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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.

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Retirement

Why it’s time to ditch the retirement journey

Retirement isn’t a clean financial arc. Income shocks, health costs and family pressures hit at random, exposing the limits of age-based planning and the myth of a predictable “retirement journey".

Financial planning

How much does it really cost to raise a child?

With fertility rates at a record low, many say young people aren’t having kids because they’re too expensive. Turns out, it’s not that simple and there are likely other factors at play.

Exchange traded products

Passive ETF investors may be in for a rude shock

Passive ETFs have become wildly popular just as markets, especially the US, reach extreme valuations. For long-term investors, these ETFs make sense, though if you're investing in them to chase performance, look out below.

Shares

Bank reporting season scorecard November 2025

The Big Four banks shrugged off doomsayers with their recent results, posting low loan losses, solid margins, and rising dividends. It underscores their resilience, but lofty valuations mean it’s time to be selective. 

Investment strategies

The real winners from the AI rush

AI is booming, but like the 19th-century gold rush, the real profits may go to those supplying the tools and energy, not the companies at the centre of the rush.

Economy

Why economic forecasts are rarely right (but we still need them)

Economic experts, including the RBA, get plenty of forecasts wrong, but that doesn't make such forecasts worthless. The key isn't to predict perfectly – it's to understand the range of possibilities and plan accordingly.

Strategy

13 reflections on wealth and philanthropy

Wealth keeps growing, yet few ask “how much is enough?” or what their kids truly need. After 23 years in philanthropy, I’ve seen how unexamined wealth can limit impact, and why Australia needs a stronger giving culture.

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