How to choose an investment option in super 

super

The first step to maximising your superannuation balance involves choosing the right super fund. Every year, typically around July or August, I publish a blog where I compare the top super funds and identify the best one/s. This comparison can guide you in selecting the best fund for you.  After selecting the optimal super fund, …

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Asset rich but cash flow poor? Coinvesting in property with your super could be the solution 

super

In last week’s blog, I compared the financial and tax effectiveness of investing in property through your super (with borrowings) versus investing in property outside of super or sticking with the traditional approach of investing your super in an industry super fund, for instance (no gearing).  I concluded that while the potential benefit of avoiding …

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Part 1: The best ways to invest your super  

Super

A lot of Australians are eager to ensure their superannuation is invested wisely to maximise their balance by the time they retire. However, comparing the different super-product choices can be tricky.  Recently, there’s been increasing criticism of industry super funds, particularly regarding their oversight and transparency around unlisted investments and the role/influence of unions.   Many …

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2024: The best super fund is…

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Once again, the last financial year has been kind to superannuation investors! Many super funds have delivered double-digit investment returns. However, not all super funds are created equal and some of the risks that I have written about in past years have come home to roost in the past 12 months.   Investment returns for the …

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How much super do you need for retirement?  

super

I frequently join James Kirby on his bi-weekly podcast hosted by The Australian newspaper. Recently, he delved into the interesting and important topic of “how much money you should have in superannuation.” I couldn’t resist the temptation to share my thoughts and insights.    How long will retirement last?   I read this article by Ashley Owen …

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Should you invest 100% of your super into shares?

super

It’s highly probable that your super is invested across various asset classes, including bonds and shares.  Nearly all investment professionals would argue that shares have the greatest probability of delivering the highest returns over the long term.  This begs the question: why wouldn’t you consider investing 100% of your super into shares?  How your super …

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Why industry super funds are less tax efficient?

The treatment of taxation liabilities hinges on the investment structure of your superannuation. That is, pooled super funds like industry funds subtract tax before it’s paid. This is an important factor to consider because, depending on the amount of your super balance, it can have a significant effect on your retirement savings. While tax implications …

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Should you invest your super in property with borrowings?  

In 2007, laws changed to allow SMSFs to borrow for property investments if they met specific compliance rules. This led to a surge in super-funded property investments from 2007 to 2017, totalling around $45 billion. However, major banks withdrew SMSF borrowing products between 2017 and 2018 and super contribution rules were tightened, making this strategy …

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