If you’re nearing retirement age, you may be wondering if you will have enough saved to give up work and take it easy, particularly as cost-of-living increases hit some basic expenses such as energy, insurance, food, and health costs. Fortunately, someone has already worked out what you might need. The Association of Superannuation Funds in…
As the end of financial year gets closer, some investors are thinking about the most effective ways to boost their super balance, particularly with an increase in the caps on contributions from 1 July. The concessional contributions cap, which is the maximum in before-tax contributions you can add to your super each year without paying…
The much-debated tax on superannuation balances over $3 million is inching closer and those who may be affected should ensure they have considered the implications. Although it is not yet law, the Division 296 tax should be taken into account when it comes to investment strategy and planning, particularly in relation to any end-of-financial-year contributions…
Overview If your relationship with your spouse ends, you should be aware of what can happen to the super entitlements of you both. The Family Court and super-splitting laws generally enable super interests (accounts in super funds) or super payments (pensions or annuities) to be split by agreement or court order if a relationship breaks…
The rules around making some types of super contributions have been relaxed in recent years, so it’s worth exploring the different opportunities available to you before making a large contribution.i What are contribution caps? Given the tax-effective environment of Australia’s super system, there are annual limits on how much you can contribute each financial year….
We spend decades watching our super balances grow but for those thinking about retirement in the next few years, it can be confusing to work out how best to use your super. Here are some of the considerations for the popular options. Easing into retirement You can keep working and receive regular payments from your…
How much tax you pay on retirement income depends on your age and the type of income stream. For most people, an income stream from superannuation will be tax-free from age 60. How super income streams are taxed Types of super income streams Income from super can be an: account-based pension — a series of regular…
Many people assume there is no tax payable on super benefits received after someone passes away, but that’s not always the case. Whether or not tax is paid on a super death benefit depends on the beneficiary’s relationship with the deceased. Although some beneficiaries receive their money tax-free, others can find themselves paying significant amounts…
Employers are desperate for workers and cost of living pressures are making it tough to live on a pension. That’s a perfect mix of conditions to send some retirees back to work. But it’s smart to get good advice before you take the leap. With unemployment rates at historic lows and employers facing a shortage…
When you run your own business a good retirement plan can bring real peace of mind. Read more about your options – and why it’s never too early to start. Planning your retirement When you’re busy running your own business retiring could be the last thing on your mind. But planning your retirement well in…
