Death Benefits & Super

Intrinsically linked with tax, superannuation is a minefield of concerns for many of us. One such concern is whether super gets taxed after a death. When a person’s super is paid after their death it’s called a ‘death benefit’. Death benefits can be paid to a dependant only after the owner of the super dies. …

Pre-mixed investment options

Super funds make investments depending on the different levels of risk chosen.  There are 5 types of pre-set investment options which you can choose for your superfund. Remember that if you want more control and flexibility, opting for a SMSF option might be ideal for you. Growth 85% shares or property and 15% fixed interest…

Pros and cons of home reversion

Super (AU): Pros and cons of home reversion Home reversion is when you sell a share of the future value of your home whilst still living there. You receive a lump-sum payment and continue to own the remaining share of your home equity.  Pros You are able to continue living in your home after you…

What is the transfer balance cap?

The transfer cap refers to the amount of money that can be transferred from your superannuation account to your tax-free ‘retirement phase’ account.   At the moment, the transfer balance cap is $1.6 million and all individuals have a personal transfer balance cap of $1.6 million.  Exceeding the personal transfer balance cap means that you have…

Choosing investment options in your super

Many Australians ignore the decision of choosing investments for their super and often end up in the ‘default’ option as they make no effort to choose otherwise.  Default options that aim for ‘balanced’ or ‘growth’ investments tend to have 60-80% of funds invested in shares and property. This approach for investment is based on the…

SMSF Pensions

SMSF funds can provide pension or lump sum benefits during retirement. Retirement is a condition of super release if you have reached your preservation age. Depending on your date of birth, your preservation age will be between 55 and 60. The benefits from your super are tax-free once you are over the age of 60. …

Basics of SMSF investing

Setting up an SMSF fund is the simplest step. Establishing a fund which delivers you consistent returns from your investments is much more difficult.  Investing successfully involves determining precise goals and picking investments which will effectively achieve those goals. The advantage of SMSFs is that you can build a portfolio which reflects your short-term and…

Protecting yourself from super scams

Superannuation is an attractive target for scammers as a significant volume of funds are placed into super funds by Australians.  There are some straightforward steps you can take to protect yourself from super scams.  Know the rules Becoming familiar with the rules surrounding superannuation will alert you against scams which make false claims e.g. offering…