Oliver’s insights Podcast: Ep#97

Episode #97: Five constraints on medium term investment returns In the 1980s and 90s superannuation investment returns were very strong. But since 1999, nominal superannuation returns have been more constrained averaging 6.2% pa as we entered a lower return world. Five key structural trends suggest higher medium term inflation pressures and constrained economic growth than pre-pandemic. AMP’s Chief Economist, Dr. Shane Oliver looks at why this is happening as well as the implications investment returns. …

Will these super changes affect you?

Will these super changes affect you? As our superannuation balances grow larger, it makes more sense than ever to keep track of the many rules changes that have recently happened or are coming up soon. Australians are investing more in super – almost $151 billion dollars in the year ending March 2023, an increase of 11.3 per cent.i Those extra contributions, plus the rebound in the financial markets, have resulted in super assets of around …

Guide to your preservation age

Guide to your preservation age If you’re thinking about retiring, it can be helpful to understand what your preservation age is and how it affects your ability to access your super. What is preservation age? Your preservation age is generally the earliest age you can access your super, and it’s calculated based on your date of birth. It’s called preservation age because your super is a preserved benefit – locked away until you reach a …

When can I access my super?

When can I access my super? Generally, you can access your super when you reach your preservation age and retire, but there could be special circumstances under which you might access your super early. Super is there to help you fund the years after you finish working, so normally to withdraw your super savings, you need to have reached a certain age and retired permanently. However, there are certain situations where you might be eligible …

What happens to my super when I move overseas?

What happens to my super when I move overseas? If you’re a permanent Aussie resident, your super will remain subject to the same rules. If you’re a temporary resident, you can apply to have your super paid to you after you leave. You might be leaving the country for a variety of reasons – career, love, new opportunities – or returning home. You’ve probably got a checklist of things to do before you go, so …

Tax-deductible superannuation contributions explained

Tax-deductible superannuation contributions explained Did you know you can claim a tax deduction on certain super contributions when you do your tax return? Whether you’re employed, self-employed, unemployed or retired, you might be eligible to claim a tax deduction on your after-tax super contributions. After-tax super contributions are voluntary payments made into your super and don’t include compulsory superannuation guarantee or salary sacrifice contributions. How do I make a tax-deductible super contribution? There are various ways to make …

Your end of financial year super checklist

Your end of financial year super checklist With the end of financial year fast approaching, now is a good time to consider how you can use superannuation to maximise your tax benefits. While certain contributions may be able to reduce your taxable income or see you pay less on investment earnings, there are a range of considerations. These include how much money you have in your super, whether you’re still in the accumulation phase and …

How Australia’s perceptions of wealth are changing in the 2020s

How Australia’s perceptions of wealth are changing in the 2020s For decades, Australians have associated wealth with home ownership. As our country has become more diverse and inclusive, and individual Australians achieve greater freedoms, these ideas are changing. A recent studyi by AMP highlights how our definition of ‘wealthy’ is shifting – and how your bank, super fund and adviser can help you achieve wealth, no matter what that means to you. Home ownership and financial …

9 ways to boost your super savings

9 ways to boost your super savings Check out what you could do while you’re still earning an income and have time on your side. Many of us turn a bit of a blind eye to super. We hope it’ll be enough when the time comes and believe the government’s age pension is available if we fall short. Not everyone is eligible for the age pension, and we may live a less than modest lifestyle …

Super contribution rules when you’re in your 60s and 70s

Super contribution rules when you’re in your 60s and 70s Know your options around making contributions, accessing your super savings and when Age Pension entitlements could be affected. Whether you’re still working, or you’ve already retired, rules around super contributions, accessing super and things like age pension eligibility do ramp up once you hit your 60s and 70s. There have also been a lot of rule changes in the super space, including some around age …