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
While super funds with the highest annual returns capture headlines, some funds and their members place a premium on balancing rewards with a focus on consistency.
Top-performing sustainable super funds (to June 2024)
Sustainable funds delivered strong returns last financial year, comparing favourably with their non-sustainable peers.
Super fund performance: Monthly returns to May 2025
After a nail-biting start to the year, super funds are on track for another cracking return of about 9% for the 2025 financial year, after the median Growth fund was up 2.7% in May and markets continuing to rise in June.
Pension fund performance to December 2024
Pension fund returns exceeded minimum withdrawal rates for most retirees in 2024, providing a buffer against volatile times ahead.
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?
Exchanged-traded funds have taken off in Australia, but there is still a role for LICs and managed funds. Learn about the pros and cons of each.
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
Planning to retire this year and start a super pension? Here’s what to consider
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 are looking to wind back working hours or boost your super in the lead-up to retirement, a transition-to-retirement (TTR) pension may be the answer.
Why financial literacy is vital for a good retirement
Good financial literacy and understanding how to manage and invest your nest-egg is an essential skill when it comes to navigating the complexity of creating a steady retirement income.
How do I apply for the Age Pension?
This article is a step-by-step guide to claiming the Age Pension and getting it right the first time so you can avoid any delays or frustration.
IN RETIREMENT
Starting a pension from your super
When you retire there’s more than one way to withdraw income from your super; we explain your options.
Your super after death: How to get your savings into the right hands 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.
A simple guide to what tax is payable on super death benefits
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.