Money
Super & retirement
Weigh up the true value of a home loan to a family member
What appears on paper to be generous offer may become problematic if the family does not have enough after-tax income after the payments to enjoy life.
- by George Cochrane
Latest
Retirement living
Baked beans are out, overseas travel is in: changing expectations of retirement
Today’s retirees are richer than any previous generation.
- by Jessica Irvine
Coronavirus outbreak
Keep calm and save on: super funds urge members not to panic
Sharemarkets are in tumoil as coronavirus fears grow but superannuation fund members should resist any temptation to switch to more-conservative investment options that risk leaving them worse off in the long run
- by John Collett
Superannuation
The case for and against compulsory 12 per cent super
The debate is about whether the employer contribution should be capped at 9.5 per cent of salary.
- by Noel Whittaker
Ask an expert
Calculating value of a home for aged care, pension purposes
There are two different assessments with complex rules
- by Noel Whittaker
Retirement living
Elderly people at risk of homelessness when 'granny flat' agreements fail
Family care arrangements where elderly parents give their assets to adult children in exchange for accommodation are becoming more common, sometimes with dire consequences.
- by Caitlin Fitzsimmons
Ask an expert
There are only limited opportunities to defer capital gains tax
Don’t even think about buying another investment property without first doing your sums with a well-informed tax expert
- by George Cochrane
Aged care
A 'living separately and apart' option can have significant benefits
Key to meeting the criteria is the care needs of at least one member of a couple, meaning that they are both physically separated and are no longer able to participate in a couple relationship.
- by Rachel Lane
SMSFs
Understanding the complex rules of SMSF direct property investment
SMSF specialist expert advice should always be obtained when a fund acquires an interest in direct property.
- by John Maroney
Superannuation
Scale, efficiencies 'put downward pressure on super fees'
AustralianSuper introduces a small levy to cover the cost of a fee cap on low account balances, but it may not translate into across-the-board hikes.
- by Emily Chantiri
Ask an expert
Giving to children sooner, rather than later, can be a good idea
You can have the enjoyment of watching them use the money as well as setting them up for financial independence.
- by Noel Whittaker