Articles by
Barbara Drury
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Where to find retirement income in addition to super
If you are planning your retirement income and worried you don’t have enough super, don’t forget to factor in other potential sources of income. You may be pleasantly surprised.
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Saving for retirement outside super
Super is undoubtedly the most tax effective vehicle for retirement savings, but there are plenty of reasons why you might hold investments outside super to augment your retirement income.
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Can I return to work after I access my super?
It’s generally possible to return to work after you retire and start withdrawing your super, but the rules vary according to your age.
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What is the sole purpose test, and how does it work?
As the name suggests, the savings you accumulate in super are meant to be for one purpose only. Straying from that purpose can be costly.
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Platforms and wraps: Benefits and downsides
Technology is at the heart of recent innovation by platform providers as they compete against each other, industry funds and SMSFs for your super and non-super investments.
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Are pension withdrawal rates safe? Understanding drawdowns and spending rules
Retirees often regard the government-mandated minimum withdrawal rates for their super pension as a default maximum, so how are these rates set and should you consider withdrawing more?
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Selecting a retirement income calculator
Most super funds provide tools to help you estimate your annual retirement income and how long it should last. But how reliable are they? It pays to know what to look out for.
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SMSF trust deeds: Rules, guidelines and updates
Your SMSF trust deed is your fund’s most important legal document, so it pays to get it right from the outset and to carry out regular health checks.
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Which super funds accept transfers from KiwiSaver accounts?
If you have savings in a KiwiSaver account, you can voluntarily transfer them to an Australian super fund under the provisions of a Trans-Tasman Retirement Savings Portability scheme that was introduced on 1 July 2013.
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Location the missing ingredient in retirement planning
When you start planning your retirement, where you live can be just as important as your super balance and have an even bigger impact on your quality of life.
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Lifetime estimator calculator
Without knowing how long we will live, retirement income planning is difficult, to say the least. This calculator provides a personalised estimate, depending on your health and other factors.
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Balanced, Growth, Defensive: What’s in a name?
If you are confused about the meaning of super investment option labels like Balanced, Growth and Defensive you’re not alone. Even the funds can’t agree.
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Top 10 Balanced super funds ranked by risk and return
Earning a good return on your super is important, but so is avoiding wild ups and downs when markets are volatile, especially when you are nearing retirement.
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ESG and sustainable investing: A practical guide for SMSF trustees
Climate change, sustainability, greenwashing – investing is a minefield these days but there are steps you can take to align your investments with your values.
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What is the retirement age in Australia?
When (and if) you retire is up to you, but there are rules around when you can access your super and the Age Pension.
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Accessing super between 60 and 65
Many of us dream of early retirement, but if you need to access your super to live the dream you need to tick a few boxes first, beginning with your age.
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Preservation age explained: What it means for accessing your super
There are a series of hurdles you need to clear before you can access your super. The first is your age.
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How retirees are using home equity to boost income
Cost of living pressures are expected to fuel growth in reverse mortgages as retirees look for ways to top up their income.
