6 September 2026

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Why have Australian living standards 'fallen' and how do we fix it?Will you run out of money in retirement?Four options for an income investor’s next dollar The investment that sidesteps the new tax traps Why spending more in early retirement can improve lifetime income

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Home / 503

Edition: 503

1-8 out of 8 results.

Welcome to Firstlinks Edition 503 with weekend update

6 April 2023
13

The etymology of the word 'superannuation' derives from when 'superannuated' meant 'to declare obsolete'. There's nothing obsolete about Australia's super system but after decades of devising imaginative ways to put as much into super as possible, governments are closing the door on large balances. In any case, focus more on owning a home.

10 reasons owning your home beats super in retirement

Graham Hand
5 April 2023
64

Since the introduction of compulsory super, the industry has pushed its members to put as much as possible into super. It has been a disservice to anyone entering retirement who could have owned a home instead.

The net cost of superannuation concessions is not so gross

Andrew Gale
5 April 2023
26

The costs of super concessions are usually quoted in gross terms, ignoring offsetting behavioural changes and social security savings. The impact of very large balances should be measured in net terms.

Cut tax breaks to make super fairer and the budget stronger

The Grattan Institute argues that superannuation has moved so far beyond the purpose of providing income in retirement that the super tax breaks will do little more than boost the inheritances of wealthy people.

How will SMSF trustees handle the new super tax proposal?

Andrew Yee
5 April 2023
13

Clients are reacting to the proposed new tax on super balances over $3 million, asking whether private, illiquid, real estate and other growth assets should be held where unrealised capital gains will be taxed.

What are the industrial, office or retail listed property picks?

Cameron McCormack
5 April 2023
3

Many Australian listed property trusts (A-REITs) have sold off due to higher interest rates and WFH, but in the sectors of retail, office and industrial, where do recent movements in stock prices now represent value?

Market narratives are seductive and dangerous

James Gruber
5 April 2023
2

Human beings are storytelling animals yet it’s the job of investors to separate truth from fiction. And the truth lies in numbers, the company earnings and the multiples attached to those earnings.

Dealing with retirement anxiety

Richard Dinham
5 April 2023
3

Many people will transition into retirement earlier than expected and while anxious at first, once people enter retirement and settle into a new rhythm, there is a more relaxed acceptance of their circumstances.

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Most viewed in recent weeks

Why have Australian living standards 'fallen' and how do we fix it?

For the last few years there has been much talk of a 'cost-of-living' crisis in Australia and of 'falling living standards'. Lately this has flared up again with the pickup in inflation resulting in a renewed fall in real wages.

Shane Oliver
5 August 2026

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.

Harry Chemay
12 August 2026

Four options for an income investor’s next dollar

What if Australia’s golden age of dividends is ending? Rather than overhaul your portfolio, it may be worth considering where new capital can work harder. I discuss four income strategies and the trade-offs behind each.

Mark LaMonica CFA
5 August 2026

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.

Noel Whittaker
12 August 2026

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
2 September 2026

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.

Rachael Rofe
19 August 2026

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