Articles

1 Using the superannuation limits effectively   [Posted 12 Feb 2008]   Just what are the limits in terms of contributing to super and when should you exercise caution? 2 Financial coaching and your super fund   [Posted 12 Feb 2008]   Super funds generally allocate resources to provide free financial coaching to members, through seminars and workplace visits, that are not utilised nearly enough. 3 AML/CTF legislation introduced   [Posted 31 Jan 2008]   CSRF look upon this new legislation as a positive step forward in the protection of member benefits through greater identification and verification processes to detect and prevent fraudulent activity. 4 Working after age 65: Will the Government play Santa?   [Posted 13 Dec 2007]   Yes, it certainly is possible to receive a co-contribution to your super from the Government even if you have reached age 65, but are still continuing to work in your later years. Read the full story to learn how. 5 A little planning delivers big benefit   [Posted 03 Dec 2007]   Have you ever imagined that you could be over 60, working full-time in a well-paid position and still be entitled to a Low Income Health Care Card? Well this is the reality which could flow from a little superannuation planning. 6 Superannuation income streams and Centrelink benefits    [Posted 05 Nov 2007]   Have you ever wondered why so many people these days are funding their retirement using a superannuation income stream? Well, the reasons are compelling! 7 Somebody’s got to pay   [Posted 20 Sep 2007]   From 20 September 2007, the Centrelink age pension access rules will change and this will provide a windfall for more than 215,000 people. Of this number, about 50,000 mainly older Australians, will qualify for the Centrelink pension for the first time. 8 Driving your super's growth   [Posted 27 Aug 2007]   Managing your own superannuation fund may not be as easy as it seems. This article explores the complexities of self-managed superannuation funds. 9 Super scheme does not go far enough   [Posted 24 Jul 2007]   Is the Government’s Co-contribution Scheme missing the people who need it the most? 10 The super recontribution strategy—Is it worth it for estate planning?   [Posted 04 Jun 2007]   In the past, superannuation recontribution strategies have been used not only to make income streams more tax friendly, but also for estate planning purposes and this is an important consideration for those who may intend to leave some of their super money to a person who is a financial non-dependant. 11 Life is super – when you’re 64    [Posted 18 May 2007]   When retired or contemplating retirement, 64 is the age when a retirement plan reality check becomes essential. Before it is too late, take steps to ensure you have enough money to provide the smartest funding for what promises to be rewarding and enjoyable years ahead. 12 Changing allocated pension providers after 1 July 2007 will be simple   [Posted 01 May 2007]   From 1 July 2007, superannuation benefits received by allocated pensioners over age 60, either as an income stream or as a lump sum, will be completely tax-free. Changing allocated pension providers after 1 July is going to be a very easy process. 13 Acting in haste may feed the tax meter!   [Posted 03 Apr 2007]   Super is simple and worry-free if you have enough, but don’t act in haste and repent when the taxman comes knocking. With all the publicity surrounding recent super announcements, some people may have acted too quickly in seeking to borrow or liquidate assets to contribute to super prior to 30 June 2007. 14 Turning 60 after 1 July is all super!   [Posted 01 Mar 2007]   From 1 July 2007, when someone reaches age 60, monies drawn from their super, either as a lump sum or as an allocated pension stream, will be tax-free and will not be treated as assessable income nor included in tax returns. Learn more about how you can achieve potential tax and super savings to benefit your retirement. 15 Lifestyle considerations for retirement   [Posted 01 Feb 2007]   Retirement may be chosen or forced, but people who make plans are usually more independent and ‘in control’ of their lives than those who apply the ‘let’s wait and see’ approach. We live longer and healthier lives than our ancestors, so assuming we have sufficient funds to last the distance, thought must be given to the enjoyment of this new retirement resource called time. 16 Can you really get something for nothing?   [Posted 04 Jan 2007]   It is rare to get an incentive to boost your savings such as that offered by the Government via its super Co-contribution Scheme. For those of you not already taking advantage of this incentive, you could be missing out on up to $1,500 of tax-free super money given to you merely for investing in your own super account, for your own retirement. 17 Working at 60 and living off tax-free income    [Posted 04 Jan 2007]   How would you like to work full-time and at the same time draw an income stream of tax-free money, which does not even need to be included in your tax return? 18 Super funds must beat a big drum   [Posted 01 Jan 2007]   Super takes a strong position as the investment of choice for the nation and super funds like CSRF realise they have a duty to their members to spread the good news. Tax-free benefits on retirement are a compelling reason for putting money into super and the most pain-free approach is to contribute a little, consistently, over a long and rewarding working life.