APRA super heatmap, SMSF basics, Independent financial advisers, Investing in retirement, Downsizer contributions, Latest super fund performance
Highlights of the December 2019 edition of the SuperGuide Premium newsletter include:
- SUPERANNUATION: APRA release their MySuper heatmap to a mixed reaction from the industry and consumer groups. Barbara Drury explains what the heatmap is designed to achieve and highlights some of the key findings.
- SUPER INVESTING: Beef up your investing knowledge with our guides to listed and unlisted assets, and unit pricing and crediting rates.
- SMSFs: If you have an SMSF, or are considering one, it’s essential that you know how SMSFs work and what special rules apply to them. Take a refresher on SMSF basics in our suite of articles from how to start one to how to wind one up. Noel Whittaker also highlights the key differences between SMSFs and public offer super funds.
- FINANCIAL ADVICE: ASIC release a review into the financial advice provided by super funds – and you would have hoped it would have been better than “generally appropriate”. We look at the types of financial advice on offer and give you the lowdown on what happens when you meet a financial adviser, and why independent financial advice is important. We also feature video interviews with a selection of independent advisers who talk to us about why they chose to go independent, the benefits of truly independent financial advice, and the difference it makes for their clients.
- RETIREMENT PLANNING: Investing when you’re in retirement can be confusing. Janine Mace explains the 10/30/60 rule and how to select an investment option for your super pension. We also provide a handy guide on how to make downsizer super contributions.
- LATEST SUPER NEWS AND PERFORMANCE: We wrap up the key super stories over the last few weeks, and share the latest super performance for balanced and lifecycle funds.
SUPERANNUATION
Super news for December 2019
This month we look at APRA’s MySuper heatmap, the new ‘Right to remain’ test recommendation, longevity tables in need of an update, new research shows that the majority of Australian retirees are independently navigating their way through their retirement finances and Treasury invites submissions as it considers the present and future performance of our retirement income system.
How the First Home Super Saver (FHSS) scheme works
Let low taxes and a generous interest rate do the heavy lifting while you save for your first home in super.
Who to turn to if you have a problem with your financial adviser
The financial advice sector has done a lot in recent years to improve the overall quality of advice, but when things go wrong there is a structured complaints process.
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.
Lifecycle super funds: What they are and how they perform
Lifecycle funds are designed to reduce risk as you near retirement without sacrificing returns; recent research shows many do just that but you need to know what to look for.
SUPER INVESTING
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What are unit pricing and crediting rates and why do they matter?
Ever wondered how your super fluctuates over time? Understanding unit prices and crediting rates is the key to unlocking how your fund calculates returns.
SMSFs
What are the key differences between SMSFs and public offer funds?
SMSFs are a popular option for people who want more control of their retirement savings, but it’s important to understand how they compare to large super funds.
What is a self-managed super fund (SMSF)?
SMSFs are a popular choice for people who want more flexibility and control over their retirement savings, but they’re not for everyone so be sure to understand what’s involved.
What is the sole purpose test, and how does it work?
As the name suggests, the savings you accumulate in super are meant to be for one purpose only. Straying from that purpose can be costly.
SMSF setup guide: 9 steps you need to follow
SMSFs offer more control than other super funds, but strict rules apply. Follow our 9-step guide to ensure your fund complies with all your legal obligations from the outset.
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?
What advice can your accountant provide for your SMSF?
While many SMSF trustees turn to their accountant for assistance, they can only provide advice on some SMSF-related matters. To help SMSF trustees navigate this tricky area we’ve compiled a checklist to help you work out if your accountant is the right person to ask for help.
How to wind up an SMSF
When you set up an SMSF, it’s a good idea to have an exit plan and an understanding of the winding up process.
FINANCIAL ADVICE
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What different types of financial advice should I consider?
Good advice can make a big difference to both your financial position and retirement plans, but it can be confusing to know what’s available and who to ask.
What happens when you meet a financial adviser
Before you select a financial adviser, it’s important to understand what you want to achieve and how to prepare for your first meeting.
RETIREMENT PLANNING
10/30/60 rule: How investment returns shape your retirement income
The investment return on your super pension account is just as important as the returns you earn on your super while you are working, as this simple ‘rule of thumb’ demonstrates.
How to invest your super in retirement
Choosing your retirement investment mix carefully can help stretch your
savings further at a level of risk you’re comfortable with.
Downsizer super contributions: Rules and eligibility
Eligible downsizer contributions can be a great way to boost your super without falling foul of many of the rules affecting other super contributions.
