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It’s super hump month. Make the most of it

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Fundamentally they involved increases to the statutory amounts individuals can contribute into their super every financial year.

The annual limit on concessional contributions, which are only taxed at 15%, was lifted from $27,500 to $30,000. Separately, the annual limit on non-concessional (after-tax) contributions was lifted from $110,000 to $120,000.

Now that we’re already almost six months into this financial year it’s worth evaluating whether you’re making the most of the changes that came into effect. A few basic adjustments to your current super contributions strategy could not only result in income tax savings but also lead to a higher super account balance.

So, what can you potentially do to get more into your super? Here’s six options.

 

Option 1

Start a salary sacrifice plan with your employer to direct some of your pre-tax salary into your super account. To set one up, arrange with your employer for them to pay either a set dollar amount or fixed percentage amount of your pre-tax salary into your super account every payday. As super contributions are only taxed at a 15% rate this will likely mean you pay less tax on your total income. Even small regular extra contribution amounts can add up to significant amounts as your retirement savings compound over time. Keep in mind that any salary sacrifice contributions you make are added to the regular compulsory Superannuation Guarantee payments made by your employer. As noted, the annual limit for all concessional contributions is now $30,000 and there are tax penalties for exceeding this limit.

 

Option 2

An alternative to an employer salary sacrifice arrangement is to use after-tax money to deposit funds directly into your account. In doing so, you may be able to claim a tax deduction in your next tax return given that concessional contributions are taxed at 15%. However, to claim a deduction, you must complete an Australian Tax Office (ATO) form advising your super fund. You must also receive an acknowledgement from your super fund. Both these things will need to happen before you lodge your 2024-25 tax return. The same rules apply as for salary sacrifice arrangements. That is, the annual limit for all concessional contributions is $30,000 and tax penalties apply for exceeding this limit.

 

Option 3

You may have another option available that will enable you to get more concessional contributions into your super account before 30 June. You may be allowed to carry over any unused concessional contributions from the previous five financial years. The qualifications are that you must have made concessional contributions in the financial year that exceed the $30,000 annual concessional contributions limit and your total super balance was below $500,000 as at June 30 of the last financial year. You can view and manage your concessional contributions and carry-forward concessional contributions by accessing the ATO’s online services by logging into your myGov website account.

 

Option 4

If you’re expecting to come into some extra money before the end of this financial year, perhaps from the sale of a property or other assets, another option is to keep some of the proceeds aside and direct them into your super as an after-tax contribution. This may suit people closer to retirement age who may want to get more money into their super. After age 60, if you have stopped work and access your super as a pension income stream, your investment earnings and the payments you receive are tax free. A tax deduction can’t be claimed on non-concessional contributions. As noted, the non-concessional contributions limit in a single financial year is $120,000. However, under what’s known as the “three-year bring-forward rule”, you may be able to make a $360,000 non-concessional contribution in one financial year. You’re then unable to make further non-concessional contributions for the next three financial years.

 

Option 5

While strictly speaking this option isn’t tied to the financial year, you may be able to contribute up to $300,000 into your super fund using proceeds from selling your principal place of residence if you’re aged 55 or older. Couples can contribute up to $300,000 into their super each. Downsizer contributions form part of the tax-free component in your super fund. It can be made in addition to non-concessional super contributions and doesn’t count towards the annual contributions limit. There are a range of conditions around downsizer contributions, and it’s prudent to check these on the ATO website. Also consider seeking tailored advice from a licensed financial adviser.

 

Option 6

The ATO also allows couples to split up to 85% of their concessional contributions each financial year. Super splitting can be done at any age, but a spouse must be either less than 60 years old (which is known as the preservation age) or aged between 60 and 65 years, and not retired. Couples wanting to split their super contributions first need to check whether their super fund allows it. The full guidelines around contributions splitting, including eligibility and the application form that needs to be completed, are available on the ATO website.

 

Consider an adviser

Super and retirement planning is a complex area.

Take care to understand the contributions types and limits carefully as there are significant tax penalties for exceeding the applicable contributions caps.

There are also aged-based limits on contributing into super.

If you’re unsure about your super options and need some advice, consider consulting a licensed financial adviser.

