Blog
All Cockatoo articles
Australian finance, property, insurance, and business explainers in one editorial archive.
Best ETFs in Australia
How to choose a great ETF in Australia — the main types, what to look for on fees and diversification, and a practical criteria checklist for comparing funds.
Best Performing Super Funds in Australia
How to judge a super fund the right way: long-term net returns, fees, insurance and service — not last year's headline number. A neutral guide to comparing funds.
Capital Gains Tax Calculator (Australia)
How to calculate capital gains tax in Australia by hand — the CGT formula, three worked examples including the 50% discount, and a step-by-step method you can follow yourself.
CGT and SMSF / Super
How capital gains tax works inside super and SMSFs — the 33.3% discount in accumulation phase, effectively nil CGT in pension phase, and what that means for timing asset sales.
CGT on Inherited Assets
How capital gains tax applies to inherited property and shares in Australia — cost base rules for the deceased estate, pre- and post-1985 assets, and the two-year main residence rule.
CGT on Investment Property
How capital gains tax works when you sell an investment property in Australia — building the cost base, improvements, depreciation clawback, the 50% discount and a full worked example.
CGT on Shares
How capital gains tax applies when you sell shares or ETFs in Australia — cost base, brokerage, the 50% discount, parcel selection and a full worked example.
CHESS-Sponsored vs Custodian
The two ways Australian brokers hold your shares — CHESS-sponsored (a HIN in your name) and the custodian model — explained, with the pros, cons and why the difference matters.
Corporate vs Individual Trustee
Every SMSF needs a trustee structure — individual trustees or a corporate trustee. Here is how they compare on cost, admin, penalties and succession, and how to choose.
Division 296: The $3 Million Super Tax
Division 296 adds an extra tax on earnings for super balances above $3 million. Here's how the new rules work, who they hit, and when the first bills land.
Downsizer Super Contribution
Australians aged 55 and over can put up to $300,000 each from the sale of their home into super — outside the usual caps. Here are the rules, timing, and how it interacts with other limits.
ETFs vs Managed Funds
ETFs and managed funds both pool investors' money, but they differ on fees, liquidity, transparency and minimums. Here's how to decide which suits you as an Australian investor.
How Much Do You Need to Start an SMSF?
There is no legal minimum to start an SMSF, but ASIC and industry guidance often cite around $200,000+ as the point where the fixed costs make sense. Here is how to work out your own breakeven.
How Much Money Do You Need to Retire in Australia?
Work out your retirement "number" from all income sources — super, the Age Pension and personal savings — using the ASFA benchmarks and simple income-versus-lump-sum thinking.
How Much Super Do I Need to Retire?
How big should your super balance be? We look at ASFA's lump-sum targets, average balances by age, and the contribution levers you can pull to close the gap before you retire.
How to Buy Shares in Australia (Beginners)
A step-by-step guide to buying your first shares in Australia — choosing a broker, opening an account, placing your first trade, and understanding settlement.
How to Invest in Shares in Australia: Beginner's Guide
A plain-English guide to investing in shares and ETFs in Australia — what they are, how the ASX and brokers work, the risks, and how to get started with your first investment.
How to Reduce / Minimise CGT (Legally)
Legitimate ways to reduce capital gains tax in Australia — holding past 12 months, timing the sale, using capital losses and making concessional super contributions.
How to Set Up an SMSF (Step by Step)
Setting up a self-managed super fund involves a trustee structure, a trust deed, ATO registration, a bank account and an investment strategy. Here is the full step-by-step process for 2026.
Investing in Shares Through an SMSF
How buying shares and ETFs inside a self-managed super fund works — the rules, the tax advantages, and what SMSF trustees need to get right when investing in equities.
Main Residence CGT Exemption & Six-Year Rule
Your home is usually exempt from capital gains tax in Australia. Here is how the full and partial main residence exemption works, plus the six-year absence rule for former homes.
Salary Sacrifice Super: How It Works
Salary sacrificing into super swaps your marginal tax rate for the 15% contributions rate. Here is how it works, a worked example, and how it fits within your concessional cap.
Self-Funded Retiree: What It Means
A self-funded retiree covers their own retirement income without the Age Pension. Here's what it takes, how it compares to the pension, and the role of franking credit refunds.
Shares vs Property in Australia
A balanced comparison of shares and property as investments in Australia — returns, liquidity, leverage, costs and tax, including capital gains tax on each.
SMSF Audit Requirements
Every SMSF must be independently audited each year by an approved SMSF auditor before it lodges. Here is what the audit covers, the timing, and what happens when a contravention is reported.
