Best performing super funds, 2019 in review, SMSF NY resolutions, Largest super funds, Salary sacrificing, Super investing, Seniors cards, Property insurance, Life expectancy
Highlights of the January 2020 edition of the SuperGuide Premium newsletter include:
- BEST PERFORMING SUPER FUNDS: Discover the top performing growth super funds of 2019 and over the last 10 years.
- INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE: 2019 surprised many pundits with several asset classes producing significantly higher returns than predicted. Barbara Drury reviews the year and highlights some issues for the year ahead. In separate articles we look at the performance for 12 asset classes and the median performance for 5 super fund investment options.
- SUPER INVESTING: Do you know how your super is invested? Janine Mace details how the disclosure rules for super funds are set to change, how you can invest in infrastructure and responsible investment options, the steps to take to review your current investment option, and what to check before you change.
- SUPER BENEFITS: Beyond investing for your retirement, superannuation has many other hidden benefits. We highlight 10 that can help improve your finances. Salary sacrificing is one of the best known strategies to reduce your income tax bill. Since the rules changed on 1 January 2020 why not not refresh your knowledge on what is possible in our comprehensive salary sacrifice guide?
- SMSFs: Do you have any new years resolutions for your SMSF? Penny Pryor looks at what you might consider, and how to be on top for the year ahead. Separately we look at two of the most confusing aspects of SMSF investment – the arms length rule and in specie transfers.
- RETIREMENT PLANNING: The bushfires have produced so much heartbreaking devastation, particularly in areas popular with retirees. We look at how retirees can review whether they have an appropriate level of home and contents insurance. We also learn how state seniors cards can provide significant savings for retirees, we ask retirees what they would have done differently when retiring, analyse the latest life expectancy data, and highlight what nutrients you need to increase in your diet once you hit 70.
SUPERANNUATION
2019 year in review
Shares at record highs and interest rates at record lows. One of the defining aspects of 2019 was the flight to higher risk assets in pursuit of higher returns.
Super news for January 2020
This month we look at what support is available to Australians affected by the bushfires, changes to legislation allow high earners to opt out of some SG payments, warnings from the ATO and ASIC on early release of super schemes, the price of medications for pensioners has come down, FASEA’s ethics rules are now in place and APRA launches a new sustainability standard.
Hidden perks that make your super account even better
There are lots of overlooked benefits that come with your super account, so it’s worth checking out what’s on offer.
Which are Australia’s largest super funds?
Industry consolidation is creating fewer, larger super funds as smaller or underperforming funds are urged to shape up or ship out.
Salary sacrifice and super: How does it work?
Salary sacrifice can be a convenient and simple way to boost your super and reduce your tax bill at the same time. Learn how to get it right and the alternative to consider.
SUPER PERFORMANCE
Best performing super funds: High Growth category (81–95%)
In this article you can discover the top 10 performing High Growth funds over 1 year and 10 years to 31 December 2023. High Growth funds have 81-95% invested in growth assets.
Best performing super funds: Conservative category (21–40%)
In this article you can discover the top 10 performing Conservative super funds over 1 year and 10 years to 31 December 2023. Conservative funds have 21-40% invested in growth assets.
SUPER INVESTING
Do you know what your super fund is invested in?
More disclosure of the investment assets held by your super fund makes for interesting reading and can help you compare different investment options.
How investing in infrastructure adds to your super returns
If you’re a member of a big super fund, chances are you’re a part-owner in an airport, a pipeline, or a major shipping port. Learn why super funds have embraced infrastructure and what’s in it for you.
What are the buy/sell spreads charged by my super fund?
Buy/sell spread fees are something we’re all likely to see a lot more of thanks to ASIC’s new disclosure rules for annual fund member statements. So just what are these mysterious charges and how do they work?
Is it time to change your super investment option?
Your current investment option plays a big role in determining the investment return your super receives each year. Maybe it’s time to take a closer look.
How to change your investment option: 6 points to check before you switch
If you’re unhappy with how your super savings have grown, it’s worth considering whether you’re in the right investment option in your super fund. To help you work through the process of making an investment option switch, check out our simple explainer.
SMSFs
5 new year’s resolutions for your SMSF
Take a few minutes out of your day to make some financial commitments for your self-managed super fund in 2023.
Your 2024 SMSF calendar
Forewarned is forearmed, as they say, so why not download our 2024 SMSF calendar to ensure you don’t miss any crucial dates, deadlines or opportunities in the year ahead.
SMSF reporting and record-keeping requirements
SMSFs have many attractions but keeping up with the admin is not one of them. Here’s what you need to know to stay on the right side of the law.
Choosing an SMSF service provider
They may be referred to as DIY funds, but in practice most SMSF trustees will need at least some professional advice, from setting up their fund to the annual audit and tax returns.
What on earth is an in specie transfer?
If you’ve ever wondered if you can transfer shares or a business property into your SMSF, the answer is yes but strict rules apply.
The arm’s length rule for SMSFs
Self-managed super funds are generally a family affair, but “mates rates” for fund transactions or business dealings are strictly off limits.
What are the penalties for SMSF non-compliance?
The ATO has increased scrutiny of SMSFs and common areas of non-compliance with superannuation law, and the penalties for getting it wrong can be substantial.
RETIREMENT PLANNING
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.
What concession cards are available for seniors and pensioners?
Even if you aren’t eligible for the Age Pension, there are a variety of valuable concession and healthcare cards available, depending on your age, income and location.
What I would do differently now: Retirement plans are shifting with the times
After years of rapid change, we ask retirees and those thinking about retirement what they would do differently if they knew then what they know now.
How long you can expect to live and what it means for your super
Estimating how long you might live is a key part of planning your retirement, as you need an idea of how many years you may need a source of retirement income.
Healthy eating in your 70s and beyond
While older people often eat less than when they were younger, they actually have increased dietary requirements for a range of nutrients. This mismatch between food intake and nutritional requirements can potentially result in deficiencies and accelerate ageing and disease risk. Discover what nutrients you need to increase once you hit 70.