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Author: Helen

How to start your DIY pension

PORTFOLIO POINT: It’s not quite as simple as “insert pension, press play”. So how do you “flick on” a pension in your SMSF? Pensions are, literally, what super is all about. The provision of retirement benefits is numero uno on the definition of superannuation’s sole purpose test. It’s the end game. But it’s an end […]

Which generation is the biggest threat to your own generation’s financial future?

Boomers. Question answered. Am I done? But we can’t blame the Boomers directly. They were only such a large generation because the parents who spawned them were so darn … horny! When I think about my grandma – the credit card addict – just writing that sentence makes my spine shiver. It’s that whole visualisation […]

Clock ticking on DIY property

PORTFOLIO POINT: A super opportunity could be closing. If you were thinking it’s for you, you’ll need to get started very, very soon. Like sands through the hourglass … a two-year egg timer started flowing in the last few months of calendar 2010. The last grains are due to fall through later this year. It […]

Is it worthwhile seeking professional advice about your superannuation account?

Gen Xers have major distractions in their lives – burgeoning careers, cash-guzzling and time-devouring rugrats plus monster mortgages. It’s possible to do everything yourself … if your time is unlimited. But most Gen Xers understand time doesn’t grow on trees and they need to outsource some stuff. If personal finance isn’t your strength, get professionals […]

Family finance fighting

A week ago, Mrs DebtMan and I had to have a serious talk. The chat was at my instigation. I gave her no warning. Sure, some might call that an ambush. Sometimes guerrilla tactics are needed. All’s fair in love and war. Particularly when it includes money. And this was about the family’s finances. With […]

Super and the value of segregation

PORTFOLIO POINT: These assets stay here. Those assets go there. Segregation within SMSF can lead to better tax outcomes. The word “segregation” has some nasty connotations, most usually associated with policies of entrenched racism. South Africa under apartheid and the deep south of the United States pre- and post-Civil War are infamous examples. Less nasty, […]

Battle of the sexes: Are men or women the best money minds of your generation?

Fences equal splinters in butt. So straight-talking it is. Managing money comes down to income, spending and investment. You have less control over the first and ultimate control over the second two. On average, Gen X guys will earn more. A good portion of the reason for this is because they’re missing a few bits […]

Our economy is envied by much of the world, but how do we compare when it comes to personal finance?

I have this sneaking feeling, with no hard evidence to back me up, that speed skater Steven Bradbury is actually in control of Australia’s finances. Maybe as Wayne Swan’s puppeteer? Of all our first world competitors, our economy seems the only one that hasn’t fallen over. They’re all in a bit of economic poo, something […]

Team super

PORTFOLIO POINT: Share the SMSF love. Taking a joint perspective to contributions strategies can be far more effective. Building your superannuation nest-egg can be a lonely challenge, not unlike trying to climb Mt Everest. Sure, you can surround yourself with committed like-minded people. But you’d better believe they will order you back down with a […]

School fees

Debt Man column – The West Australian (Business) January 20, 2012. Bruce Brammall Debt Man January is a pretty good time to be alive in Australia. The sun’s out. The tennis is on. We’re annihilating India by complete innings. Driving to work’s a breeze. Beer tastes better. The extra daylight hours knacker the kids. It’s […]