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  • SMSFsAs if superannuation wasn’t complex enough, when you have a self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) you take on considerably more responsibility, and it’s essential therefore to have a comprehensive understanding of the current super and SMSF rules. In this section you will find detailed explanations of the SMSF rules and the responsibilities for SMSF trustees. SMSFs for beginners SMSF administration SMSF checklists SMSF compliance SMSF investment SMSF pensions SMSF strategies SMSF Q & As As a first step, the following are key articles that describe how SMSFs work.
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December 2021 newsletter

Ethical investing, SMSF 2022 calendar, Accessing super, Can you afford to retire, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card Q&A, Carer Allowance.

Highlights of the December 2021 edition of the SuperGuide newsletter include:

  • THE PARADOX OF CHOICE: The latest super heatmaps show that the best Choice super funds can outperform MySuper funds, but the majority still underperform the benchmark.
  • ADDING VALUES TO SUPER: As more Australians opt to align their values with their investments, we discuss what to look out for.
  • YOUR 2022 SMSF PLANNER: Download our annual calendar and tick-off your SMSFs to-do list as the year unfolds.
  • TURNING ON THE SUPER TAP: Retirement is the main reason for tapping into super, but it’s not the only reason, as we explain.
  • ARE WE THERE YET? If you’re wondering if you can afford to retire, our case study will guide you through the calculations.
  • YOUR CSHC QUERIES ANSWERED: Many of you had questions about eligibility for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. Here’s the drill.
  • CARING FOR THE CARER: If you’re retired and caring for a frail partner or parent, this payment may ease the financial burden.

SUPER NEWS

Super news for December 2021
Pension Loans Scheme rebranded, rate reduced, 12% Superannuation Guarantee guaranteed, Super fund merger news, Australians want to work for longer, Younger Australians not confident about their retirement, Switching decisions don’t… Read more.
Super news for December 2021
Pension Loans Scheme rebranded, rate reduced, 12% Superannuation Guarantee guaranteed, Super fund merger news, Australians want to work for longer, Younger Australians not confident about their retirement, Switching decisions don’t… Read more.

SUPER FUNDS

How to make your super more socially aware
Aligning your super investments with your values is increasingly important to many people, but before you switch you should understand what to look for. Read more.
How to make your super more socially aware
Aligning your super investments with your values is increasingly important to many people, but before you switch you should understand what to look for. Read more.
What are defined benefit super funds?
Although defined benefit funds are disappearing in Australia, if you’re lucky enough to be a member, they can offer a valuable way to save for your retirement. Read more.
What are defined benefit super funds?
Although defined benefit funds are disappearing in Australia, if you’re lucky enough to be a member, they can offer a valuable way to save for your retirement. Read more.
Super fund performance: Monthly returns to May 2026
Super funds continued their positive run in May and are on course to post a 9% return for the year to June 2026. Read more.
Super fund performance: Monthly returns to May 2026
Super funds continued their positive run in May and are on course to post a 9% return for the year to June 2026. Read more.

SMSFs

Your SMSF calendar for 2026
Forewarned is forearmed, as they say, so why not download our 2026 SMSF calendar to ensure you don’t miss any crucial dates, deadlines or opportunities in the year ahead. Read more.
Your SMSF calendar for 2026
Forewarned is forearmed, as they say, so why not download our 2026 SMSF calendar to ensure you don’t miss any crucial dates, deadlines or opportunities in the year ahead. Read more.
SMSF trust deeds: Rules, guidelines and updates
Your SMSF trust deed is your fund’s most important legal document, so it pays to get it right from the outset and to carry out regular health checks. Read more.
SMSF trust deeds: Rules, guidelines and updates
Your SMSF trust deed is your fund’s most important legal document, so it pays to get it right from the outset and to carry out regular health checks. Read more.
SMSFs structures: Corporate or individual trustee?
Individual or corporate trustee. Which structure is more appropriate for you and do you know the advantages and disadvantages of each? Read more.
SMSFs structures: Corporate or individual trustee?
Individual or corporate trustee. Which structure is more appropriate for you and do you know the advantages and disadvantages of each? Read more.
SMSF audits: Fees and guidelines
An annual audit is one of the necessary tasks associated with running an SMSF, but it can save trustees from inadvertent and costly breaches of the rules. Read more.
SMSF audits: Fees and guidelines
An annual audit is one of the necessary tasks associated with running an SMSF, but it can save trustees from inadvertent and costly breaches of the rules. Read more.
How to prepare for an SMSF auditor and fill in your SMSF tax return
Even if you outsource most of the boring SMSF admin, there are two annual tasks trustees can’t avoid. Read more.
How to prepare for an SMSF auditor and fill in your SMSF tax return
Even if you outsource most of the boring SMSF admin, there are two annual tasks trustees can’t avoid. Read more.

ACCESSING SUPER

When can I access my super? All conditions of release explained
While super is designed to provide income in retirement, there are circumstances when you may be eligible to withdraw some or all of your savings. Read more.
When can I access my super? All conditions of release explained
While super is designed to provide income in retirement, there are circumstances when you may be eligible to withdraw some or all of your savings. Read more.
Accessing super between 60 and 65
Many of us dream of early retirement, but if you need to access your super to live the dream you need to tick a few boxes first, beginning with your age. Read more
Accessing super between 60 and 65
Many of us dream of early retirement, but if you need to access your super to live the dream you need to tick a few boxes first, beginning with your age. Read more
Early release of super for illness or injury
Being sick or injured is stressful and difficult financially. Early release of money from your super could help relieve the pressure. Read more.
Early release of super for illness or injury
Being sick or injured is stressful and difficult financially. Early release of money from your super could help relieve the pressure. Read more.

RETIREMENT PLANNING

Case study: When can I afford to retire?
It’s a common question, and in this case study we follow one couple as they calculate the financial impact of retiring early or delaying by a few years. Read more.
Case study: When can I afford to retire?
It’s a common question, and in this case study we follow one couple as they calculate the financial impact of retiring early or delaying by a few years. Read more.

Quiz: Planning for retirement
Take the following 10-question quiz to test your knowledge on how to plan for your retirement. Read more.
Quiz: Planning for retirement
Take the following 10-question quiz to test your knowledge on how to plan for your retirement. Read more.

IN RETIREMENT

What’s the Carer Allowance and am I eligible?
If you’re retired and caring for an ill or frail partner or family member, the government’s Carer Allowance can provide some useful extra income. Read more.
What’s the Carer Allowance and am I eligible?
If you’re retired and caring for an ill or frail partner or family member, the government’s Carer Allowance can provide some useful extra income. Read more.
What retirees need to understand about property insurance
An increased risk of bushfires this summer means you need to make sure you have enough insurance in place to cover any losses. Read more.
What retirees need to understand about property insurance
An increased risk of bushfires this summer means you need to make sure you have enough insurance in place to cover any losses. Read more.
Home Equity Access Scheme (HEAS) explained
The government’s reverse mortgage (previously called the Pension Loan Scheme), helps older Australians convert property equity into retirement income without selling their home. Read more.
Home Equity Access Scheme (HEAS) explained
The government’s reverse mortgage (previously called the Pension Loan Scheme), helps older Australians convert property equity into retirement income without selling their home. Read more.


SuperGuide is Australia’s leading superannuation and retirement planning website.

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.

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