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Nick BruiningColumnist

Nick Bruining is an independent financial planner with 31 years experience. An economist by training, Nick is passionate about simplifying the complex world of finance and stripping away the spin and jargon to spell out what’s important.

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Who in their right mind would want to run a SMSF?

Almost all SMSFs I’ve seen have been set up on the advice of someone who stands to gain a pretty penny from their operation. Add to that the discipline and costs involved — and is it really worth the hassle?

Nick Bruining

Your MoneyCommentsPremiumThink you know how to run a SMSF? You don’t, and here’s why

Self-managed superannuation fund investors may be relying on luck rather than proven investment strategies to build their retirement nest eggs. Here’s where you’re probably going wrong.

Nick Bruining

Bruining Q+ACommentsPremiumDo I need to tell Centrelink every time I spend my money?

Q+A: There’s nothing better than enjoying your retirement with the odd getaway. But if you’re receiving an age pension, do you need to tell Centrelink every time you make a withdrawal to fund an adventure?

Nick Bruining

Your MoneyCommentsPremiumPensioner with spare rooms? You can make some tax-free cash

Pensioners with large homes full of empty bedrooms may be able to top up their pension payments with tax-free income, while at the same time making new friends from overseas. 

Nick Bruining

Bruining Q+ACommentsCan our daughter pay us rent without it cutting our pension?

Q+A: It’s tough to watch your kids go through hard times, and you might even suggest they move back home for support. But if they offer to pay you rent, will it affect your Centrelink age pension?

Nick Bruining

adviceAirbnb booking turns into a NOT-FUNNY comedy

Finance writer and adviser NICK BRUINING with a big warning

Nick Bruining

Your MoneyCommentsPremiumTax tips to help you hit October 31 deadline

There’s just four days left to meet the ATO’s tax return deadline of October 31. Forgot, panicked, don’t know where to start? Check out our essential guide to avoiding a run-in with the taxman.

Nick Bruining

Your MoneyCommentsPremiumIncredible places the ATO searches to catch out tax dodgers

Tempted to conveniently “forget” a few things when it comes time to record your income with the ATO? Here’s a list of the unusual places it will hunt for information and how far it will go to keep you honest.

Nick Bruining

Bruining Q+ACommentsPremiumIs my cash better off in a term deposit or super?

Q+A: Got a cash pile sitting in a term deposit? As we edge closer to a fall in returns as the RBA starts to cut interest rates, could that money be working harder for you in your super fund?

Nick Bruining

Your MoneyCommentsPremiumBig tax sting no one knows about in early access to super

A bike accident left Daniel Wright needing $67,000 of surgery. During his recovery, he filed his tax return and discovered early access to super to pay the bills had cost him a whole lot more. Here’s why.

Nick Bruining

Your MoneyCommentsPremiumWhen you can (and can’t) break into your super savings

Desperate to get your hands on some quick cash? Your superannuation savings may seem like a good option. Here’s when you may be able to tap into your nest egg and how much you can take out.

Nick Bruining

Bruining Q+ACommentsPremiumHelp, I’ve been burned by my stock broker! Can I get compo?

Q+A: Brokers can make big promises about what you’ll get for handing over your money. But what happens if the investment goes sideways? Here’s how to see if you’re entitled to compensation and how to get it.

Nick Bruining