- finance
superannuation
How under-30s have screwed themselves
It was supposed to help struggling Australians get through the COVID-19 crisis – but this controversial policy could harm one particular group.
Tax office freezes super scheme
Early access to superannuation will be temporarily halted after up to 150 Aussies lost a combined $120,000 through identity theft.
Corporate watchdog warns of virus scams
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission is urging consumers to watch out for unscrupulous operators trying to take advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Desperate Aussies’ $200,000 mistake
A huge number of Australians have applied to withdraw money from their retirement funds, raising fears it could impact on everyone’s nest egg.
‘Dizzying lows’: What crash means for you
The Aussie share market has copped a battering as a result of coronavirus panic – but this is how the crash could impact us all.
The big worry for Aussie retirees
A concerning new picture of retired Australians’ finances has been illustrated by new research, and experts warn something needs to be done.
Sneaky way Aussie workers get screwed
It’s touted as a “free lunch” and a path to a pay rise – but there’s a big reason why this policy is actually hurting Australian employees.
Super traps can sting your savings
Ignoring your superannuation can see you being slugged with extra taxes, too many fees and not leave you with enough to enjoy retirement. Here’s what you need to know about your nest egg.
A double reward from your super
You can seriously boost the size of your nest egg — plus save thousands of dollars in tax — by following this one popular strategy.
Mum’s $3m solution to ‘ridiculous’ problem
Pascale Helyar-Moray is convinced a “crisis” is coming for many Aussies, but she’s come up with a genius way to stem the looming “tsunami”.
Savings plan: Make a super start to 2020
Changing superannuation rules always keep us on our toes, and this year is no exception. Here’s what you need to think about if you want to boost your nest egg.
Best super funds of the decade revealed
A golden run for superannuation funds is nearing an end, so how long can our nest eggs keep growing? Here are the funds that have performed the best - and what to do when they start to fall.
How retirement review may affect you
Australia’s ageing population is in the spotlight, and dealing with the financial fallout is high on the government’s agenda as a retirement income review gets under way.
Surprise! How long your nest egg needs to last
We’re living longer and enjoying richer retirements, which means more money will be needed. But new research paints just how long you’ll need your cash reserves to last you.
Ethical investing: Put your money where your mind is
Going green is growing in popularity, but when it comes to investing your money there are grey areas to be avoided. This guide to ethical investment will get you started.
What workers think about super
Many workers don’t bother thinking about their superannuation savings but that doesn’t mean they don’t want it. A new study shows what they want.
Stop bosses stealing your super
Unpaid super continues to grow as busy employees fail to spot the mistakes of busy — or sneaky — bosses and risk missing out on a huge windfall down the track.
Super’s new changes to save millions
Super fund members have been throwing money down the drain for years through unnecessary fees and insurance premiums. A new change will help stop that.
Team effort will boost your super
What’s yours is mine rings true when it comes to superannuation, and couples will get the biggest financial benefits from their nest eggs by taking a joint approach.
Retirees heading back to work
As older Australians live longer, some are returning to workforce years after they retired. It pays to know the financial issues that can result from this employment backflip.
Boost your super by thousands
Many people don’t see their superannuation as their own money, but it’s just like any other asset. Make sure that you grow your pile of personal wealth to its full potential with these handy tips.
How to make sure you retire with enough money
Even if you’re worth a couple of million bucks, chances are you’re worried about maintaining your lifestyle during retirement. Here’s what to do to make it run smoothly and stress-free.
Morrison’s own party defies him again
Scott Morrison has again reminded his own party’s MPs to stop mouthing off in public. But some of them are still stubbornly ignoring him.
Morrison’s own MP openly defies him
Scott Morrison issued a clear warning to his MPs at yesterday’s party room meeting. Within a few short hours, one of them defied him.
When you can access super early
Superannuation can be accessed early in some cases, but people need to be careful. Here’s our guide to grabbing some super before you reach retirement age.
Morrison stares down Liberal rebels
A number of Liberal backbenchers are pushing for a dramatic policy change. In Question Time today, Scott Morrison stared them down.
How much you’ll need to retire
Retiring financially comfortable is a dream of most people, but some never get there. Superannuation is playing an important helping hand but you still need to do some work yourself.
Tax could cost retirees’ kids thousands
Retirement planning is complex and if super fund members get their strategy wrong it can end up costing their children and other beneficiaries a fortune.
This is super-urgent: Act now
Constant rule changes turn people off superannuation, but a rush of new laws means Australians have just days to boost their tax refund and stop their life insurance being automatically cancelled.
Turn your super into a big tax cut
As June 30 approaches, it’s time to examine your super and the tax-saving strategies available, depending on how much you earn.
Super shut-off will affect millions
If you haven’t checked your super fund or life insurance lately, you could be in for a nasty surprise from July 1 when new rules mean millions of policies will be automatically shut down.
