Ask Noel

At your age placing the money into super is the best strategy because earnings within the fund are taxed at just 15 per cent, which would be well below your marginal rate. If you are both working you will not be able to claim a tax deduction for a concessional contribution but you could consider salary sacrificing a substantial amount and making up the shortfall in your pay packet by drawing on your savings. This would be an effective way of getting money into super as a tax deduction. Whether you invest in shares through your super fund, or borrow for an investment property in your own names, is something you will have to decide for yourself. Keep in mind the limits on contributions if you invest in super.

I'm turning 55 in a couple of months time and no longer working. I've built up $500,000 in my self-managed super fund. Most of my money is in the fund hence I have minimum taxable income. Should I convert my account into pension mode to save tax? If so, do I need to wait until the end of this financial year or as soon as I turn 55?

You cannot start your pension until you are 55 but bear in mind that the price of starting the pension is the requirement that you start to draw down from your fund. If you find that you have excess funds because of the minimum draw-down requirements, you could always re-contribute to a separate accumulation account. This will enable you to preserve your retirement savings for as long as possible.

I have $83,000 in super and have not taken any money out of super in 12 months, yet I have dropped $1000 in that time. Would I be better off putting my money in a term deposit at 6 per cent for five years? What would I have to pay in tax? I get $549 a fortnight pension.

Moving your money to cash will protect you against any more falls due to market movements but over time the value of the funds will be eroded by inflation. Your best strategy depends on what other assets you have. The main reason to hold money in super is to save tax, so a major factor will be the effect a withdrawal of your funds from super would have on your overall tax position.

I read your comments about paying $1000 a year into a fund for children from birth and the possible financial outcomes for when they reach 18. I've started a fortnightly payment of about $1000 a year. Our baby is due in December. I intend to keep this going for my child after birth. What should we invest in? I'm putting it into a savings account at present.

A savings account is fine while the capital is small but recent budget changes mean you will suffer a punitive tax on the interest once it exceeds $416 a year. This is why I prefer investment bonds, which are tax-paid investments, with the fund paying tax at 30 per cent a year on the holder's behalf. Because the earnings accrue in the form of bonuses, there is nothing to declare on anybody's tax return each year and they can be transferred to the child without capital-gains tax when appropriate in the future.

Noel Whittaker AM is a co-founder of Whittaker Macnaught. Advice is

general and readers should seek their own professional advice.Contact noel.whittaker@whittaker macnaught.com.au.

Questions to: Ask Noel, Money, GPO Box 2571, Qld, 4000, or see moneymanager.com.au/ask-an-expert.