Best performing funds, Super scams, SMSF retirement income strategy, Timing your retirement, Starting a super pension, Tax and death benefits
Highlights of the August 2021 edition of the SuperGuide Premium newsletter include:
- TOP SUPER FUNDS: We reveal which funds are the best performers, the best at managing risk and top sustainable funds.
- SCAM ALERT! With super scams on the rise, being alert to the danger signs can save much alarm.
- FOCUS ON RETIREMENT INCOME: SMSFs have been put on notice that the Retirement Income Convenant will also apply to them.
- COUNTDOWN TO RETIREMENT: Recent rule changes make it easier to boost your nest egg close to retirement, but timing still matters.
- SUPER WAYS TO START A PENSION: So you’re ready to start withdrawing your super. We guide you through your options.
- DEATH AND TAXES: Understanding how death benefits are taxed will benefit your loved ones when they inherit your super.
HOW SUPER WORKS
Super news for August 2021
Retirement income covenant position paper released, Latest Superannuation Inquiry is “political theatre”, Retail investors flock to sustainable strategies, Superhero launches new super fund, SMSFs most satisfied superannuation fund members, Australians engaged with superannuation.
Protecting your super from cyber attacks and scams
Super scams are increasingly sophisticated and on the rise so it pays to learn how to detect and avoid them.
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.
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.
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.
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 30 June 2021.
Super funds
Pension funds
SUPER AND PENSION FUND QUARTILES
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 30 June 2021:
Super and pension fund performance: Where does your fund rank?
SMSFs
Should you develop a retirement income strategy for your SMSF?
The new retirement income covenant effective from 1 July doesn’t apply to SMSFs, but that doesn’t mean trustees can’t learn from it.
Had enough of your SMSF: What are your options?
Running an SMSF can sound appealing when you start out, but as the years pass there are many reasons you may want out. So, what are the alternatives?
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.
SMSF property investment rules
One of the attractions of having an SMSF is the ability to invest in real property, but strict rules apply.
RETIREMENT PLANNING
Retiring this year? What to know before starting a super pension
As retirement beckons, it’s worth checking the rules around making last minute super contributions and how much you can transfer into a tax-free pension account.
How a transition to retirement (TTR) pension works
If you’re over 60 and not ready to retire but would like some extra cash to top up your super or wind back your working hours, then a TTR pension could help.
Why financial literacy is vital for a good retirement
In an increasingly complex world, understanding finance and financial products can make a wealth of difference to your future health and happiness.
How do I apply for the Age Pension?
If you’re approaching your 67th birthday and planning to retire and apply for the Age Pension, this is what you need to do.
IN RETIREMENT
How to start a super pension and what to consider first
When you retire there’s more than one way to withdraw income from your super; we explain your options.
Super after death: How to get it to beneficiaries fast
With the news that super funds have taken a year or more to pay families after a member dies, what can you do to protect your loved ones?
Reversionary pensions: What they are and how they work
If you want your partner to continue receiving your super pension when you die, a reversionary pension can make the process easy for them at what can be a difficult time.
Super death benefits and tax explained
Your beneficiaries could end up paying more tax than necessary when they receive your superannuation death benefit if you don’t learn the rules that apply.
