As digital tools continually evolve, it is more important than ever to make sure you understand your tax obligations and comply with them. The Australian Taxation Office has been expanding and improving its data matching programs. Data matching compares data from a range of private and government organisations with the information you have provided to…
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. So, check out these latest changes in case they affect you. Super bonus for workers For employees, the new financial year kicks off with an increase…
If you have an SMSF, it’s essential to get your fund is in good shape and ready for June 30 and the annual audit. It’s particularly important this year, because the ATO is focussed on fixing a number of issues when it comes to SMSFs. These include high rates of non-lodgment and problematic related party loans by…
Superannuation has dominated recent headlines, with proposed changes announced by Treasurer Jim Chalmers. While the details of these changes still need to be released, it’s worthwhile turning our focus to superannuation balances as we approach the end of financial year. There are lots of different ways to top up your super, but if you want…
The concept of retirement is changing, with fewer people working towards a final retirement date and then clocking off for good. Instead, those who have the flexibility to choose are often transitioning out of the workforce over several years, or even returning after a break. Whether you simply want to wind back your working hours…
Getting more money into superannuation is a proven way of building wealth to spend in retirement. Ongoing contributions from your employer over the course of your working life, and potentially extra contributions made by you, can make a huge difference to your super balance over the long term as your account balance continues to grow….
Staying the course, and not being distracted by short-term market events, is just as important in retirement as it is at any other time. Retiring from work shouldn’t necessarily equate to retiring from managing your investment portfolio. In fact, taking an active role in your investments during retirement will ensure you have the best chance…
With interest rates on the rise and investment returns increasingly volatile, Australians with cash to spare may be wondering how to make the most of it. If you have a mortgage, should you make extra repayments or would you be better off in the long run boosting your super? The answer is, it depends. Your…
Working out how much you need to save for retirement is a question that keeps many pre-retirees awake at night. Recent market volatility and fluctuating superannuation balances have only added to the uncertainty. So it’s timely that new research shows you may need less than you fear. For most people, it will certainly be less…
As Australia’s system of compulsory superannuation celebrated its 30th anniversary in July, this is a good time to take a closer look at one of super’s biggest success stories – the number of people deciding to take control of their retirement savings with a self-managed super fund (SMSF). There are now almost 607,000 SMSFs worth…
