Daryl Dixon

Tensions are rising between North Korea and the US.

Investors facing volatile market

Among the many factors affecting investment risks, the level of gearing and diversity of asset holdings are paramount.

The proposed scheme for first home buyers to use superannuation to save for a deposit has merit.

First home buyer saving scheme has merit

Despite industry criticism, many Australians stand to benefit from the plans to use superannuation as a savings scheme for first home buyers.

Downsizing apartment buyers Steve and Sharon Cook in Melbourne.

Downsizing proposals for retirees simple and sensible

Treasury draft consultation papers on super legislation changes rarely provide pleasant reading for those affected by the changes. However, the clarity and sensible provisions of the proposal to allow downsizing home owners to deposit up to $300,000 each in their superannuation account can only be welcomed by older Australians.

The Tax Office's formula for valuing defined benefit schemes favours younger retirees.

Questions remain over defined benefit schemes

While defined benefit pensioners now know precisely how the Australian Tax Office will value their pension in applying the new $1.6 million superannuation cap tax changes, the valuations for current contributions and deferred benefit members' entitlements are still works in progress.

Employers now have less power over super.

Time to review salary sacrifice

For those wanting to lower tax bills and build up retirement assets, making tax deductible super contributions is now much easier.

Super funds added $140 billion to the national nest egg, with an average 10.4 per cent performance for balanced options.

Build super over time, as opportunities to play catch-up shrink

The major super changes legislated in 2016 are now in force, requiring many current and future retirees to review their strategies.

APRA tightened restrictions on interest-only loans and lenders have quickly reacted.

Interest-only loans keep appeal despite growing expense

APRA wants to reduce the growth of interest-only loans, which are highly popular with investors and even owner-occupiers in special situations.

Sting in the super changes for lower paid public servants

Many lower income public servants and defence employees are disadvantaged by their employer's superannuation arrangements.

High-income earners could wind up in breach of the $25,000 annual contributions gap by accident, if they have a generous ...

The trap for high income earners with a cushy super package

The reduction in the annual concessional cap to $25,000 will create significant problems for many taxpayers and the Tax Office.

Active funds have higher fees, so they need to consistently outperform the market to earn their keep.

Index funds v actively managed funds

For a combination of reasons, index-following managed and exchange traded funds have become increasingly popular with both individual and institutional investors.

Daryl Dixon

Money