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Author: Helen

In specie transfers in the frame

PORTFOLIO POINT: Farewell in-specie transfers to super? The government has just labelled some SMSF trustees “liars” and “frauds” over in-specie super contributions. And here’s what they’re going to do about it. In a broad sense at least, the government claims to believe that SMSFs are well run, that compliance is high, and that there is […]

Tax man spells out SMSF house rules

PORTFOLIO POINT: The Tax Office has put some meat on the bones of “repair” and “improvement” versus “new asset” regulations for geared property in super. And the news is good. There’s something in the air. And it looks like it might be contagious. While one swallow (even two) doesn’t make a spring, there’s a pattern […]

Life-changing finances

Like a good old-fashioned slap in the face, you don’t usually see a truly life-changing event until it has reversed into you. Sometimes, the bump is pleasant. You didn’t ask for it, but it’s going to make you happier, or less stressed, so you run with it. For example, an unexpected job opportunity. Some events […]

Fairer super: You have spoken

PORTFOLIO POINT: Leave minimum drawdowns and non-concessional limits alone! But if Super Minister Bill Shorten wants some suggestions to make super fairer, he need only have asked Eureka Report readers. Well, I certainly asked the right people. And I knew Eureka Report readers were up to the task. Thank you for your email responses to […]

Taking super to the next level

PORTFOLIO POINT: The current rules are flawed. They’re in danger of breaking the system. It’s time for a rethink on super contributions, so here are some ideas, Minister Shorten. True or false? In a year’s time, it will be harder to get money into super than it has ever been in the nation’s history. True. […]

Shorten goes the torp but his kicking needs work

All backsides deserve to be kicked occasionally. If they misbehave and poke themselves out … army boot, raised to 3pm, swung swiftly with torpedo punt follow through all the way to 11pm. Companies need it regularly for greedy decisions. Say, Westpac and the Commonwealth Bank for raising interest rates way above the Reserve Bank’s moves […]

FOFA’s good news

PORTFOLIO POINT: Certainly no earthquake, but a positive tremor for super consumers. Here’s how the Government’s new financial advice reforms will impact your super. Opt-in is confirmed. Working in a client’s “best interests” is too. And the ban on soft-dollar benefits is not just in, but is going to be made tougher. Assistant treasurer Bill […]

Fix your returns

PORTFOLIO POINT: Looking around for less volatile alternatives to equities in your SMSF? Your solution could be fixed interest. But how do you get yourself some? Have equities been providing you with less joy than a naked romp in a prickle field? Are you suffering from volatility fatigue? Are you one bad day from selling […]

Too much of a good thing likely to end in a hangover

Parties seem to be what life is about. The rest of our lives seem to just be filling in time between them. In our modern lifestyle, the more parties you attend, the more popular you may assume you are. By that measure, Mrs DebtMan must be one of the most popular people on the planet. […]

Super reform dangers

PORTFOLIO POINT: The proposed ban on risk insurance commissions in super might be ditched. But it’s not that simple for SMSFs and it shouldn’t stop trustees in any case. Here’s what you need to know. Assistant Treasurer Bill Shorten dropped a bombshell in financial planning circles in April when he updated the government’s plans for […]