8 August 2026

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The strange effect of the 30% minimum capital gains tax Does your will qualify for the discretionary testamentary trust exemption?Ranking three common retirement strategies Are you making these SMSF mistakes?Why Australian shares are falling behind the world

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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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The strange effect of the 30% minimum capital gains tax

The 30% minimum tax on capital gains sits at the heart of the budget's proposed reforms. Yet the mechanics reveal anomalies that introduce unexpected distortions that raise questions about its design.

Tony Dillon
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Does your will qualify for the discretionary testamentary trust exemption?

Treasury has confirmed the exemption many families were hoping for. But buried in the fine print are two conditions that could leave some wills on the wrong side of the exemption, despite years of careful planning.

Rachael Rofe
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Ranking three common retirement strategies

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Mark LaMonica CFA
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Are you making these SMSF mistakes?

After four decades advising investors, there are a few common mistakes I've seen SMSF investors make. From holding too much cash and chasing yield to overtrading and trusting tips. Are these errors costing you?

Marcus Padley
22 July 2026

Why Australian shares are falling behind the world

Australia’s market boasts a long record of outperformance, but recent results tell a different story. Is the ASX’s lagging performance a temporary setback or evidence that structural forces will keep global markets ahead?

Mark LaMonica CFA
1 July 2026

Australia has saved $4.5 trillion for retirement. Here's what matters more

Most Australians approaching retirement can tell you the exact dollar value of their super account. But success depends on more than a sizeable balance. Here's four key questions to ask yourself at the start of the financial year.

Dwayne Fernandes
8 July 2026

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