Why the industry’s “comfortable retirement” measures are wrong

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The superannuation industry has placed an extraordinary emphasis on helping members achieve a “comfortable” retirement given it has so little information about what it actually means. What we do know... Read more continue reading

The Fair and Sustainable Superannuation amendments will soon be upon us… but what to do next?

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Online legal documents provider, SUPERCentral, has produced a list of issues to consider and potentially action for superannuation clients by their accountants and advisers. The New Super Laws Checklist was... Read more continue reading

Water Corporation to join AMP’s SignatureSuper

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AMP  has announced that Western Australia’s Water Corporation Superannuation Plan will transfer to AMP’s SignatureSuper master trust. The  Water Corporation Superannuation Plan currently has more than 3,500 members and $450... Read more continue reading

Using investment bonds to increase age pension and manage the intergenerational transfer of wealth

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Utilising investment bonds to manage intergenerational transfer of wealth post 1 January 2017 may have the by-product of increasing Age Pension entitlements – Case Study Bob (78) and Margaret (68).... Read more continue reading

Parametric cautions super funds: Franking is no free lunch, but super funds “can express their exact dietary requirements”

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Superannuation funds looking to deliberately tilt their Australian equity portfolios to maximise the benefits of franking credits need to address the significant risks inherent in such an investment approach, says... Read more continue reading

REST launches super industry-first to service member enquiries 24/7

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REST Industry Super has become Australia’s first superannuation fund to service its 1.9 million members’ enquiries online 24/7 with the launch of ‘Roger’ – REST’s online virtual customer service specialist.... Read more continue reading

Who should be the Appointer of a family trust?

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When completing an instruction form for arranging a new family trust for a client, it is very likely that the form will ask the question – Who do you want... Read more continue reading

Can a member still bring forward their non-concessional cap?

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The introduction of the new $1.6M cap has changed the game for members wanting to make contributions in advance – so-called ‘bring forward’ contributions. The legislation not only introduces eligibility... Read more continue reading

Who will be affected by the new pension changes?

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On 1st January 2017, the Australian Government implemented changes to the assets test used to calculate pensions. These changes include imposing new asset limits and will not affect everyone, but... Read more continue reading

The important factors in smart-beta investments strategies

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According to IOOF, in the current low return environment, clients are putting pressure on fees while still seeking returns above the benchmark. Fund managers have responded with new lower-cost products... Read more continue reading