Tax wrangle perceived threat to increased super

KEY super industry players have called on the government not to let the latest wrangling over its mining tax package derail plans to increase compulsory super contributions to 12per cent.

12% super bid looks beached

KEY superannuation industry members have called on the government not to let the latest wrangling over its mining tax package derail plans to increase compulsory super contributions to 12 per cent.

Super funds eye earnings from state construction

THE retirement savings of NSW residents could be helping to rebuild state infrastructure if the Coalition wins today.

Numbers say it all on super

New contribution rules help members with low account balances.

ASK NOEL

I could retire this year when I turn 65 and will have $390,000 in super. Once I've cleared the mortgage and debts, there should be $370,000 remaining. My wife, 59, wants to continue working part time for a couple more years. Given the poor performance of super funds and the fact I could get 7.25 per cent for a three-year term deposit, it seems I'd be better off taking a lump sum and investing in a term deposit rather than super, which, if history repeats, will only just keep up with inflation.

Fresh Approach To Super

The strategy To undertake a new year's spring-clean of my super.

Personal Finance

Q I am more than 60 years of age, am not working, and have $110,000 from a super fund. I want to invest in a term deposit or some safe high-interest account and then return the money to super in say six to 12 months. Is this feasible? What type of accounts should I look at?

Switching Funds Can Prove Costly For Many

A RECORD number of Australians changed the way their superannuation was invested last year, as the super funds posted the worst returns on record, with the typical balanced option losing about 22.5 per cent.

When A Little Knowledge Is A Cause For Super Concern

ALEXANDER POPE observed in An Essay On Criticism that "a little knowledge is a dangerous thing". He was writing in 1711 but the adage aptly describes a conundrum faced by Australian superannuation funds today.

Millions May Be Lost In Super Fund Blow

VICTORIAN public servants' superannuation is under threat after the state's investment arm ploughed more than half a billion dollars into an obscure Gold Coast "death fund".

Keep Your Super Safe

The strategy To protect my super in case I'm bankrupted.

Pros And Cons Of Early Access To Super If Serious Illness Strikes

Permanent incapacity can allow super access before retirement age. THE main purpose of superannuation is to provide an income for people after they retire. As a result, superannuation cannot usually be accessed until a person reaches retirement/preservation age. For those born before 1960 preservation age is 55. This increases in yearly increments until preservation age is 60 for people born after June 30, 1964.

With A Little Help From The Super Fund

The investments watchdog clears the air on providing limited financial advice to members. Simon Hoyle reports.

Gearing Up For The Future

Having your own super fund has a lot of positives, writes David Potts

Industry Funds On Top In Super Great Debate

THE industry versus retail super fund debate got another kick along last week when the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority released one of the most comprehensive studies done on superannuation returns ever.

Tax Break Buried In Fine Print

It pays to check if your super fund offers your estate a refund on contributions taxes paid by a loved one.

Get Super Savvy And Take A Lead

The strategy To take charge of my super in challenging times.

Super Savings Savaged

AUSTRALIA's major super funds have suffered their biggest monthly fall in value since the arrival of compulsory superannuation 16 years ago, dragged down by battered local and international sharemarkets.

Fed Up With Your Fund Manager? At Least You Don't Live With Him

A batch of letters is about to hit your doormat - letters from your managed fund managers telling you that you lost a bunch of money last financial year.

Switching After A Fall Locks In Your Losses

It would seem like the easiest decision in the world. If your super fund isn't performing, ditch it for one that is. But what do we mean by not performing?