Articles by Lara Caughey

Death benefits, Documentation

Limit attorneys to prevent BDBN changes

Attorney, BDBN, EPOA, binding death benefit nomination, Cooper Grace Ward, Scott Hay-Bartlem, enduring power of attorney, authorisations, SMSF trust deed, conflict

An attorney with unchecked authority is able to alter BDBNs, but SMSF documentation can force them to act within limits chosen by the trustees.

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Administration, Documentation

Lost paper trail calls for new fund

A new SMSF may be the best option for trustees unable to locate key documents to support the operation of an existing fund

A new SMSF may be the best option for trustees unable to locate key documents to support the operation of an existing fund.

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Investments, Superannuation, Tax

Financial services stability welcomed

The 2025 federal budget has been recognised for providing stability for the financial services industry in anticipation of the impending election.

The 2025 federal budget has been recognised for providing stability for the financial services industry in anticipation of the impending election.

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financial advice, Legislation

FAAA critical of DBFO proposals

The FAAA has called the next round of proposed DBFO changes disappointing given the time the government has had to work on the measures.

The FAAA has called the next round of proposed DBFO changes disappointing given the time the government has had to work on the measures.

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financial advice, Financial Planning, Retirement

Advice can offset retiree stress

Many Australians are concerned about their finances in retirement, but access to advice is available to many of them and they should seek it as soon as possible.

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financial advice, Pensions, Property, Retirement, SMSF, Superannuation

Debt-free retirement an advice opportunity

Financial advice to reduce mortgage advice will become increasingly crucial as more people carry debt into retirement.

Financial advice to reduce mortgage advice will become increasingly crucial as more people carry debt into retirement.

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financial advice, Investments, Property, SMSF, Superannuation

SMSFs stick with cash despite rate moves

RBA, ATO, Reserve Bank of Australia, Vado Private, Simon Arraj, SMSF assets, share market, credit,

SMSFs are holding onto cash despite a recent decline in term deposit and savings rates, which should prompt them to consider other sources of income.

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ATO, Retirement

Payday super consultation opens

Payday Superannuation legislation, ASFA, Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia, Mary Delahunty, ATO, retirement savings,

The government will continue its efforts to introduce payday superannuation and is seeking input from the sector after releasing draft legislation.

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ASIC, ATO, Auditing

ASIC sanctions 17 SMSF auditors

ASIC has cracked down on 17 SMSF auditors who failed to meet their compliance obligations, banning some and imposing various disciplinary measures on others.

ASIC has cracked down on 17 SMSF auditors who failed to meet their compliance obligations, banning some and imposing various disciplinary measures on others.

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Death benefits, financial advice, SMSF

Ambiguous BDBNs need legal specialists

Binding Death Benefit Nomination, BDBN, Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers, Hayley Mitchell, SMSF Association National Conference 2025,

Advisers must self-evaluate their capability to negotiate problems with BDBNs they create and if unsure delegate that work to legal specialists.

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