This Month
- Opinion
- Opinion
How to navigate the downsizer contribution rules for super
You can take advantage of the generous downsizer contribution provision from age 55 and there is no upper age limit, although the entitlement can only be used once.
- John Wasiliev
November
- Opinion
- Opinion
How do I make sense of all the different superannuation caps?
The transfer balance cap is $1.9 million but after you start drawing a pension, there is no limit on investment earnings.
- John Wasiliev
- Opinion
- Smart Investor
We have $5m in super as a couple. How can we contribute more?
The maximum amount of super that can be transferred into a tax-free pension account is $1.9 million, although investment earnings can grow the balance without penalty.
- John Wasiliev
October
- Opinion
- Smart Investor
What’s the best way to transfer super to a surviving spouse?
In some cases, no formal death benefit nomination could be the best option because it provides flexibility.
- John Wasiliev
- Opinion
- Smart Investor
At last, Labor has a plan for legacy pension exits
After years of delay, the federal government has produced regulations that will release retirees from restrictive legacy pensions.
- John Wasiliev
September
- Opinion
- Opinion
How to maximise pension payments if one spouse is younger
Keeping a younger spouse’s super in accumulation phase can have the benefit of improving the age pension entitlement of the other person.
- John Wasiliev
- Opinion
- Opinion
I’m 74 and want to run my $10m SMSF with less fuss
A wealth manager can help you with investment strategy, administration and accounting. But choose wisely by checking their qualifications.
- John Wasiliev
Help! I’m trapped in my legacy pension product
A reader with $4.3 million in superannuation wants to know how he can exit an outdated, market-linked pension.
- John Wasiliev
August
My short-term memory is a worry – should I close my DIY super fund?
Many retirees with SMSFs worry about diminished capacity as they get older – this is what to do.
- John Wasiliev
With $3.2m super, this couple wants a transition to retirement
Where one person is already retired and the other is still working full-time, what is the best way to manage retirement savings?
- Updated
- John Wasiliev
Couples go under the radar when it comes to gifting rules
It means they will not face age pension cuts when moving super between their accounts to maximise opportunities.
- John Wasiliev
My wife can’t work any more – how do we handle her insurance payout?
The tax rules on super policy payments are complicated when you’re younger – this is how they work.
- John Wasiliev
- Opinion
- Smart Investor
Can I access my super if I sell my business and go part-time?
Even if you have not yet turned 65, you may be eligible to start a transition-to-retirement pension.
- John Wasiliev
July
- Opinion
- Smart Investor
Why the beach house might be cramping your retirement style
Holiday homes are great, but they don’t produce retirement income and might limit your age pension payments.
- John Wasiliev
Can I put $360,000 into super before my divorce settlement?
A reader getting $1.9 million from her ex-husband’s super fund wants advice on maximising her savings and the $15,000 she already has in her fund.
- John Wasiliev
Can we put $2.9m from a property sale into super?
You can – but you must tick these boxes first.
- John Wasiliev
A holiday home in my name means my husband gets no age pension
Doing her parents a favour years ago has created a retirement income headache.
- John Wasiliev
June
Can I start a pension and put the income back into super?
A couple want to maximise their savings in the most tax-effective way before they both retire.
- John Wasiliev
My $1.25m super fund can’t pay me enough income
An 84-year-old is facing liquidity problems with minimum annual pension payments – but there are solutions.
- John Wasiliev
What to do with $400,000 inheritance when you have no super
A windfall could give a woman living in her daughter’s granny flat access to three income streams.
- John Wasiliev
