SMSFs

Many in retirement are travelling comfortably, with three key factors contributing to their happiness – good physical and mental health and enough money to enjoy life.

Labor is persisting with its proposal for a higher tax on the earnings of superannuation balances exceeding $3 million. If that isn’t bad enough, a coalition government with the Greens could see that threshold lowered.

For those who have a love of the past but find history books just too challenging (or boring), this approach, blending storytelling with time travel, is the perfect option.

Nestled in the foothills of Victoria’s Alps in the northeast, this historic gold town offers a rare blend of natural beauty, cultural richness and practical liveability.

Younger generations gleefully anticipating inheriting from their parents and grandparents need to take heed of the myriad potential capital gains and income tax traps.

From the wisdom of the ancients to Russian authors such as Fyodor Dostoevsky and Leo Tolstoy to “modern” authors such as George Orwell and Mark Twain, immersing yourself in great works of literature will be time well spent.

The Federal Government (with Opposition support) has introduced sweeping changes to the sector in a bid to ease pressure on the budget as the number of elderly Australians rises exponentially.

There’s nothing better than a leisurely conversation with a friend or family member over a cup of coffee or a beer (or two). Here’s some suggestions on how to get the best from these moments that can add great pleasure to seniors’ lives.

A wise man once said, “grandparents make the world a little softer, a little kinder and a little warmer”. Nowhere is this noble sentiment more evident than when they actively participate in helping the younger generation learn.

For many seniors, that classic British comedy, The Good Life, was their introduction to what it’s like to be self-sufficient. Back in the 1970s, it was something to laugh at, not emulate. Today more people are opting for the life of Tom and Barbara Good, just not in the London suburb of Surbiton.

Whether it’s the allure of the fresh sea air or the quieter lifestyle of an inland town, both have their advantages — and disadvantages. It ultimately depends on what best suits your lifestyle and wallet.

While the APRA funds benefited from a surge in overseas equity markets in 2022-23, over the past five years to June 30, 2023, SMSFs have outperformed them, on average, by 1.2 percentage points a year.