 

Important information and general advice warning

Vanguard Super Pty Ltd (ABN 73 643 614 386 / AFS Licence 526270) (the Trustee) is the trustee of Vanguard Super (ABN 27923449966) and the issuer of Vanguard Super products. The Trustee has contracted Vanguard Investments Australia Ltd (ABN 72 072 881 086 / AFS Licence 227263) (VIA) to provide some services to members of Vanguard Super. Any general advice is provided by VIA. The Trustee and VIA are both wholly owned subsidiaries of The Vanguard Group, Inc. (collectively, "Vanguard"). The retirement savings tips provided above are general in nature and don’t take into account your personal financial objectives, situation or needs. You should consider your objectives, financial situation or needs, and the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) before making any decision about Vanguard Super. The PDS and TMD can also be accessed free of charge by calling 1300 655 101. Before you make any financial decision regarding Vanguard Super, you may wish to seek professional advice from a suitably qualified adviser. Any past performance information is given for illustrative purposes only and should not be relied upon as, and is not, an indication of future performance. The information above is current as at time of publication and was prepared in good faith and we accept no liability for any errors or omissions. ©2024 Vanguard Investments Australia Ltd. All rights reserved.

©2024 Vanguard Investments Australia Ltd. All rights reserved.

 

 

Tony Kaye
4 December 2024
vanguard.com.au

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Michael Campbell

Role Credentials

Michael Campbell

Michael Campbell is the founding Director of Portfolio Professionals. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional with a wealth of experience, having commenced in the financial services industry in 1996.

Michael began his financial planning career with Colonial First State and then moved to Sunsuper. At Sunsuper Michael was responsible for establishing and building their financial planning arm. During Michael’s time at the helm the number of clients grew from one to many hundreds.

Michael then went to ING where he was the State Manager for Distribution. During his time with ING, Michael used his planning skills and managerial skills to help planners to improve their business.

Michael’s passion for planning and helping clients has driven him to form Portfolio Professionals. He strives to help clients empower themselves with strategies and advice that makes sense.

Michael Campbell

Michael Campbell

Senior Financial Adviser Dip. Fin Plan., BEd., BEcon., MBA (Accounting), CFP®, ASCPA

Michael Campbell

Michael Campbell is the founding Director of Portfolio Professionals. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional with a wealth of experience, having commenced in the financial services industry in 1996.

Michael began his financial planning career with Colonial First State and then moved to Sunsuper. At Sunsuper Michael was responsible for establishing and building their financial planning arm. During Michael’s time at the helm the number of clients grew from one to many hundreds.

Michael then went to ING where he was the State Manager for Distribution. During his time with ING, Michael used his planning skills and managerial skills to help planners to improve their business.

Michael’s passion for planning and helping clients has driven him to form Portfolio Professionals. He strives to help clients empower themselves with strategies and advice that makes sense.

Patricia Kristjansson

Patricia Kristjansson

Senior Financial Adviser Dip. Fin Plan., BBus (Marketing), BEcon., Grad Dip Fin Mkts

Patricia Kristjansson

Tricia has been with the team since 2013.

She has held a number of roles within the Financial Planning industry over the past 28 years.

Tricia commenced her career with a large Insurance and Superannuation company before moving into a Financial Planning role with a large Queensland Financial Planning practice. Tricia enjoyed providing tailored financial plans aiming at helping her clients achieve their financial goals.

Tricia then moved into senior management roles where she performed specialised support within Funds Management and Marketing.

Tricia has qualifications to support her practical experience. She holds a Bachelor of Economics, a Bachelor of Business (Marketing), a Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Markets and a Diploma of Financial Planning.

Tricia enjoys helping clients to achieve their financial goals.

Kim Tran

Kim Tran

Senior Financial Adviser Dip. Fin Plan., B.Comm., GradDip (Inv & Fin), CFP®

Kim Tran

Kim joined Portfolio Professionals in 2023. Kim has been a financial adviser since 1999, starting her career with Lend Lease Financial Services, which eventually became NAB. She remained with them for 20 years.

Kim builds strong relationships with her clients, with many having started their planning journey with her over a decade ago. She enjoys providing comprehensive, holistic advice after realising the difference it can make in her client’s lives.

Kim’s goal is help clients make sound financial decisions today so that they can have the retirement they deserve in the future.

She is a Certified Financial Planner and has completed her Diploma of Financial Planning as well as a Bachelor of Commerce and a Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance and Investment.

Kim is a highly qualified and experienced financial planner who is passionate about helping her clients achieve their financial goals.

Holly Hudson

Holly Hudson

Client Services Coordinator

Holly Hudson

Holly has 3 years’ experience in Financial Services, Holly’s role is to assist our clients and the advice team in delivering high quality service that exceeds their expectations.

Holly is quite often the person our clients talk to first when they call, she prides herself on ensuring that they receive a great experience and have their questions answered.

Outside of work Holly is continuing her education through university studies and is very active in the community.

