Register For Our Mailing List

Register to receive our free weekly newsletter including editorials.

Home / 22

Edition 22

  •   5 July 2013
  •      
  •   

Welcome from Chris Cuffe

The number of people who want to manage their piece of the superannuation pie in their own fund will continue to grow. Nobody should think SMSFs are a passing fad.

But from 1 July 2013, the ATO has drawn a line in the sand. The penalty system for rule breaches by SMSF trustees has been overhauled, and many people are in for a shock. Fines for what might seem minor infringements such as incomplete paperwork start at $850, and rise rapidly. Every SMSF trustee must ensure the administration of their fund is robust and what Graham Hand calls 'industrial strength'.

Ashley Owen loves to challenge conventional wisdom and urban myths, and attacks another this week by debunking the link between economic growth and stock market returns. There's no doubt investing is a tricky business.

Ramani Venkatramani points out that it is inequitable for the ATO to require advance payments of the estimated tax for the year, but not pay refunds in advance based on estimated franking credits. Andrew Bloore notes that estate and financial planning should use the superannuation rules to drive efficient outcomes, and 'pensions' should not be associated with 'age'.

We received a lot of feedback on my risk article last week, and David Bell makes the case for the benefits of best practice risk management.

And my old (literally!) mate Rob Prugue gives a unique perspective on inflation while having a rocking good time. We baby boomers are rewriting the rules on growing old disgracefully.

Chris

Latest posts from Cuffelinks, 5 Jul 2013, Edition 22

  • It’s time to industrialise every SMSF Graham Hand
  • Economic growth does not drive stock market returns Ashley Owen
  • An SMSF inequity that cries out for attention Ramani Venkatramani
  • Look at super with different eyes Andrew Bloore
  • Simple investment risk management – this is the risk issue we need to talk about David Bell
  • Dear friends, colleagues and fellow rockers Rob Prugue

Download PDF

 

  •   5 July 2013
  •      
  •   

 

Leave a Comment:

banner

Most viewed in recent weeks

Why spending more in early retirement can improve lifetime income

Conventional wisdom encourages retirees to preserve superannuation. But if those likely to qualify for the Age Pension later in life spend a little more today, it may deliver higher lifetime income and a more stable retirement.

Is it time to bail on Australian stocks?

For generations, Australian investors have backed banks, miners and dividends. But has that loyalty come at a cost? A look at the numbers raises an uncomfortable question about where future returns will come from.

Meg on SMSFs: What do we think about reversionary pensions these days?

Reversionary pensions have long been a staple of SMSF estate planning, but are they still the best option? Meg Heffron revisits a once-clear favourite and asks whether changing super rules have shifted the balance.

Testamentary trusts survived the trust tax. The drafting battle has just begun.

The fight over testamentary trusts looked settled. Then the draft legislation arrived. Hidden in a technical detail is a question that could force many families to rethink wills they thought were already future-proof.

How does the 4% rule stack up?

The 4% rule has long been retirement's gold standard. But after a difficult period for investors, fresh analysis suggests a more conservative approach may significantly improve the chances of making savings last.

The new capital gains tax trap for your portfolio

Investors have long accepted one portfolio rule without much question. A major tax shift could change that calculation entirely, forcing difficult trade-offs between risk, discipline and an overlooked cost lurking beneath.

Latest Updates

Exchange traded products

It’s time for LICs to die

A high-profile dividend cut and a prominent fund manager’s apology have reignited a long-running debate. If investors can access similar exposures more cheaply and efficiently elsewhere, what exactly is keeping LICs alive?

Taxation

Will investors be better or worse off under new housing tax changes?

Housing tax reforms have sparked warnings of market turmoil and promises of greater fairness. But after modelling nearly two decades of property data, the results suggest winners and losers may not be who many investors expect.

Retirement

Three considerations before reshaping your legacy plan

Many retirees hope to leave a legacy. Proposed trust tax reforms could force families to rethink. The question is not how much to leave behind, but whether today's inheritance plans will still make sense as circumstances change.

Investment strategies

Why experienced investors still get markets wrong

Retirement is approaching. Markets are noisy. And every headline seems to demand action. The biggest investment risk isn't fear, greed or market volatility, it often arrives disguised as research and sensible risk management.

Shares

Why pay more for less?

Conditions were stacked in favour of professional investors in 2026. Most still fell short, raising questions about where investors should look for value. Meanwhile, an alternative strategy continued to make its case.

Investment strategies

Bleeding air out of the bubble

Equity valuations have fallen sharply over the past year, yet investors have largely been spared the volatility and losses that typically accompany a de-rating. What explains this unusually orderly reset? Here are five key drivers.

Strategy

Has AI gone rogue?

We worry about AI becoming conscious. But what if consciousness isn't the issue? The more unsettling possibility is a machine capable of pursuing objectives relentlessly, without motives, emotions, or awareness of any kind.

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.