While the hustle and bustle of operating and managing a business can occupy your mind, it’s important not to forget your superannuation obligations to your employees. Those who fail to meet their super obligations risk facing severe and even damaging liabilities, penalties and even potential imprisonment. Are you aware of your obligations? Employees (after entering…
Have you ever wondered what happens to superannuation when someone claims bankruptcy? Bankruptcy is a legal process that can be commenced when you are declared unable to pay your debts. It is a process that can release you from most debts, provide relief and allow you to make a fresh start. However, bankruptcy is not…
The superannuation gender gap has been a subject of serious concern for at least half of Australia’s population. Women are more likely to have significantly less money saved for their retirement, less assets and far less super than men, putting them in a place of greater financial stress and concern. For example, a woman in…
In some circumstances, superannuation contributions can be claimed on your tax return if made to a super fund or retirement savings account. However, these circumstances are limited and may require professional advice to maximise the benefits. Superannuation contributions paid by your employers directly to your super fund from your before-income tax cannot be claimed. These…
There’s been a lot of buzz around superannuation since the 2023-24 Federal Budget was announced. One such buzz involves the concept of ‘payday super’. Payday super has been introduced by the government to avoid the discrepancies that those in lower-paid, casual and insecure work often encounter with their superannuation compared to others in more secure…
If you’re a trustee of a self-managed super fund, some reasons or circumstances could have emerged that may result in you wanting to get out of that fund. These may be personal circumstances (such as a divorce or another trustee dying), financial reasons (investments not performing as they should or you aren’t taking a pension…
Last week, the government announced a change to superannuation, introducing a new tax that will apply to member balances above $3 million. From July 1, 2025, super earnings over $3 million will be taxed at 30 per cent, double the current rate of 15 per cent. According to the government, this change aims to ensure…
No matter the kind of super fund you opt for, or how it has been performing, you will be subject to super fees. Understanding how these fees work and the difference they can make to your nest egg is vital. When it comes to super fund fees, there are two factors you need to get…
Contractors who run their own business and sell their services to others have different obligations to their super than what employees in a business may usually have. A contractor (also known as an independent contractor, a subcontractor, or a subbie) who is paid wholly or principally for their labour is considered to be an employee…
Downsizing during retirement can help you reduce costs and put some more money in your pocket so that you feel more secure about your finances during retirement. Downsizing by selling your property has advantages and disadvantages, which you should evaluate before making this decision. Advantages Increased cash flow: Downsizing should reduce your mortgage payments and…