Super & Funds
Average man faces $236k super shortfall, woman $307k
Five easy ways both genders can sort their super and ensure it will go the distance.
Fund members likely flying blind with life-stage options
Would you invest in something for which there is no information on whether it is likely to be a good investment?
Rush to beat this year's super deadline
​Should investors make the most of the current super contribution rules before much tougher rules apply from 1 July 2017?
More working for longer to ensure decent retirement
Workers are retiring at age 61, on average. Just two years ago they were retiring at age 58.
Investing with a conscience not that easy
Ethical investing is in the eye of the investor.
A roof of your own is secret to retirement
Our super system is not in need of restructuring as some commentators suggest.
Labor ought to stop pandering to millionaires
Once Labor and the unions stood up for battlers. Now they’re robocalling seeking sympathy for millionaires who want to stay on the pension.
What happens if both spouses have $1.6m in super and one dies?
Financial expert Noel Whittaker answers readers' questions.
Is the trend of running out of money in retirement increasing?
As a nation, we're pretty optimistic. We like to think things will turn out for the best, and if they don't, we usually have a back-up plan to see us through. While it's one of the traits I like most about Australian culture, optimism alone doesn't always cut it.
How to grow your super while on parental leave
For my third maternity leave, I've pledged to pay myself enough super to match every dollar I spend on nappies.
Dump super in haste, repent at leisure
Any change in the superannuation rules feeds into the general public distrust of super, but it's important to look at the facts objectively.
New super regime is finally here
Make sure you check out the changes before taking any action.
What was good for fending off mammoths is bad for investing
Usually, the best thing to do when doomsayers start to make a lot of noise is to sit tight.
Better-off age pensioners have incentives to hoard cash
Some retirees may be tempted to stash cash at home, but there are downsides.
DIY fund trustees fly blind without returns objective
Most of those with DIY super funds don't track the performance of their funds against any conventional published benchmark or returns objectives.
Some rare good financial news for younger people
Despite growing wealth inequality, younger households should have much more in retirement savings than their parents.
Should you top up your nest egg now?
With law changes looming, this year may be the last opportunity for some to boost their nest egg by making extra contributions into their super fund.
Is it true that older people were promised a pension for life?
Just before the last election I was bombarded with emails that readers had received from the Mature Australia Party.
Pros and cons of DIY super
There are two types of people: those who have opened an SMSF and the rest.
When financial advice is really independent
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission has turned a blind eye to financial planning firms calling themselves "independently owned" when they don't meet the rules of independence.
Four things you need to know about super before your first job
With the excitement of your first job, don't forget your super entitlements.
Rising obesity drives raid on super to pay for surgery
More people are accessing their super to pay for stomach surgery to control their weight as awareness grows that retirement savings can be used to pay for medical treatments.
Life insurance advice reforms will help better protect consumers
Commissions are still with us when it comes to life insurance.
Treasurer must keep promise to introduce super legislation this year
​Superannuation fund investors will be hoping that the Treasurer delivers on this week's promise to present the super change legislation in parliament by the end of 2016.
Why some retirees are better off cashing in their super
Superannuation is a tool, which when used properly is highly effective. But like all investment strategies it has a cost.
Women not taking enough risks with their super
Women's lack of appetite for investment risk is one of the factors that is leaving them worse off than men in retirement.
Are DIY super trustees up to the job?
Anyone can manage their own super fund and do a dismal job, safe in the knowledge that in a worst-case scenario they have the age pension as a backstop.
Beware of bank staff spruiking their super funds
Industry Super Australia is alleging banks' front-line staff are spruiking the benefits of the banks' own super funds to their customers in a way that may be side-stepping financial advice laws.
Inequities in defined benefit pensions
The draft legislation contains tough and in some cases unrealistic valuations of the non-commutable defined benefit pensions received by retirees.