Register For Our Mailing List

Register to receive our free weekly newsletter including editorials.

Home / 23

Edition 23

  •   19 July 2013
  •      
  •   

Welcome from Chris Cuffe

Many thanks to the hundreds of readers who completed our Reader Survey last week. The feedback was very positive and encouraging and significantly improves our understanding of what you want from Cuffelinks. The highlight was the value you place on our independence and expert opinions, and we will continue to refine our product.

We also realise one of the compulsory questions was confusing and some readers may have baulked at it, so we have fixed the problem and will leave the Survey open for a few more days. There is a link at the bottom of the page for those who were unable to complete the Survey.

This week, Melinda Howes explores how the changing membership structure of super funds focusses attention on leadership and consensus management styles. Jeroen Buwalda and Maree Pallisco look at the application of technology to financial advice, especially intra-fund.

Dominic McCormick warns that the recent poor price performance of gold has resulted in many people giving up on the precious metal, and this is often a time when more robust buying support surfaces. Ashley Owen gives us a quick romp through the history of bank defaults due to massive losses on government debt, especially in Italy, showing that few lessons have been learned from the painful path of history. Government debt default, including Australia in 1932, is surprisingly common.

We conclude with an extract from an online discussion on how banks are missing out on cross-sell opportunities in superannuation, and five business lessons Sir Richard Branson has taken from his nation’s recent sporting success. What happened to the days when we beat the Poms at everything?

Chris

Latest posts from Cuffelinks, 19 Jul 2013, Edition 23

  • Super funds must balance leadership and consensus Melinda Howes
  • Is gold broken? Dominic McCormick
  • Technology advances key to improving delivery of intra-fund advice Jeroen Buwalda and Maree Pallisco
  • A short history lesson on banks and government debt Ashley Owen
  • Banks and their low super cross-sell rates LinkedIn Discussion extract
  • Sir Richard Branson gives 5 business lessons learnt from sporting success Graham Hand

Download PDF

 

  •   19 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.

Testamentary trusts have secured the CGT exemption

Treasury’s latest CGT reform draft delivers a win for testamentary trusts and deceased estates, exempting estate-derived gains from the 30% floor. However, questions on death and divorce rollovers remain unresolved.

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.

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.

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.

Latest Updates

Planning

How the typical Australian Family could save $844,350 in taxes

The value of a testamentary trust is not determined by wealth alone. Depending on circumstances, it can reduce the tax burden on inherited income, create efficiencies and help build intergenerational wealth.

Superannuation

There's a reason why your super is locked up until your 60s

For decades, it seemed settled. Then one controversial idea reignited a debate that could reshape the financial future of millions. The real question isn’t who’s right or wrong, but whether a long-held assumption deserves another look.

Property

The housing slide could become a crash

House prices are sliding across Australia, yet the most dangerous ingredient for a housing crash is still missing. If job losses surge amid growing economic risks, today's correction could become a historic property downturn.

Retirement

Under-retiring: The greatest retirement risk in a generation

Two retirees. Similar savings. Completely different lives. New research from Challenger reveals why some Australians confidently spend in retirement while others hold back and the overlooked factor shaping retirement decisions.

Five risks to watch in markets

Things you may often hear are: a recession is around the corner, markets are overpriced, the AI sector is about to flop at any moment. It’s like the never-ending laundry pile that sits in my house, it never really disappears.

Investment strategies

Do you qualify as ‘rich’?

What does it mean to be 'rich'? For something so universally desired, it is surprisingly difficult to define. That ambiguity creates a challenge for investors and raises a bigger question about what financial success really looks like.

Investment strategies

If you’re worried about your bond portfolio, you’re missing the point

Most investors think they know what bonds are for. But when markets turn volatile, a surprising misunderstanding can lead to costly decisions. Here’s the overlooked lesson that could change how you view your portfolio.

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.