Guest contributor: How $1 million can last longer than you
My portfolio looks like heresy when measured against the orthodox modern diversified portfolio designed to manage risk, but I believe that my large asset allocation to Australian shares is actually a smart approach to ensuring the money does not run out over a 30-year retirement.
SMSF confidential: the inside story on DIY super funds
SMSFs outperform large funds even in difficult investment climates, according to the latest ATO report on SMSFs. If that news isn’t confronting enough for the non-SMSF super industry, add the fact that SMSF members are also richer (and older) and have larger account balances.
SMSF audit: you must appoint an approved auditor
If you run a self-managed super fund, you must ensure that your SMSF is audited annually by an approved auditor. As SMSF trustee, you also must ensure that you formally appoint your fund’s auditor each year.
SMSFs: Can I transfer my life insurance to my DIY super fund?
Q: I have searched the web and the ATO site to determine if we can have our SMSF pay life insurance for members. I am unable to find whether these things are arm’s length in regard to existing policies or not.
SMSF investment: Where does all the DIY super money go?
Each quarter the ATO releases self-managed super fund statistics derived from annual return data. Some of the more interesting data outlines the investments that SMSF trustees choose, and how much SMSF money is invested in the different asset types.
Do you fit the profile of a ‘typical’ SMSF trustee?
The latest ATO statistics on SMSFs highlight some interesting observations that can be made about the current batch of SMSF trustees, including average SMSF balance, the ages of SMSF trustees, state of origin, gender balance and income levels.
SMSF basics: Joining the DIY super club
Australia’s DIY super fund sector has emerged as the most financially powerful sector in the superannuation industry. As at 31 December 2010, self-managed super funds (SMSFs), as DIY super funds are officially known, controlled $421 billion of the $1.32 trillion held in super assets in Australia.
SMSFs: 15 findings about SMSF trustees
At last! A new SMSF study sets an initial benchmark to measure the growth of self-managed super funds, to track SMSF trustee behaviour and SMSF investment performance, and the role of SMSF advisers. The inaugural SMSF study, which will be conducted on an annual basis, has a curious title: ‘Intimate with Self-Managed Superannuation’ research report.
Same-sex couples: your super rights explained
Until recently, same-sex couples were treated very differently to heterosexual couples (de facto and married), when dealing with certain superannuation entitlements and retirement planning needs. The good news is that many of the homophobic inequities in superannuation and retirement policy have been eradicated.
SMSFs: What books are available to help run my super fund?
Q: I’m finding many aspects of taxation to be quite difficult to understand. Terms such as “Tax free/ taxable component; Restricted, Preserved”. Is there one of your books that would be a useful guide to me in this undertaking?
SMSFs: Can I purchase health insurance within my DIY super fund?
Q: I have searched the web and the ATO site to determine if we can have our SMSF pay health insurance premiums for members. Can we buy health insurance for fund members? The short answer is no. Health insurance cover is not considered to fit within the definition of the sole purpose test.
