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Category: Articles

Avoiding super estate problems

SUMMARY: Who gets your super when you die? You might be surprised that your wishes won’t necessarily be followed. The perfect plan for your superannuation would see it to last you until the day you die. But what happens if you pass away first? If you die and there’s superannuation still left, who is going […]

Lessons learnt — let’s dive back in

It’s about this time of year that I become thankful. If I’m writing this, my liver held out for another summer. Come February, we’ve still got warmer weather. And the cold beer that accompanies it. Beer gardens are good times. I loved the (too-short) holiday I get, to hang out with the kids and with […]

What are three consumer insurance products that most people can do without?

When life turns all pear-shaped, the “Great Grudge Purchase” is the thing you’re glad you bought. Or wished you’d had. Insurance is a crucial element of protecting your finances. You need protection against events that could either wipe you out financially, or set you back years. Some events you would recover from in a few […]

Has your SMSF been missing out on offshore gains?

SUMMARY: Failing to attain international exposure continues to cost SMSFs big bucks. Here are three ways you can do it easily. It’s not quite “mutual exclusivity”, but Australia’s self-managed super fund investors and international equities are, let’s say, not well acquainted. It’s a pity. A huge shame. That’s partly because, ignoring how much myself and […]

Australia Day is fun but it signals the end of the summer holiday season so what money matters should you be working on?

After a beach holiday spent with “classy bogan” (well, they think they are) mates, with music suggesting we were trying to recreate the summer of 1985 … Returning to work? Ugh! Though, sadly, did two weeks ago. For Xers’ urgent attention: Square off the Christmas credit card. Pay for the tin lids’ school gear. Restock […]

Children’s savings accounts can be tricky. How do parents make sure they’re getting the best deal?

DANG! A job on my to-do list! This is my kids’ age group and a conversation I need to have with them. It will go hand-in-hand with DebtBoy and DebtGirl getting pocket money, which should also start soon. As covered well by Kerrin (right), the accounts themselves can be full of traps. And that’s to […]

2015: Super changes ahead?

SUMMARY: What’s in store for super in 2015? Hopefully little, but there’s a lot being considered by the Abbott Government. When it comes to predicting investment markets, I’m not a great crystal ball gazer. The riskier the asset class, the more I believe the “gazing” becomes “punting”. It is similarly risky trying to predict how […]

The nine risks for DIY fund operators in 2016

SUMMARY: No time to relax. SMSF trustees need to consider the risks ahead in 2016 and act now. It’s been nicely quiet out there in DIY super regulation land. Occasional jawboning, the odd threat, but little to no action. The lack of big changes in recent years has been welcome, given the turmoil of the period […]

It’s time to turn over a new financial leaf. What money matters should you be focussing on in 2015?

CONFUCIOUS say: “Focus long enough on financial problem, it go ‘poof’ and disappear.” Okay, the great philosopher did not say that. He’s way smarter. All the focus in the world won’t fix a problem, unless it’s backed up with actions. What financial issues should Gen X be addressing now, in 2015? We’ve all got different […]

Lending to your SMSF? Look out

SUMMARY: SMSFs who were pushing the boundaries on 0% related-party loans face big tax penalties from the ATO. When the Tax Office wants to close a door, they’ve been known to slam it with a noise that can be heard for miles. This sometimes happens even where they themselves opened the door and then left […]