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6 October 2025
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Defined benefit pensions were designed to offer security in retirement. But new tax policies and arbitrary limits now erode their value - especially for Australians who contributed their own savings to these plans.
The timing of lodging a notice of intent to claim a tax deduction on super contributions and making partial rollovers or withdrawals can make a big difference to the amount allowed to be claimed.
Watch the exact timing of super contributions to create a tax deduction, especially this year, and anyone with a pension that reverts to another person on death has particular timing issues to address.
Labor is proposing to cap at $3,000 the amount that can be claimed as a tax deduction for managing tax affairs. There are many circumstances where taxpayers need to spend more than this.
An ancillary sub-fund is a quick and inexpensive way to secure a tax deduction in advance of researching and selecting the right charities to support at tax time. Includes Chris Cuffe video.
Many people are overlooking the rule that allows anyone eligible to make a super contribution to claim it as a personal tax deduction, but make sure you follow the rules and meet the deadline.
Super contribution changes that took effect on 1 July 2017 and other changes coming in from 1 July 2018 aren't all negative, leaving opportunities over the next few months to make the necessary adjustments.
Under the new superannuation rules from 1 July 2017, how do salary sacrifice and the tax deductibility of super contributions work, separately or together? Don't overlook this super opportunity.
There are plenty of costs associated with owning an investment property, and a major one is the depreciation of assets. It's vital to claim the full range of legitimate tax deductions as part of the economics of investing.
Public or private ancillary funds are tax-effective vehicles to manage charitable giving. Not only are there immediate tax advantages, but it can set up a family for generations of giving and engagement.
Although the end of the financial year is near, there is still time to establish a tax deduction in a sub-fund within a public ancillary fund – a simple philanthropic structure that allows a planned approach to charitable giving.
This AI cycle feels less like a revolution and more like a rerun. Just like fibre in 2000, shale in 2014, and cannabis in 2019, the technology or product is real but the capital cycle will be brutal. Investors beware.
An explosion in low-skilled migration to Australia has depressed wages, killed productivity, and cut rental vacancy rates to near decades-lows. It’s time both sides of politics addressed the issue.
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.
Australian housing’s 50-year boom was driven by falling rates and rising borrowing power — not rent or yield. With those drivers exhausted, future returns must reconcile with economic fundamentals. Are we ready?
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.