Super scorecard, Top funds revealed, How your fund ranks, Director IDs, Dixon’s demise, Reverse mortgages
Highlights of the February 2022 edition of the SuperGuide Premium newsletter include:
- WINDS OF CHANGE: With more ‘reforms’ on the way, we keep score of the super and not-so-super changes so far.
- BEST IN SHOW: We reveal the top performing super and pension funds, including risk-adjusted and sustainable options.
- WHERE DOES YOUR FUND RANK? If your fund is not among the top dogs, we show you where it sits in the pack.
- SMSFs AND DIRECTOR IDs: If your fund has a corporate trustee then listen up, it’s time for an identity check.
- LESSONS FROM A FALL: Dixon Advisory has left many of its SMSF clients out of pocket and provided salutary lessons for all.
- UNLOCKING HOUSING WEALTH: A growing number of retirees are turning to reverse mortgages to top up their income.
HOW SUPER WORKS
Super news for February 2022
$450 income threshold lifted, Retirement income covenant introduced, Aware Financial Services Australia fined $20m, Inflation hits retirees, APRA to focus on sub-standard practices in super, Australian super funds lead decarbonisation, SMSF Association calls for simplification of transfer balance cap, Proxy advice regulations overturned in Senate.
History of superannuation: Is it getting better?
If you thought governments were constantly tinkering with super, you’re right. Here’s your guide to the good, the bad and the ugly super changes so far.
How myGov can help you keep track of your super
Your myGov account can help you do everything from consolidate multiple super accounts to checking how much more you could contribute this financial year.
SUPER FUND PERFORMANCE
Top 10 Balanced super funds ranked by risk and return
Earning a good return on your super is important, but so is avoiding wild ups and downs when markets are volatile, especially when you are nearing retirement.
Top-performing sustainable super funds (to December 2025)
Standout long-term performers show sustainable doesn’t mean sluggish.
Pension fund performance to December 2025
Retirees had much to smile about in 2025, when pension fund returns grew strongly even after withdrawing minimum pension payments.
Super fund performance: Monthly returns to April 2026
Super funds bounced back in April despite ongoing volatility and are on course for another positive financial year.
BEST PERFORMING SUPER AND PENSION FUNDS
Check out the best performing super and pension funds across 5 different investment categories over 1 year and 10 years, updated to 31 December 2021.
Super funds
SUPER AND PENSION FUND QUARTILE RANKINGS
If your super fund is not in the top 10, see which quartile it ranks in across 5 different investment categories and 8 different timeframes, updated to 31 December 2021:
Super funds
SMSFs
Director Identification Numbers: What is required for SMSFs
If you are planning to set up your own self-managed super fund with a corporate trustee, then you will need to add applying for a Director ID to your administrative to-do list.
SMSF returns are competitive with large funds
SMSFs still underperform large super funds in years when markets are strong, but consistently beat the big end of town over five years.
SMSF investing: 20 most popular Australian shares
Australian shares remain the most popular asset class for SMSF investors, with portfolios dominated by the big banks and miners.
SMSF investing: 20 most popular international shares
Direct holdings in international shares fell in 2024–25 due to volatile market conditions but perhaps also to the growing appeal of ETFs to access global markets.
SMSF investing: 20 most popular managed funds
Traditional managed funds have been partially eclipsed by the rise of ETFs, but they remain core holdings for many SMSF investors looking to diversify.
SMSF investing: 20 most popular ETFs
Gen X and Millennials are fuelling the rapid take-up of ETFs by SMSF investors, drawn to their instant diversification, global reach, accessability and low cost.
RETIREMENT PLANNING
Dixon Advisory’s fall from grace: 4 lessons for all investors
When Dixon Advisory collapsed, it left a trail of aggrieved SMSFs and investment losses. It’s a saga we can all learn from.
Should I retire overseas?
Growing numbers of Australians are retiring overseas, drawn to the lifestyle and lower cost of living. But do the numbers stack up?
Retiring overseas: Implications for your super and tax
Escaping to a dream location where the living is easy can be tempting for cash-strapped retirees, but there are some practical issues to be aware of before you make the leap.
Common financial mistakes SMSF trustees make just before retirement
There’s a lot to think about when you’re on the threshold of retirement, so it’s not surprising that mistakes are made and opportunities overlooked. Here’s what to watch out for.
IN RETIREMENT
Reverse mortgages: What are they and how do they work?
Retirees who own their home but would like to top up their income for whatever reason are increasingly tapping into their home equity with a reverse mortgage.
Why aged care deserves to be part of your retirement plan
When you are planning your retirement bucket list, aged care probably doesn’t rate a mention, but it should if you want to live out your days in comfort and security.
Need care at home? We look at where to find it and what it costs
Aged care reforms are changing the ways in-home care is provided to older Australians, and how much they will pay for services.
