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Author: Brightlabs

SAFs could save your skin

PORTFOLIO POINT: They’re not a big part of the DIY spectrum, but SAFs have some important advantages over SMSFs … and could save your super skin. Those who are deeply immersed in their world of self-managed super funds are almost inevitably happy with their choice. They have, as far as super goes, almost the ultimate […]

Finger on panic button?

PORTFOLIO POINT: Super investment risk is ultimately in your control. Do you have a finger on the panic button? Using extreme examples to try to prove a point rarely does anyone any favours. And when it comes to super, one that former Treasury Secretary Dr Ken Henry used recently is a good case of an […]

Backroom deal dilutes adviser reform

PORTFOLIO POINT: A last-minute backroom deal on Future of Financial Advice’s “iconic” opt-in arrangements will dilute benefits to super members and investors. What does it mean for you? When two usual bedfellows break out in a spiteful stoush in an industry as big as financial services, you know something a bit fishy has gone on. […]

Risk reduction takes hold

PORTFOLIO POINT: The primary investment driver of SMSF trustees has changed. Has it taken hold of you? Some shifts in direction are subtle, like a cruise liner slowly changing its course. Some are not. Like a politician back-pedalling on a broken election promise. There was something you, as SMSF trustees, underwent last year that would […]

Managing contributions

PORTFOLIO POINT: Here’s another major benefit of SMSFs – managing contributions over two years. The power of super as a retirement vehicle has plenty of boundaries. There are plenty of brakes stopping you getting money in, for a start. But there are a few boundaries that are allowed to be pushed a little further to […]

Adviser report scary

PORTFOLIO POINT: Want financial advice on retirement, pensions or Centrelink entitlements? Read this before you make your first phone call. You wouldn’t have believed some of the squealing that followed the release of the latest adviser shadow shopping report. Responses from advisers included gems such as “staggered with the arrogance of ASIC” and “why not […]

In-specie transfers – act now?

PORTFOLIO POINT: In-specie share transfers will become less appealing and more expensive for SMSFs post June 30. So you might want to act now. Every time rules change, opportunities present themselves. And superannuation rules change constantly. The “opportunities” can flash by. In February, I warned that gearing for SMSFs in property could end later this […]

Countdown to 30 June

PORTFOLIO POINT: The countdown to 30 June has started. Here’s your SMSF preparation checklist to make the most of this year. While superannuation isn’t a race, there are aspects of it that take on great urgency at times. And, for those who run their own SMSF, that’s especially true. Leaving everything to the last minute […]

Should Australians be tipping at restaurants, and if so, how much?

Who’s my waitress for the evening? Two Broke Girls? If it’s Penny from Big Bang Theory, my tip … will be HUGE! If it’s Roseanne Barr … loose change. She’s a scary bad waitress. I flip and flop on this issue. I go through stages where I tip a standard-ish 10 per cent, or round it up […]