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Olivia Long

Drawdown reductions needed for retirees - UPDATED POLICY

During the GFC, in the face of rapid falls in super balances, the minimum drawdowns required for pensions were reduced by 50% to help preserve overall retirement savings. It's time for a repeat.

Natural disasters and access to superannuation

While charitable donations and government assistance is swinging into action, it will fall short of meeting all needs. Many people will look for early access to their super nest egg to meet expenses.

SMSFs hit by loss of tax-free status and franking refunds

The 1 July 2017 changes have caused huge shifts in SMSF assets out of pension mode, and Labor's proposed franking credit refunds policy is a further hit to self-funded retirees.

Workers reaching 60 face super shock

Among the Budget's proposed super changes, little has been said about the broad impact of the new transition to retirement rules. Those who intend working beyond the age of 60 may now pay tax on their entire balance.

Latest Updates

Superannuation

Meg on SMSFs: First glimpse of revised Division 296 tax

Treasury has released draft legislation for a new version of the controversial $3 million super tax. It's a significant improvement on the original proposal but there are some stings in the tail.

Investment strategies

10 fearless forecasts for 2026

The predictions include dividends will outstrip growth as a source of Australian equity returns, US market performance will be underwhelming, while US government bonds will beat gold.

Infrastructure

How many hospitals will an extra 1 million people need?

We're about to add another million people to cities like Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne. How many hospitals and other essential infrastructure are needed to cater to a million more people? This breaks down the numbers.

Risk management

Is the world's safest currency actually the riskiest?

The US dollar’s long-standing role as a ‘shock absorber’ during times of market stress is showing cracks. The ‘Liberation Day’ sell-off was a timely reminder of this, and here's what investors should do about it.

10 things I learned about dementia and care homes from close range

My mother developed dementia before eventually dying in June last year. She was in three aged care homes before finding the right one. Here is what I learned along the way.

Economics

China's EV and solar backlog and future trade wars

China has flooded the world with electric cars and solar panels to offset the economic drag from a weak domestic property market. How long can this go on, and what are the implications for commodities and Australia?

Investment strategies

Why Elon Musk's pay packet is justified

Tesla copped criticism after its shareholders approved a package allowing Musk to earn up to $1 trillion in stock options. If only Australian businesses were more like Tesla.

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