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November 2025 SMSF newsletter

How do ETFs compare to LICs/LITs and managed funds?
Managed investments offer instant diversification, but there are important differences between the types of funds on offer – from cost to legal structure. Read more.
How do ETFs compare to LICs/LITs and managed funds?
Managed investments offer instant diversification, but there are important differences between the types of funds on offer – from cost to legal structure. Read more.
Losing capacity: The issues for SMSF trustees and what you need to do
Have you considered the risk to your SMSF if you were to lose mental capacity due to accident or ageing? These are the steps you can take now to address… Read more.
Losing capacity: The issues for SMSF trustees and what you need to do
Have you considered the risk to your SMSF if you were to lose mental capacity due to accident or ageing? These are the steps you can take now to address… Read more.
SMSF investment rules: Collectables and personal use assets
An ATO crackdown on asset valuations is putting pressure on SMSFs with collectables to take stock. Read more.
SMSF investment rules: Collectables and personal use assets
An ATO crackdown on asset valuations is putting pressure on SMSFs with collectables to take stock. Read more.
SMSF statistics: 1.2 million members with $1 trillion in super
The size of the self-managed super fund sector continues to grow in terms of members and assets, at the expense of all but industry super funds. Read more.
SMSF statistics: 1.2 million members with $1 trillion in super
The size of the self-managed super fund sector continues to grow in terms of members and assets, at the expense of all but industry super funds. Read more.
What type of people have SMSFs?
If you think SMSFs are just for old wealthy Australians, think again. Increasingly, younger people and women are also embracing the self-managed ethos. Read more.
What type of people have SMSFs?
If you think SMSFs are just for old wealthy Australians, think again. Increasingly, younger people and women are also embracing the self-managed ethos. Read more.

The Epic Retirement Tick: Why it matters and which funds earned it

Thursday 20 November 2025 at 11:00 am AEDT

Only six super funds have earned the Epic Retirement Tick – a new benchmark recognising funds that deliver strong support for members before, during and throughout retirement.

Join Ian Fryer from Chant West as we unpack what the Tick measures, why it matters, and which funds truly deliver on their promise to support you for life after work.

We are currently building SMSFGuide – a new platform similar to SuperGuide, but dedicated entirely to helping SMSF trustees manage their funds with confidence.

Your feedback will help us shape what features and resources matter most to you.

Q: I have a question, which maybe you can answer, or at least point me in the right direction.

My wife and I have our SMSF since 2012 and all this time, I have done all the work to run the fund, including the accounting and the tax return, myself. Currently, I’m using SF360 software and, with the set up of the investments, it works very well. We have enough money in the SMSF to give us a very comfortable lifestyle for the rest of our years. I’m 77 and my wife will soon turn 71.

Now to the question: My wife is not very interested in the work to run the fund. I have tried to introduce her to the software and the investments, but it never seems to catch on and this is now something I have accepted.

So what worries me is if I suddenly die or lose my marbles? What I’m looking for is a back up plan in case something like that will happen. Actually, it is bound to happen, but nobody knows when.

So my question is if it is possible to come to an agreement with an accountant for him/her to act like a backup? I would still be running the fund, but he or she would be given access to the fund’s software. If and when the time comes, it wouldn’t be too hard for my wife, with the help of the accountant, to get control of the fund.

The other option I have been contemplating is to roll over the fund into an industry fund. At the moment, this is not possible, as some of the investments are not liquid. I also want to be able to control and run the fund as long as possible.

Maybe you have previously come across this issue and already have an answer.

A: Thanks for getting in touch.

You may find our article on this issue enlightening.

If you want another person to act on your behalf as trustee of the fund in the event you lose the capacity to do so, they need to be appointed in advance as your enduring power of attorney. Your SMSF trust deed must also permit the appointment of a power of attorney as trustee of the fund to replace a member being removed from this position.

An alternative is certainly to wind up the fund and transfer to a public-offer fund, ideally prior to any loss of capacity occuring.

In many instances, a sole remaining SMSF member that is not interested in running a fund will choose to wind up the fund if the other member loses capacity to act or passes away.

December 1

If you are lodging your annual return on 31 October, you must pay your SMSF’s annual supervisory levy by this date. This must now be paid in advance so if your SMSF was only established last financial year you will have to pay double. That is, twice the annual amount of $259 or $518.

Special offer for SuperGuide members

New funds: 10% discount off your SMSF setup (valued at $200)

Existing funds: 10% off your first year SMSF Administration fees including accounting, tax return and audit costs (valued at $130-$200).

Important: All information on SuperGuide is general in nature only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether any information on SuperGuide is appropriate to you before acting on it. If SuperGuide refers to a financial product you should obtain the relevant product disclosure statement (PDS) or seek personal financial advice before making any investment decisions.

Superguide Pty Ltd ATF Superguide Unit Trust as a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR) is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Independent Financial Advisers Australia, AFSL 464629.