Salary sacrifice: A lot less painful than it sounds Maybe you’ve heard about salary sacrifice as a way to increase your retirement savings. But did you know it can be a very tax-effective way to make voluntary super contributions? Find out how you could boost your retirement savings and pay less tax all in one go. What is salary sacrificing to super? In very simple terms, salary sacrificing into super means paying an amount from …
Getting ahead with your superannuation when you’re self-employed If you’re self-employed in Australia, there’s a good chance your retirement savings aren’t all they could be. In fact, research from the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (AFSA) found in the run up to retirement, the self-employed have around half the superannuation of employees. We talked to CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional Dacian Moses, financial planner at Waterfall Way Associates, about strategies for the self-employed to get on …
What happens to my super when I move overseas? If you’re a permanent resident, your super will remain subject to the same rules. If you’re a temporary resident, you may be able to claim a departing Australia superannuation payment. You might be leaving the country for a variety of reasons – career prospects, love, adventure, new opportunities – or you may be returning home. While you’ve probably got a checklist of things to cover off …
What do Aussies do with their super? Find out where and what retirees are investing in and spending their superannuation money on. A significant number of Aussies are now entering retirement with substantial superannuation balances, after compulsory super contributions for most employees were introduced a quarter of a century ago1. But what are retirees doing with their super money? Are they putting it toward big-ticket items, paying off debts or investing it into retirement products …
Laterpreneurs: Taking on encore careers Once upon a time, people went out, got a job and stayed there for the rest of their working lives. But “a job for life” is no longer an option for most working Australians. Changing careers, going out on your own and pursuing a dream to become self-employed has become the reality for many. The amount of co-working spaces that have opened up in major cities is evidence that more …
Superannuation and separation: Who keeps the money? Depending on the situation, you might get some of your ex-partner’s super, or they may get some of yours. A divorce from your husband or wife, or a separation from your de facto, could mean a division of your assets and debts, whether they’re held separately or together, and superannuation is no exception. Another thing to note is even if one of you hasn’t contributed to super for many …
Are you entitled to a tax deduction on personal super contributions? This financial year is the first time that employees can claim a tax deduction for their personal super contributions. Personal super contributions made during the 2017-18 financial year can now be claimed as a tax deduction by most Australian workers. This follows changes made by the government which came into effect on 1 July 2017. Previously, only the self-employed, unemployed, retirees, or those who …
Structural flaws in super system losing Australians $billions. The Productivity Commission has recommended sweeping changes to the superannuation system, highlighting key flaws that are costing members nearly $4 billion a year. The Commission, set up by the federal government as part of its response to the Financial System Inquiry has named multiple super accounts and underperforming funds as the key reasons why members are losing out. A key recommendation for tackling the problem is the …
How can I protect my super in retirement? (Video) Andrew Donachie CFP® Andrew Donachie is the National Financial Planning Manager at First State Super. Andrew has 12 years’ experience as a financial planner and is CFP® qualified. As part of the Financial Planning Association’s Ask a Planner video series, Andrew Donachie CFP® answers the commonly asked question, “What are some of the options to protect my super in retirement?” If you have a question …
Should I be more conservative with my super leading into retirement? (Video) Andrew Donachie CFP® Andrew Donachie is the National Financial Planning Manager at First State Super. Andrew has 12 years’ experience as a financial planner and is CFP® qualified. As part of the Financial Planning Association’s Ask A Planner video series, Andrew Donachie CFP® answers the commonly asked question, “Should I be more aggressive or conservative with my superannuation strategy in the lead …
