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 / 515

Edition: 515

1-8 out of 8 results.

Welcome to Firstlinks Edition 515 with weekend update

29 June 2023
2

When legends such as Warren Buffett and Howard Marks disagree on key investment lessons, where do lesser mortals look for guidance? A good start is knowing whether you're a short-term trader or a long-term investor. Plus ATO gives a capital gains gift.

Cherry-picking cost base after share sale is a tax gift

Graham Hand
28 June 2023
50

While the ATO has many ways to watch taxpayer transactions and ensure tax is collected, for some unknown reason, it is legal to select from four different cost base treatments for capital gains tax. It's costing billions.

Are death bed benefit super withdrawals effective?

Michael Hallinan
28 June 2023
19

If a super benefit is withdrawn by a member over 65 or a retiree for super purposes, there is no tax. If it is paid to independent children, tax is 17%. So how do death bed benefit withdrawals work in super?

How to find the best Aussie large-cap stocks

Paul Xiradis
28 June 2023
2

There can be both good and bad reasons behind a company that has become a large cap. It is not always apparent, but understanding the reasons can help focus on what matters when finding large-cap stocks.

Is more trouble coming for the 60/40 portfolio?

Stephen Miller
28 June 2023
4

The 60/40 portfolio has performed poorly during the recent period of high inflation. With peak inflation likely behind us, here's a stock-take on the year so far and what it might imply for portfolios going forward.

Three companies using technology to become global powerhouses

Francyne Mu
28 June 2023
1

By using data and technology, some companies are developing solutions to enhance their customers business and in the process expanding their own competitive advantages. Here are three industry leaders doing just that.

Podcast: How to build a resilient investment portfolio

Firstlinks, Morningstar
28 June 2023
1

The Wealth of Experience podcast features Morningstar's Global CIO Dan Kemp on building an 'all-weather' portfolio, plus Graham on capital gains tax and the RBA Review, and Peter with four favourite market themes.

Tribute to Nobel winner Markowitz: When Harry met Graham

Graham Hand
28 June 2023
1

Harry Markowitz died last week at the age of 95. He was the 1990 Nobel Laureate and the father of Modern Portfolio Theory. He explained to me the magic moment when he realised how risk-return in portfolios works.

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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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