Retirement is an exciting milestone, but many Australians are surprised to learn that retiring is only the first step. The next big decision is how to turn your superannuation into an income that can support your lifestyle for decades to come. The good news? You have options. The most common retirement income strategies are an account-based pension, a lifetime annuity, a lump sum withdrawal, or a combination of these approaches. The right solution depends on your personal cir

Markets Move Higher as Global Tensions Ease June was a generally positive month for financial markets, supported by easing geopolitical tensions and improving investor confidence. A peace agreement between the United States and Iran helped reduce concerns about disruptions to global energy supplies, leading to lower oil prices and easing some inflation pressures. At the same time, investors remained focused on economic data, company earnings and the outlook for interest rates

From 1 July 2026, several key superannuation limits will increase due to indexation. These changes follow a period of stable limits in the 2025–26 financial year and may affect how much you can contribute and your eligibility for certain rules. Below is a comparison of the current limits and what is changing. Concessional contribution cap (before‑tax contributions) Concessional contributions include employer Super Guarantee (SG), salary sacrifice, and personal contributions y

As 30 June approaches, it’s a good time to take stock of your finances and make sure everything is on track. The end of the financial year (EOFY) often presents a range of opportunities to review your position, manage tax outcomes and keep your long‑term plans moving in the right direction. While not every option will be relevant to you, understanding what’s available can help you make confident, informed decisions. A Focus on Superannuation Contributions Superannuation remai

A Month of Recovery, With Inflation Still in the Spotlight April was a broadly positive month for investment markets around the world. Share markets rebounded from a difficult March, but rising inflation and geopolitical uncertainty remained firmly in focus. Australian Shares — Technology Leads, Health Care Lags The Australian share market rose 2.2% in April, with seven of its eleven sectors finishing higher. Technology was the standout, surging 13.2%, while listed property

The Australian Government handed down its Federal Budget on 12 May 2026, announcing a wide-ranging package of tax, superannuation, health and aged care measures. Whether you are working, approaching retirement, or already enjoying it, there is likely something in this Budget that touches your financial life. Here is a clear summary of the key announcements. Tax Cuts Already on the Way Tax cuts that have already been legislated will see the lowest marginal tax rate — the rate

For many retirees, Centrelink concession cards are often seen as a “nice extra” rather than a core part of retirement planning. But when you look closely at the numbers—particularly here in Queensland —these cards can be worth thousands of dollars each year in reduced living costs. Understanding what each card provides, and how the benefits stack together, can make a meaningful difference to your cash flow in retirement. The Three Main Centrelink Concession Cards Below, we f

March 2026 proved to be one of the most volatile months for financial markets in recent years, as geopolitical shocks, stubborn inflation and tightening financial conditions combined to deliver sharp losses across most asset classes. At the centre of market turbulence was a rapid escalation in Middle Eastern conflict and the closure of a major global shipping lane, which sent energy prices soaring to levels not seen since 2020. This supply shock reignited inflation concerns g

March 2026 | Investment Update Recent headlines from the Middle East have understandably raised concerns for investors. With ongoing conflict between the US, Israel and Iran, news coverage has been intense — and in times like these, it’s natural to wonder what it all means for markets and your investments. Here’s our perspective on what’s happening, what history tells us, and how portfolios are being positioned through this period. Markets are reacting — but not panicking Des

Markets came into March on a reasonably solid footing, but with rising uncertainty. February saw Australian shares perform well, global markets move in different directions, and bonds quietly do their job as a stabiliser. Since then, escalating conflict in the Middle East has become the dominant new risk investors are watching closely. Overall, markets are balancing three big forces: Sticky inflation and interest rates Slowing but still positive economic growth Heightened geo

23 February 2026 1. The Ongoing Debate: Will the CGT Discount Change? Speculation surrounding Australia’s 50% Capital Gains Tax (CGT) discount has intensified in recent months, with government leaders repeatedly declining to rule out changes ahead of the May 2026 Federal Budget. Media reports reveal ongoing internal discussions about whether the discount—described as one of Australia’s most controversial tax concessions—should be wound back to help address housing affordabil

January delivered a mixed yet broadly resilient start to 2026. Australian equities outperformed global peers, commodities surged, and early signs of economic re‑acceleration began to appear domestically. However, sticky inflation, higher yields, and geopolitical tensions kept markets cautious. Market Overview Australian Equities Lead Global Peers The S&P/ASX 200 rose 1.8%, supported by strong commodity prices, while small caps outperformed with a 2.7% gain. Energy and Mate

As we step into January 2026, markets have done what they often do at year-end: pause, rebalance, and start pricing the “next chapter.” As 2025 drew to a close, markets delivered a reassuring message: despite volatility, diversification worked. December itself was mixed, but importantly, every major asset class delivered positive returns over the year for the first time since the COVID period — a solid foundation as investors turn their attention to what comes next. December

As 2025 draws to a close, financial markets are catching their breath after a year of strong gains and shifting dynamics. Global markets paused in November after a strong year, as uncertainty around U.S. economic data and the Federal Reserve’s interest rate path weighed on sentiment. Developed market equities were broadly flat, with the MSCI World Index up 0.2%, while U.S. equities edged higher (S\&P 500 +0.1%) despite a robust earnings season where over 80% of companies beat

Following our recent article HERE on how superannuation benefits are taxed when passed to beneficiaries, one strategy worth exploring in more detail is the withdrawal and re-contribution strategy. This approach can be a powerful tool for improving estate planning outcomes and reducing tax for non-tax dependent beneficiaries. What Is a Withdrawal and Re-Contribution Strategy? A withdrawal and re-contribution strategy involves: Withdrawing a portion (or all) of your superannu

Global equity markets continued their positive momentum in October, with major indices posting gains despite ongoing geopolitical and economic uncertainties. The S&P/ASX 200 rose by 0.4%, while global equities, as measured by the MSCI World Index (AUD), climbed 3.3%. Emerging markets outperformed developed markets, with the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (AUD) up 5.5%. Sector Performance: Winners and Losers Australian Equities Materials (+4.3%): Led the gains, buoyed by rising

In our last article, we discussed who you can nominate as a beneficiary on your superannuation account and the tax treatment of your superannuation beneficiary nomination. If you missed that article, you can access it HERE . Scenario 1: Superannuation Passed from One Spouse to Another A spouse (married or de facto) is an eligible beneficiary and considered a SIS Dependant. A spouse is also a Tax Dependant. All benefits paid to a spouse are tax-free, regardless of the superann

September capped off a quarter of positive returns across most major asset classes, as easing trade tensions and a global focus on artificial intelligence (AI) buoyed investor sentiment. However, volatility persisted, with sector performance diverging sharply and macroeconomic signals remaining mixed. Key Highlights Global technology stocks—especially those linked to AI dominated headlines and drove much of the positive momentum. Emerging markets outperformed developed mark

In our last article, we discussed the types of beneficiary nominations available to superannuation investors. If you missed our last...

August saw global and Australian markets continue their upward momentum, but with notable divergences across sectors and regions....