SMSF Costs & Fees: What You'll Actually Pay
Running an SMSF means fixed annual costs — accounting, audit, the ATO levy and sometimes ASIC fees — that do not shrink with a small balance. Here is what an SMSF actually costs in 2026.
SMSF Investment Strategy (with Template)
Every SMSF must have a written investment strategy covering diversification, liquidity, risk and insurance. Here is what it must include, plus a simple template outline you can copy.
SMSF Pension Phase: Paying a Pension
When SMSF members retire, the fund can start an account-based pension — unlocking tax-free earnings and nil CGT, but with minimum drawdowns and the transfer balance cap to manage. Here is how it works.
SMSF Property Investment & Borrowing (LRBA)
An SMSF can buy property and even borrow to do it through a limited recourse borrowing arrangement. Here are the rules, the risks and the compliance care an LRBA demands.
SMSF Trustee Responsibilities
As an SMSF trustee you are legally responsible for the fund — the sole purpose test, record-keeping, the investment strategy and compliance. Here are your duties and the penalties for getting them wrong.
SMSF vs Industry / Retail Super Fund
An SMSF gives you control and investment choice; an industry or retail fund gives you low-cost simplicity. Here is how they compare on cost, control, investment options, time and insurance.
Spouse Contributions & Contribution Splitting
Couples can even out their super balances and pick up a tax offset. Here is how spouse contributions and contribution splitting work, and when each is worth using.
Super Contribution Caps 2026–27
The concessional and non-concessional super contribution caps rise from 1 July 2026. Here are the new limits, the bring-forward and carry-forward rules, and how to use them without going over.
Superannuation Explained: How Super Works in Australia
A plain-English guide to how superannuation works in Australia: employer contributions, how super is taxed, choosing a fund, and when you can finally access your money.
Superannuation Guarantee Rate 2026 (& Payday Super)
The Super Guarantee rate is now 12%, and from 1 July 2026 employers must pay super every payday. Here is what the SG rate is, who it applies to, and what Payday Super changes.
The CGT Discount (50% & 12-Month Rule)
The 50% CGT discount halves the tax on gains for individuals who hold an asset more than 12 months. Here is who qualifies, the 33.3% super rate and a worked example.
Winding Up / Closing an SMSF
Closing a self-managed super fund is a defined process — pay out or roll over benefits, complete a final audit and return, then wind up per the deed. Here is how to close an SMSF properly.
Equipment Finance Australia (2026): Options, Costs & How to Apply
Fund vehicles, machinery and gear without draining cash flow. A plain-English guide to equipment finance in Australia — chattel mortgage, lease, hire purchase and rental compared.
Merchant Cash Advance Australia (2026): How It Works & Costs
A merchant cash advance gives Australian businesses fast capital repaid from daily card sales. Here's how it works, what it really costs, and when it beats a business loan.
Apps Like Beforepay & MyPayNow: Best Alternatives (2026)
Looking for apps like Beforepay or MyPayNow? Compare the best pay advance app alternatives in Australia on fees, limits, payout speed and approval — plus a free side-by-side cheatsheet.
Pay Advance Apps Australia (2026): Best, Fastest & Easiest
The best pay advance apps in Australia ranked by fees, speed and how easy they are to get approved — plus what "instant" really means and how to avoid the fee trap. Free comparison cheatsheet inside.
Wage Advance Australia (2026): Get Your Salary Early
How wage and salary advances work in Australia — employer programs vs apps, eligibility, real costs, and the cheapest way to access your pay early. Free comparison cheatsheet inside.
Choosing the Right Private Equity Partner: A Guide for UHNW Investors
Secure your wealth with the right private equity partner. Discover essential strategies for UHNW investors to align goals and safeguard your legacy in Australia.
Dairy Farm Finance in Australia: A Practical 2026 Guide for Farmers
Compare dairy farm finance options in Australia for 2026, including working capital, equipment loans, livestock finance, sustainability upgrades, government support, and lender-ready cash flow planning.
Personal Loans in Australia: What You Need to Know in 2026
Compare personal loans in Australia for 2026. Learn about secured vs unsecured options, interest rates, and how to choose the right loan for your needs.
Wages, Super and Tax: Key EOFY Updates for Small Businesses
Stay ahead of EOFY updates for small businesses in Australia! Discover essential changes in wages, superannuation, and taxes to keep your business compliant and thriving.
Business Loans in Australia: A 2026 Guide for Business Owners
Unlock your business potential with tailored business loans in Australia. Compare options, streamline your cash flow, and invest confidently for growth in 2026.
Crop Finance in Australia: What Farmers Need to Know in 2026
Unlock the potential of your farming business with tailored crop finance solutions. Manage cash flow, cover costs, and seize growth opportunities for 2026 and beyond.