The right place to put your super
Choosing how your superannuation is invested is an important step in creating enough future wealth to enjoy retirement. Here’s what you need to know.
Get rich for retirement with these super hacks
Superannuation should be tackled long before you retire, and clever use of some powerful strategies can save you thousands of dollars in tax and boost your nest egg big time.
Grow $10 a day into $450,000
New analysis based on superannuation data has revealed how Australians can get rich just by making small savings every single day.
How the election will affect your hip pocket
Personal finance and tax are Australia’s biggest federal election flashpoints for the first time in many years. SEE HOW IT AFFECTS YOU
Why you must check your pay slip
Getting paid is an important part of everyone’s week, but too few workers bother to check that the details on their pay slip are correct — and that they match payments such as superannuation.
Put your super on the right path
Super funds have been volatile in the past six months but long-term investors look beyond that to build serious wealth. David & Libby Koch explain how to get your superannuation on track.
Food giant’s 52-week gender pledge
One of the world’s largest consumer goods companies has vowed to “close the gap” between men and women with a major new initiative.
Get your super back from the ATO
The Australian Taxation Office could have your super. If you’re like millions of Australians, you may not even realise it.
How to stop zombie insurance
Super fund members are wasting almost $2 billion a year on insurance premiums for cover that will not pay out in a claim. Here’s how to kill off those zombie policies.
Aussies could be $500,000 better off
Australians could end up with an extra $500,000 if the federal government adopts certain changes to superannuation.
Islamic fund’s $2.5bn anti-bank plan
An ancient rule that appears in the Bible, Torah and Koran is at the heart of a Muslim super fund’s $2.5b pitch to Aussies.
Magic number that will change your life
We work hard all our lives and hope to retire with a nice nest-egg. But there’s a magic number which could change everything.
Mum’s horror find in 17yo’s mail
When Alyson Gearing returned from an overseas trip to a pile of unopened mail for her daughter, what she found inside horrified her.
Super cheats set to be whacked
Many Australians miss out on receiving the superannuation contributions their employers are legally required to make, but new powers and penalties will raise the stakes for cheating bosses.
You have more money than you think
MANY Australians fear they won’t have enough money to retire on, but a new study says that is not the case.
Your super may be too risky
After nine years of strong performance, balanced super funds are underwater five months into the new financial year, prompting some to question that they are carrying too much risk.
How a spouse’s death affects your money
EVERYBODY dies eventually, but too few partners in a relationship think about the financial consequences of death for their money. Here’s what to talk about.
How to get your $2000 back
COMMBANK has been hit with a major class action that could see hundreds of thousands of ripped-off customers get their money back.
Shorten’s $400 million gift to women
AS the government tackles bullying claims from women within its ranks, Labor has attacked its biggest weakness with an announcement.
Phone call could save thousands
IT’S something most of us are paying for without even realising it, but unless you ask this very simple question it could come back to bite you.
Exchange sparks $1bn class action
THIS is the grilling that blew the lid on a massive rip-off affecting millions of people — and could see you refunded up to $3000.
Why you should check your super
AS the royal commission continues, super fund members are being urged to check their annual statements to make sure they’re not being ripped off.
Is your super fund ripping you off?
SUPERANNUATION can be complicated but here are some basic tips to help you figure out if you’re getting a good deal.
How super can save you money
SUPERANNUATION is a great way to save money for retirement, but when it comes to protecting your family through life insurance in super, it’s wise to ask a few questions.
Why super surges are bad for you
IT takes more than 40 years to build a good retirement nest egg through superannuation, and a new analysis shows how last year’s winners often become this year’s losers.
Huge problem for self-managed super
IF you are considering joining the 600,000 Australians with a self managed super fund, know this — nearly all advice on setting one up is dodgy, an audit shows. And that’s not the only problem.
Is your super in a dud fund?
THE spotlight is turning from banks to super funds as some Aussie investors have learned they’re being taken for a ride. Kochie explains how to make sure your nest egg is safe.
Super rules can save you tax
CHANGES to superannuation laws have boosted the benefits of injecting extra cash into your fund in the last few weeks of the financial year.
How to tell if your super fund is a dud
THE difference between the best and worst-performing funds could be up to $407,000. Here’s how to tell how yours stacks up.
Retiree products turn back time
A TOUGHER Centrelink assets test hit retirees last year, but fresh changes outlined in the Budget allow seniors who use retirement income products to potentially claw back some cash.
Super changes get thumbs up
MANY people wanted the government to keep its hands off superannuation in the Federal Budget. It didn’t, but the changes it announced have been widely welcomed.
The sneaky ways banks are ripping you off
THE big four banks are boosting their revenues by hundreds of millions of dollars a year with one sneaky trick that comes at the expense of customers.
How your super is changing shape
What do things look like inside your superannuation nest egg? If you’re not sure, now is a good time to take a peek. Here’s why.
