Monthly Archives: March 2012

IT – One third will not achieve retirement income goals, ASIC – a third of financial plans deemed inadequate

Posted on March 30, 2012 by SuperBenefitnews

New research from Investment Trends (IT) reveals that financial planners believe about a third of clients will not achieve their retirement income goals. But it has also found that pre-retirees who use a planner’s services are more likely to feel … Continue reading →

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Hidden fees exposed in Commercial Funds

Posted on March 28, 2012 by SuperBenefitnews

The super conference heard a multitude of ways that charges can be disguised. Fee disclosure by investment managers is easily manipulated and needs a radical overhaul. That was the message given to super fund trustees last week at the Conference … Continue reading →

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Commercial Super funds – what it costs – and Retail vs Industry cost savings

Posted on March 27, 2012 by SuperBenefitnews

  Retail superannuation funds are not passing on cost savings to members because of a tendency to recommend in-house products, the prudential regulator has found. A study by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority found that while large not-for-profit industry funds … Continue reading →

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Confirmed rise to 12% super guarantee, Bill Shorten says vital to boosting nation’s savings, and funded by deferred wage rises

Posted on March 22, 2012 by SuperBenefitnews

The Gillard government’s superannuation reforms that passed the federal parliament this week will deliver big improvements in our nation’s retirement savings. For millions, it puts the golden goal of lifetime income security within reach. We know many Australians do not … Continue reading →

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Changes to excess contributions tax will offer minimal benefits

Posted on March 15, 2012 by SuperBenefitnews

The changes to excess contributions tax will offer minimal benefits, writes Max Newnham. Last week, the Gillard government introduced into Parliament amendments to the superannuation laws stating that they would make superannuation simpler and fairer. One of the amendments related … Continue reading →

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Whether to Borrow in an SMSF involves several considerations:

Posted on March 6, 2012 by SuperBenefitnews

Need specialist assistance Require at least $150,000 for deposit and purchase costs ($400k property) Legal and financing costs to set up can be high $6-10,000 Bare Trust is a special trust WITHIN the SMSF, has not tax return or trading, … Continue reading →

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Should I borrow to buy Property in my Self-Managed Super Fund?

Posted on March 2, 2012 by SuperBenefitnews

SMSFs can buy a property – two ways Outright for the full value and purchase costs, legal etc Borrow to purchase, section 67(4A) SIS (SMSF can’t directly borrow, only acquire by instalment s) Need about 30% deposit + costs Special … Continue reading →

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I want my business to be my super – can I do that?

Posted on March 1, 2012 by SuperBenefitnews

Many Business owners are planning to sell their business – and they say their “business is to be my super” – but can they do that? This depends on several considerations – How much is it really worth – get … Continue reading →

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