Overview You can access your super early in very limited circumstances, including to pay certain expenses on compassionate grounds, as well as terminal illness, incapacity and severe financial hardship. For information on how to save money for your first home inside your super fund, see First home super saver scheme. Access on compassionate grounds You … Read more
Periods of high volatility have forever been part of investing. But even seasoned investors might feel tempted to retreat to “safe” assets like cash during these times. While this approach may help you sleep better at night, it’s unlikely to be good for your financial well-being. Here’s why focusing on the long-term is crucial during … Read more
Small changes in performance or fees can make a big difference in retirement. How often do you check in with your super? For younger Australians, the answer is likely to be “not very often”. Research by ASIC’s Moneysmart found that three in 10 millennials (aged 29 to 44) check their super fund’s performance less than … Read more
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 … Read more
Investors with large cash holdings should keep an eye on falling deposit rates. Most of us have heard the saying, cash is king. It relates to the liquidity advantages of having an amount of cash readily available to cover off things such as everyday living costs, potential emergency expenses, or on an investment level to … Read more
More Australians are upsizing their super by downsizing their home. Home ownership is still the great Australian dream for many people. But, for a growing number of older Australians, it is also about selling the home eventually so they can use some of the proceeds to top up their superannuation balance and help make their … Read more
Get professional legal and financial advice The right professional advice can take the guesswork out of deciding how to distribute your assets, and help you make crucial decisions about who will have your medical and financial power of attorney. You may consider finding a legal professional who specialises in wills and estates. You also have … Read more
As investors grapple with uncertainty, keeping a cool head has never been more important. “Time in the market, not timing the market” is a popular investment philosophy that emphasises the importance of staying invested over the long term rather than trying to predict short-term market movements. While markets can be volatile in the short term, … Read more
Key points: There are many benefits to moving into independent living You have many different types of retirement villages to choose from Retirement villages provide a range of lifestyle and village facilities Many people look at retirement villages as a way to downsize Benefits of independent living For people with an active lifestyle this type … Read more
When you start a job, you can usually choose a super fund or let your employer choose for you. Understanding the basics can help you work out what kind of account to get and whether it’s right for you. If you want to choose your own — or change your account — there are plenty … Read more
Buying a home is one of the most exciting milestones in life, but when you’re a couple working together to save for that all-important deposit, it can really put the relationship under pressure. It’s rare for couples to see eye to eye on every financial detail. You will most likely have different spending habits, levels … Read more
Questions to start your retirement planning Here are a few questions to get your retirement planning underway. Thinking about these might lead you to more questions, but that’s the fun part of the journey. How much money will you need for your retirement plan? How long will you likely spend in retirement? Where will the … Read more
