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9 October 2025
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Most people accept there should be a limit to the tax concessions for high super balances, but the mechanics of Government's $3 million proposal must be fixed before it is legislated. Treasury missed the detail.
The taxation of superannuation in Australia is complex, inequitable and subject to regular change. These features reduce the long-term confidence of Australians in their superannuation system. We should do better.
Peter Costello's 2007 changes made payments from superannuation tax free after age 60 for those who are fully retired. Is he responsible for making super unaffordable which is now forcing policy changes?
Division 293 tax has arrived and many high income earners have already received an unexpected tax assessment on their super contributions. Find out the details and whether this new tax will affect you too.
If your SMSF loses residency status while you are overseas, the tax penalties are significant enough to spoil your retirement. Being aware of the rules and options available allows you to avoid the hurt and enjoy the homecoming.
We hear about what's wrong with our superannuation and retirement income systems and over time, exaggeration has crept in. We need to dispel myths and have a clear fact base as the foundation for discussion and policy.
The ATO will step up surveillance of SMSFs in 2013/14, and trustees need to ensure their fund is compliant. There are rules around the acquisition of assets, especially related party transactions.
LICs are continuing to struggle with large discounts and frustrated investors are wondering whether it’s worth holding onto them. This explains why the next 6-12 months will be make or break for many LICs.
Younger Australians think they’ll need $100k a year in retirement - nearly double what current retirees spend. Expectations are rising fast, but are they realistic or just another case of lifestyle inflation?
This week, I got the news that my mother has dementia. It came shortly after my father received the same diagnosis. This is a meditation on getting old and my regrets in not getting my parents’ affairs in order sooner.
Retirement can be daunting for Australians facing financial uncertainty. Understand your goals, longevity challenges, inflation impacts, market risks, and components of retirement income with these crucial charts.
Five mega trends point to risks of a more inflation prone and lower growth environment. This, along with rich market valuations, should constrain medium term superannuation returns to around 5% per annum.
Australia's superannuation system faces a 'Rubicon' moment, a turning point where the focus is shifting from accumulation phase to retirement readiness, but unfortunately, many funds are not rising to the challenge.