The real benefits of life insurance
LACK of engagement with life insurance means Aussies may be missing out on some extremely valuable — and unique benefits.
Big insurance mistake Aussies are making
AUSTRALIANS have no idea how much money they are paying for life insurance in their super fund, sparking urgent calls for people to check their cover.
The problem with living longer
MANY Aussies dream of finding one big idea that pays for their early retirement. But the reality can lead to a big shock for those who don’t plan ahead.
How lifehacks saved you thousands
SEVEN days of savings that will change your life has come to a close, but the tips and tricks are all still here to get you on your way.
Ignore your super at your peril
TAKE charge of your super now, David Koch says, or risk running out of money in retirement.
How to fight stupid super rules
DUMB, stupid, silly. That’s a few words describing some of Australia’s superannuation rules, but if you know how to work around them you can still enjoy a wealthy future.
Super choice overload confuses us
SOME people love mountains of investment options in their superannuation — the more the merrier — but a majority of fund members find it too complex.
Super summer savings hacks
‘TIS the season to spend money, but there are ways to boost your savings over the festive period. Here are six of the best.
Ethical investments spark interest
AUSTRALIANS like investing ethically into things such as renewable energy and health, and this is translating into a bigger focus on their superannuation savings.
$230k loss on five-shilling note
ITS face value is only five shillings. But this WWI-era banknote is going to cost its unlucky owner a great deal more than that.
ATO warns against dodgy schemes
THE tax office could confiscate up to 50 per cent of your savings if you get caught up in one of these “too good to be true” investment schemes.
The costly reason to check your super fees
SUPER fund fees can put a nasty dent in your retirement savings if you don’t keep an eye on them. Here’s what to look out for.
Boomers’ biggest fear is a surprise
RUNNING out of money in retirement is a concern for many Australians but it’s not the biggest worry of Baby Boomers.
How the internet maps your future
IT’S easy to ignore superannuation, but even easier to discover just how much money you’re likely to have when you leave work.
How the internet maps your future
IT’S easy to ignore superannuation, but even easier to discover just how much money you’re likely to have when you leave work.
How much money you need to retire
IF YOU were born after a certain year, you will need a staggering amount of money in your coffers to live comfortably in retirement. Here are the figures.
Super fee hike not what it seems
YOU may have noticed a huge fee increase on your superannuation statement this month. This is what it means.
Transition pensions still work
EVERYONE loves to pay less tax, and transition to retirement pensions can still pack a punch despite tougher new superannuation rules.
‘People are worth more dead than alive’
THE housing boom in Australia has created some unexpected side effects for young families sitting on huge wealth without realising it.
Broke in retirement - you’re on track
RETIREMENT seems a long time away, but if you don’t fix these mistakes now, you may never be able to afford to stop working.
Top stocks for self-managed super funds
AUSTRALIANS with self-managed super funds are finding it tough to take their eyes off blue chip local companies, but sometimes their timing is wrong.
Salary sacrifice still a super strategy
SALARY sacrifice is no longer the only way for employees to pump extra money into superannuation and get tax deductions, but it may still be the best.
Ninja warrior skills needed for super
YOUNG workers today have plenty of financial obstacles popping up in front of them, and another big one is approaching quickly on the horizon.
How to turn $20 a week into $435,000
YOU’RE probably sick of being told to give up a coffee each day to save money, but what if it meant you could turn it into nearly half a million?
Loophole lets you be your own landlord
SICK of your business paying a lease to a landlord with no benefits for you? Here’s a way to become your own landlord.
The earth has moved for super
AS the largest collection of rule changes in a decade shook the superannuation sector last week, most Australians were busy ignoring them.
Make a super start to 2017-18
A FRESH bunch of superannuation rule changes came into force on July 1, opening some new opportunities for Australians to build bigger nest eggs.
Super cash grab waiting for you
MILLIONS of dollars in retirement savings are slowly being clawed back by their rightful owners and it’s helping fatten our superannuation balances.
Super flexibility will help you save
CHANGES to superannuation rules next month are set to deliver families some flexibility that has been missing in retirement saving.
Doctor’s victory over Big Tobacco
AN Australian cancer specialist was horrified when she learnt she was supporting the companies killing her patients. This is her remarkable story.
Can you tell if this pic is Turnbull?
A MYSTERIOUS figure named “Martin”, bearing a striking resemblance to a certain Australian prime minister, has people scratching their heads.
Not many want this easy money
FEWER than one in ten Aussies are injecting money into their superannuation accounts, despite the massive financial incentives on offer.
How to double kids’ superannuation
PARENTS and grandparents have a golden opportunity to use superannuation to deliver children and young adults a wealth boost.
‘Won the bloody Lotto!’: $2.6 million richer
THIS tradie was grumpy when his daughter made him hunt for a Lotto ticket after an 18-hour shift, but he is now $2.6 million richer for it.