Ken Bunney

Ken Bunney

Private Client Adviser Bachelor of Business, Advanced Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning), Certified Financial Planner

Ken Bunney

Ken joined Portfolio Professionals / My Super Future in January 2022. Ken has been a financial adviser since 2004, starting his career with NAB Financial Planning, where he remained until 2021.

Ken builds strong relationships with his clients, with many having started their planning journey with him over a decade ago. Ken provides comprehensive, holistic advice, realising the difference it can make in his client’s lives.

Ken is a highly experienced financial adviser who is passionate about helping his clients make sound financial decisions today so they can enjoy the financial freedom they deserve in the future.

He is degree qualified (Bachelor of Business, Accounting major), with an Advanced Diploma of Financial Services, and is also a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).

Memberships

Financial Advice Association of Australia (FAAA)

Brett Matheson

Brett Matheson

Personal Risk Adviser Diploma of Financial Planning, Diploma of Management.

Brett Matheson

Brett has over 35 years’ experience within the financial services industry. His work experience is extensive and has included a variety of roles in the financial services industry. His customer service philosophy has never changed and remains simple; He will provide quality professional advice and will work with you to develop a strategy tailored to your business and personal needs and being there for you when it counts at claim time.

As a member of the Portfolio Professional, Brett has the knowledge and experience to assist you in determining the most effective protection solutions for you and your business.

Roger Abbott

Roger Abbott

Chief Executive Officer Diploma of Financial Services (Financial Planning), Margin Lending

Roger Abbott

With nearly 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, Roger has had the privilege of leading and managing large teams across major corporate environments. Over the years, Roger has developed a deep understanding of what clients truly value in a financial relationship, clarity, trust, and genuine connection.

At Portfolio Professionals, Roger now leads a boutique firm that brings us closer to our clients and their goals. Our environment is built on personal relationships and tailored advice, where clients consistently tell us they feel more confident and secure about their financial future.

Whether it’s through a single meeting or a partnership that spans decades, our team is committed to ensuring every client walks away feeling better off. We also collaborate with like-minded professionals in mortgage broking and estate planning to provide a seamless, full lifecycle financial experience

Lily Tabari

Lily Tabari

Paraplanning Operations Specialist Diploma of Financial Planning

Lily Tabari

With over 11 years of experience in the financial services industry, Lily has spent the past 6 years supporting financial planning teams across a range of roles. She works closely with advisers to ensure the smooth delivery of high-quality advice by preparing documentation, managing client workflows, and maintaining compliance standards.

Throughout her career, Lily has developed a strong understanding of the financial planning process and takes pride in delivering reliable and detail-oriented support that helps clients move confidently toward their financial goals.

Lily enjoys being part of a team that values client outcomes and is committed to making a positive impact in people’s lives.

Advice Warning

This website is intended to provide general information only and has been prepared by Portfolio Professionals ABN 28 138 147 896 (Authorised Representative No. 339850) without taking into account any particular person’s objectives, financial situation or needs. Investors should, before acting on this information, consider the appropriateness of this information having regard to their personal objectives, financial situation or needs. We recommend investors obtain financial advice specific to their situation before making any financial investment or insurance decision.

My Super Future Limited AFSL 411440 is located at 2/15 Mayneview Street, Milton QLD 4064.

Complaint Resolution

If you have any complaints about the service provided to you, you should take the following steps.

Contact us and tell us about your complaint.

If you adviser has not satisfactorily resolve your complaint within 3 days, please contact our Complaint Resolutions team at the following address:

Complaint Resolutions Manager
My Super Future Limited
PO Box 10478
BRISBANE ADELAIDE STREET QLD 4000

Please mark the envelope “Notice of Complaint”.

If your concerns haven’t been resolved to your satisfaction you can lodge a complaint with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA):

Website: afca.org.au

Email: info@afca.org.au

Telephone: 1800 931 678 (free call)

In writing to: Australian Financial Complaints Authority, GPO Box 3, Melbourne, VIC, 3001

AFCA provides fair and independent financial services complaint resolution that’s free to consumers.

Time limits may apply to lodge a complaint with AFCA, so you should act promptly. You can check the AFCA website to find out if a time limit applies or when the time limit relevant to your circumstances expires.

Privacy

The privacy of your personal information is important to us at Portfolio Professionals Pty Ltd (Portfolio Professionals). We are required to comply with the Australian Privacy Principles. We will always seek to comply with the Australian Privacy Principles as well as other applicable laws affecting your personal information.

