data centre owners like Goodman Group. However, it's worth remembering that AI adoption isn't the only thing that matters to the industry's outlook.

Gold

Will 2025 be another banner year for gold?

Last year, gold surged 38% higher in Australian dollars, fuelled by investment demand and global risks. This year's outlook suggests potential for continued gold strength amid geopolitical uncertainties and currency vulnerabilities.

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