Over the past week or so share markets have fallen sharply. In times like this your confidence in your investment strategy could be shaken. Do I sell? Do I do nothing? Is now a time to buy?

If you’re uncertain or worried about your pension, we recommend you get financial advice. And what better way to do this than through AUSCOAL Advice. Whether you're already an AUSCOAL Advice client or new to financial advice, our financial advisers provide free advice over the phone about your super investments. Give us a call on 1300 AUSCOAL (1300 287 262), Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, to make an appointment with a financial adviser.

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The flood levy was introduced by the Federal Government for 2011-12 to help communities recover from recent natural disasters, however some people are exempt. 

When will I pay the flood levy?
The flood levy applies to your taxable income, which includes salary and wages, investment income and business income. Employment termination payments and certain superannuation benefits paid to you, such as payments and withdrawals from your pension if you’re under age 60, are also included. Visit the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website for more information.

Your employer or super fund will deduct the flood levy from your pay or pension payment or withdrawal. Find out how much you’re likely to pay: ATO flood levy calculator 

Who’s exempt?
People affected by natural disasters in the 2010-11 financial year and:

• receiving an Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment from Centrelink, or
• qualifying under the 2010-11 Natural Disaster Relief and Recover Arrangements.

What to do if you’re exempt
Give your employer (if you're transitioning to retirement and still earning a salary) and super fund a Flood Levy Exemption Declaration form to stop them from deducting the flood levy. If you don’t do this your employer and super fund will pay the flood levy to the ATO and you’ll receive a refund when you lodge your 2012 tax return.

Need more information?
Simply call 1300 AUSCOAL (1300 287 262), Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, to speak to one of our service officers or financial advisers.

With 78% of Australians saying they're financially disorganised, it makes sense to create a quick and practical way to inspire financial discipline.

Here’s six things you can do to sharpen up your knowledge on where your money’s going and what you can do to minimise waste - two significant contributors to being financially disciplined.

No discipline? Credit cards are a bit like a kid having a time out, without sitting in the corner. Comedian Tim Clue explores whether the 'time out' method is good for discipline. Watch the video.

Note: By clicking on these links you'll be leaving AUSCOAL Super's website. We have no oversight of the information contained on The Gym website.

The government originally reduced the minimum amount super pensioners had to withdraw by 50% from 2009 to reduce the need for pensioners to sell assets at a loss during the global financial crisis to meet the minimum pension withdrawal requirement.