This privacy policy outlines our policy on how we manage your personal information. It also sets out generally what sort of personal information we hold, for what purposes and how we collect, hold, use and disclose that information.

Collecting Your Personal Information

Your personal information will be collected and held by Portfolio Professionals, who is an authorised representative of Godfrey Pembroke Limited trading, an Australian Financial Services Licensee, for the purposes of

You can let us know at any time if you no longer wish to receive direct marketing offers. Contact us on (07) 3871 1671. We will process your request as soon as practicable.

To enable your financial adviser to provide you with financial advice you request that is suitable for your investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs we need to obtain and hold personal information about you. This includes:

The personal information collected may include sensitive information such as health information and memberships of professional or trade associations.

If it is reasonable and practicable we will only collect your personal information from you. Generally your personal information will be collected when you meet with your adviser in person, provide your adviser with information over the telephone or with written material. We may need to collect personal information from third parties, such as your accountant.

We may receive personal information about you when we have taken no active steps to collect that information. We destroy all unsolicited personal information, unless the personal information is relevant to our purposes for collecting personal information.

How Your Personal Information is Held

Your personal information is generally held in client files or a computer database. Your personal information may also be held in a secure archiving facility.

We take reasonable steps to ensure that the personal information that we hold is protected from misuse and loss and from unauthorised access, modification and disclosure. Some of the measures that we have adopted are having facilities for the secure storage of personal information, having secure offices and access controls for our computer systems.

We will also take reasonable steps to destroy or permanently de-identify personal information that we no longer need for any purpose for which it may be used or disclosed under the Australian Privacy Principles.

Using and Disclosing Your Personal Information

Your personal information may be disclosed for purposes related to the provision of the financial advice you have requested. The types of service providers that may be provided with your personal information are:

In addition to the purposes of collection set out above, your personal information may also be used in connection with such purposes.

We will seek to ensure that your personal information is not used or disclosed for any purpose other than:

We may disclose your personal information to third parties who provide services to us, in which case we will seek to ensure that the personal information is held, used or disclosed consistently with the Australian Privacy Principles.

Organisations outside Australia

Currently, we do not share your information with organisations outside Australia.

We may store your information in the cloud or other types of networked or electronic storage. As electronic or networked storage can be accessed from various countries via an internet connection, it’s not always practicable to know in which country your information may be held. If your information is stored in this way, disclosures may occur in countries other than those listed. Overseas organisations may be required to disclose information we share with them under a foreign law. In those instances, we will not be responsible for that disclosure.

We will not send personal information to recipients outside of Australia unless:

Accessing your Personal Information

You can gain access to your personal information that we hold. This is subject to exceptions allowed by law such as where providing you with access would have an unreasonable impact upon the privacy of others. If we deny a request for access we will provide you with the reasons for this decision. To request access please contact us (see “Contacting Us and Privacy Issues” below).

Correcting Your Personal Information

We take reasonable steps to ensure that the personal information that we collect, use or disclose is accurate, complete and up-to-date. If you believe that any of the personal information that we hold is not accurate, complete or up-to-date please contact us (see “Contacting Us and Privacy Issues” below) and provide us with evidence that it is not accurate, complete and up-to-date.

If we agree that the personal information requires correcting we will take reasonable steps to do so. If we do not correct your personal information we will provide you with the reasons for not correcting your personal information. If you request that we associate with the information a statement claiming that the information is not accurate, complete and up-to-date we will take reasonable steps to comply with this request.

Contacting Us and Privacy Issues

You can obtain further information on request about the way in which we manage the personal information that we hold or you can raise any privacy issues with us, including a complaint about privacy, by contacting us using the details below. We are committed to resolving your complaint.

Michael Campbell

Financial Adviser

PO Box 1350 DC

TOOWONG QLD 4066

(07) 3871 1671

If you still feel your issue hasn’t been resolved to your satisfaction, then you can escalate your privacy concerns to AFCA or the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA)

Website: afca.org.au

Email: info@afca.org.au

Telephone: 1800 931 678 (free call)

In writing to: Australian Financial Complaints Authority, GPO Box 3, Melbourne, VIC, 3001

AFCA provides fair and independent financial services complaint resolution that’s free to consumers.

Time limits may apply to lodge a complaint with AFCA, so you should act promptly. You can check the AFCA website to find out if a time limit applies or when the time limit relevant to your circumstances expires.

Office of the Australian Information Commissioner

Online: www.oaic.gov.au/privacy

Phone: 1300 363 992

Email: enquiries@oaic.gov.au

GPO Box 5218, Sydney NSW 2001, Australia