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.
Read moreHistory 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.
Read more12 ways myGov can help you keep track of your super
Keeping track of your super can be time-consuming and difficult, but linking the ATO’s online services to your myGov account makes it easy – and secure.
Read moreWhat is myGov and how do I use it?
Dealing with government agencies these days means going through myGov. So, if you want help with your super or tax affairs, it’s time to set up your account.
Read moreSUPER FUND PERFORMANCE
Top 20 Balanced super funds ranked by risk and return
Returns are important, but so is a good night’s sleep. We reveal which funds deliver both.
Read moreTop performing sustainable super funds (to December 2021)
Sustainable investment options are gaining traction among fund members, especially now that many outperform their fund’s default balanced option.
Read morePension fund performance to December 2021
Superannuation pension funds delivered another stellar stellar performance to retirees in the year to December 2021, with the median Growth fund (61–80% growth assets) up an impressive 15%.
Read moreSuper fund performance: Monthly returns to April 2022
It will come as no surprise that volatile markets took a toll on super funds in April, with the median Growth fund losing 1.2%.
Read moreBEST 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 have a self-managed super fund (SMSF) with a corporate trustee, then you need to be aware of the new requirement to apply for and obtain a Director Identification Number (Director ID).
Read moreSMSF returns are comparable to large funds
The performance of SMSFs relative to large APRA funds has always been contested, but new research shows SMSFs are competitive once their balance hits $200,000.
Read moreSMSF investment: 20 most popular Australian shares
SMSF investors’ love affair with Australian shares grew even more passionate last year, when not even COVID could tear them apart.
Read moreSMSF investment: 20 most popular international shares
While most SMSF investors gain exposure to international shares via managed funds and ETF, a small but growing number are buying individual stocks.
Read moreSMSF investment: 20 most popular managed funds
SMSF trustees continue to rely on managed funds to gain exposure to a wide range of international and local asset classes.
Read moreSMSF investment: 20 most popular ETFs
ETFs have exploded in popularity in recent years as more investors use them to build core portfolios, and SMSFs were early adopters.
Read moreRETIREMENT 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.
Read moreShould I retire overseas?
With property prices and the cost of living on the rise, many Australians are weighing up the advantages of retiring overseas.
Read moreRetiring overseas: Implications for your super and tax
Many Australians dream of retiring overseas for the endless holiday lifestyle or to be near family, but there’s a lot consider before you make the leap.
Read moreSuper lump sum withdrawals: Everything you need to know
Taking your retirement savings as a lump sum can sound like a great idea, but you need to consider all the pros and cons before taking the plunge.
Read moreFive 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.
Read moreIN RETIREMENT
Reverse mortgages: What are they and how do they work?
If you’re finding it difficult to make ends meet in retirement, one way to free up some extra cash could be to take out a reverse mortgage.
Read moreAge Pension Q&As: Minimum drawdowns and the Age Pension
Sheena Stow-Smith from PensionHelp answers reader questions about how minimum drawdowns impact Age Pension entitlements.
Read moreWhy aged care deserves to be part of your retirement plan
Funding aged care can be complex and confusing, but that’s no excuse not to plan for it.
Read moreNeed care at home? We look at the costs
Most of us would like to remain in our own home for as long as possible as we age, but paid support may be necessary.
Read more