19 September 2026

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Why spending more in early retirement can improve lifetime income Will you run out of money in retirement?The investment that sidesteps the new tax traps Testamentary trusts have secured the CGT exemption Meg on SMSFs: What do we think about reversionary pensions these days?

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Edition: 168

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Edition 168

12 August 2016

Every time a fund manager trades, there's a group of people receiving payments. While most investors check the management fee, few know how expenses such as custody fees, brokerage, bank charges and other transaction costs are charged. Some funds have 250% turnover a year, and with that comes costs passed on to the investor.

Five ways for investors to find true value

Craig Baker
11 August 2016
1

Comparing investments based on management fees alone ignores the value the manager may bring, and may also overlook hidden costs. Investors should be aware what other charges can be imposed on their savings.

Three risk measures provide a fuller LIC picture

Nathan Umapathy
11 August 2016
4

Instead of just looking at the historical returns of a Listed Investment Company (LIC), investors should also factor in risk measures such as beta, standard deviation and the Sharpe Ratio when assessing a LIC.

Low SMSF returns highlight value of retirement advice

Melanie Dunn
11 August 2016
6

Long periods of low returns are likely to compromise retirement goals that were set some years ago. This places greater importance on retirement advice and not assuming average returns and lifespans.

Income inequality and a crumbling model for capitalism

Justin Braitling
11 August 2016
5

Rising bond and equity markets and increases in profit's share of GDP at the expense of labour have created greater wealth inequity, and the resulting political risks will unsettle markets.

SMSF asset allocation changes unexpected

Graham Hand
11 August 2016
5

A recent analysis of SMSF asset allocation shows a movement away from direct equities as trustees struggle to find value in the large caps, and the continuing popularity of cash despite low rates.

Response to Roger Montgomery on bonds

Warren Bird
11 August 2016
3

A counter-view on why bond yields are so low, and how the market can still use and interpret what bonds are telling us. Plus Roger responds that different opinions make a market, and that's good.

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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.

David Knox
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Will you run out of money in retirement?

Fear of running out has become a defining retirement anxiety. Why do some retirees die with substantial wealth while others deplete their nest egg? Evidence suggests the answer is more complicated than we think.

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The investment that sidesteps the new tax traps

Tax rules have changed, but many investors are still using yesterday’s strategies. Insurance bonds may offer advantages for those seeking greater control, tax efficiency and certainty about their wealth.

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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.

Meg Heffron
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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.

Amy C. Arnott
26 August 2026

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