Super & Funds
What women want from the budget
There's still much for the Treasurer to decide that will affect families and, disproportionately, women.
What you need to know about the war for super
There are vested interests misrepresenting the facts on both sides. Don't be fooled.
Banks' weapon against industry funds may be dud
The Turnbull government wants to remove the monopoly that industry funds have as the default fund provider in industrial awards.
'Money for nothing': why transition to retirement pensions still work
Despite the continuing tightening of superannuation concessions there are still some great strategies available for those who take good advice.
A fierce fight is brewing over your super
Consumer groups and independent policy analysts have broadly backed the Productivity Commission proposals to change the default superannuation system.
Renters need $1 million for comfortable retirement
Housing affordability has wider implications than just for those trying to get a foot on the property ladder.
Call to remove 'bad apple' planners
Ten years on from when the regulator first called for the removal of bad apples from the financial planning industry, there has been not enough progress.
Australia's $2.2 trillion super pot drives record ETF demand
The interest in exchange traded funds comes as record-low interest rates are prompting pensioners to consider alternative products.
Beware of dividend traps and capital killers
Investors love the shares of big dividend-paying companies, but they could be leaving themselves exposed to what's sometimes known as the "dividend trap".
Home ownership is essential for a comfortable retirement
The superannuation industry is trying to deter the government from even limited action to allow first home buyers to access their super.
Claim super to help offset the hit to penalty rates
There's now even more incentive for workers to claim super from employers after Fair Work Australia's decision to lower Sunday and public holiday penalty rates.
The case against letting first-home buyers use super
Home ownership is a worthy aim, but superannuation is not the vehicle to fund it.
The new investment strategy that's better than index funds
Tracking the market versus active management? The new formula that offers the best of both worlds.
The case for letting first home buyers use super
What Australians can learn from the Kiwis about helping first home buyers into the housing market.
DIY funds with less than $2 million not viable, say industry funds
An economist in the superannuation industry says DIY super funds with less than $2 million "are not viable retirement savings vehicles".
Fraser review rejects 'independence' quotas for industry super funds
A long-awaited review into the governance of industry super funds by former Reserve Bank governor Bernie Fraser has found no grounds for legislation that would force boards to have a minimum number of "independent" directors.
BRICs, CIVETS, NUTS and other useless acronyms
A trendy acronym is no substitute for an investment strategy.
DIY funds versus the pros – the answer is in
Does it matter who manages your super fund?
Clock ticks on $1 million super deadline
It's the $1 million opportunity – the last hurrah to get a lot of money inside super and take advantage of super's concessional tax rates before July 1 this year.
The problems with compulsory super
The system for ensuring that workers are paid their compulsory super is inadequate.
One way super is changing for the better for employees
There are new opportunities opening up for employees after June 30.
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.