Welcome to the August issue of Financial Insights and Updates.
Our video this month, ‘Superannuation death benefits dispute sparks questions on super funds’ ‘governing rules’‘, discusses the legal dispute that erupted over the bequeathment of the superannuation death benefits of deceased Victorian court clerk Ashleigh Petrie, where the super fund did not comply with the nomination made by Ashleigh because it did not comply with the governing rules of binding nominations. Our article ‘A look inside superannuation death nominations‘ provides a similar example and then looks at who can be nominated as a beneficiary and about donating to charity.
Other interesting articles this month include ‘Mistakes to avoid when markets are turbulent’ which provides 3 mistakes that are easy to avoid and yet could be costly, and ‘The impact of tax deductions on investment property‘ which looks at tax deductions and offsets available for investment properties.
As always, feel free to forward any articles to friends and/or family that you feel may benefit from the information.
In signing off, please remember that we are always available to answer any questions or queries you may have and to come speak with us before making any major investment decisions.
Warm regards,
The Wealth Connexion Team
Feature Video:
Superannuation death benefits dispute sparks questions on super funds’ ‘governing rules’


A look inside superannuation death nominations
We have seen versions of this scenario many times:
Josh is 32 years old. A few years ago, after many years of saving, Josh moved into his first home, leaving his mum who had raised him as a single parent. Josh had signed a binding death benefit nomination giving his superannuation to his mum, but he did not make a Will… after all, he didn’t have many assets so he reasoned that he didn’t need a will – after he is only 32!
Soon after, Josh meets a new partner who moves in with him – quickly. Then, just five months later, very sadly, Josh passes away suddenly.
Who do you think would – or should – be left with his superannuation?

Mistakes to avoid when markets are turbulent
These three common mistakes are easy to avoid. Making them could be costly.
Sharp down turns on global financial markets are always unsettling.

Most Australians are failing the retirement test
Here are four basic retirement questions many people struggle to answer correctly.
They are four fairly basic statements related to Australia’s retirement income system that every working and retired person should ideally be able to answer correctly as either true or false.

The pros and cons of taking the DIY super route
Having your own super fund provides more control, but they’re not for everyone.
The number of Australians choosing to manage their own superannuation investments – both before and during retirement – has been progressively increasing over time.

The impact of tax deductions on investment property
Property is a popular investment asset that contains a number of significant advantages including income generation, capital growth, resistance to major market downturns and substantial tax deductions.
Although tax deductions and offsets shouldn’t be the key reason to invest in property, if you have purchased a property make sure that you use every concession available to you.

Why financial wellbeing is a pillar of good health
Much like exercise and eating well, your financial wellbeing is key to living a happy and healthy life.
So what is financial wellbeing and how can you improve yours?

Protect your income if you’re unable to work
Income protection insurance pays part of your lost income if you’re unable to work because of a disability caused by illness or injury. It can help pay the bills so you can focus on getting better.