It is not just Australia that is looking very closely at the financial advice industry and its effect on retirement funds. The United States is also examining the issue closely as well.
The financial advice sector is making a come back, but there is a high level of dissatisfaction amongst some clients. Many also consider full service too costly.
Australia's superannuation system is going to fall short. DIY investors are on notice to be realistic about how long they will live. Is longevity insurance an option?
Up until now, the ATO has only had a big stick to punish DIY super funds that do the wrong thing. Closing them down. But soon there are likely to be fines for contraventions, meaning that the risks of..
Changes to come into effect on July 1 make it easier for the ATO to impose fines on self managed super trustees. Making sure that compliance is up to standard has become even more important. Some fine..
A report by SPAA shows that DIY super funds stayed heavily invested in cash in 2013, missing out on opportunities in the stock market. It also shows sharp growth in younger people setting up their own..
The government is asking for repsonses to a draft bill to change the Future of Financial Advice legislation that applies to how financial advisers are regulated. There is a risk it may be a green ligh..
SMSF investors should understand their own biases and tendencies if they are to make sound decisions. It is possible for very different people to do well, but self knowledge is key.
The ATO has cleared up some issues around SMSF investors borrowing to buy property. But should DIY fund managers go into the hot property market? A Senate enquiry will be looking at issues of affordab..
The high $A suggests that looking offshore has its attractions. But the fate of Australia's currency is determined by forces larger than the performance of the local economy, making its direction unpr..
SMSF investors are increasingly considering property for investment. Many are warning of the dangers, because trustees are in part relying on capital gains in what already seems an inflated market. Wh..
The Federal government is ideologically well disposed to SMSFs. Meanwhile, SMSF investors are looking offshore to take advantage of the high $A.