Register For Our Mailing List

Register to receive our free weekly newsletter including editorials.

Home / Author: Monica Rule

Monica Rule

When is it worth establishing a second SMSF?

With limits placed on the size of a pension SMSF, there may be good reasons to establish a second SMSF and segregate assets and strategies for optimal outcomes, if the effort and cost is worth it.

More detail on the $1.6m Transfer Balance Cap

A reader thought Noel Whittaker's article last week reported an 'incredible' claim, so more detail is provided on the correct documentation and management of Transfer Balance Caps.

What happens at death of an SMSF member?

By understanding superannuation law and implementing the right structure, SMSF members can ensure their super is passed onto their heirs after death with a minimum of fuss.

How SMSFs should manage the Total Superannuation Balance

The Total Superannuation Balance is an important factor in changes to super and SMSF rules that took effect in the current financial year. Understanding the rules can maximise superannuation opportunities.

Check tax exemption on income from super pension assets

The existence of segregated or unsegregated assets in an SMSF determines how the tax exemption on a pension is calculated, and timing is critical.

Mistakes in SMSFs on related party loans

The law in relation to SMSFs is complex and unfortunately, even professional advisers can get it wrong. Take this example of related party lending.

Latest Updates

SMSF strategies

Division 296: the initial moves to make before the windows close

What if the best superannuation strategy isn't about earning more, but acting before your options disappear? Several overlooked planning windows are narrowing, with consequences that can last for decades.

Planning

Avoid unnecessary CGT with this estate planning clause

A simple estate plan can create a ticking time bomb. One overlooked clause can pit spouses against children, delay inheritances, and potentially leave a family facing an unexpected tax bill worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Exchange traded products

The hidden trade-off in fixed income ETFs

Some investment trade-offs are immediately visible. Others are embedded in the way a portfolio is constructed. Understanding the difference may explain why similar-looking investments can produce surprisingly different results.

Retirement

The mortgage free retirement is fading

What happens when a generation reaches retirement carrying obligations previous generations largely avoided? New research suggests we may need to rethink both how much we need in retirement and what life could look like.

Retirement

The key question to inspire a confident and purposeful retirement

Most people spend decades planning for retirement. Far fewer plan for what happens when they get there. The difference may explain why so many find the transition harder and less fulfilling than expected, despite careful preparation.

Latest from Morningstar

Making the case for a 'good enough' portfolio

Some investors spend years chasing the perfect strategy. Others choose a path that’s simply good enough and move on. Which approach is more likely to deliver both better outcomes and a happier financial life over the long run?

Investment strategies

Is the US market as expensive as CAPE says?

Many investing ideas survive for decades. But that does not make them right. A famous valuation measure implies that US shares are dangerously expensive, but the evidence may point to a very different conclusion.

Sponsors

Alliances

  • ASA-Logo-RGB-ActiveGreen-web.png

© 2026 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.