Annual super fund returns, Funds with the lowest fees, 2021 year in review/preview, Starting an SMSF pension, State Seniors Cards, Age Pension Q&As
Highlights of the January 2022 edition of the SuperGuide Premium newsletter include:
- FUNDS DELIVER MANY HAPPY RETURNS: Super funds delivered double digit returns in 2021. We reveal the top 10 Growth funds over one year and 10 years.
- SUPERHEROES AND VILLAINS: Fees can be a drag on super returns, so we reveal the funds with the lowest and highest fees.
- 2021 YEAR IN REVIEW: Despite ongoing COVID disruptions, investors had plenty to celebrate in the year that was.
- HOW TO START YOUR SMSF PENSION: If you’re ready to start a retirement income stream, our simple guide will show you how.
- HAVE CARD, WILL TRAVEL: State and territory Seniors Cards come packed with travel and other concessions, so don’t miss out.
- AGE PENSION Q&As: Some of our most asked questions from readers concern the family home and pension entitlements.
SUPER NEWS
Super news for January 2022
ASIC issues warning to SMSFs on crypto, Superannuation needs to be part of draft National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032, Size and frequency of voluntary super contributions rises, Cbus Super increases investment options for members, Super assets to triple as number of funds dwindle, Investment funds rise across the board, Proxy advice changes criticised by industry.
Best performing super funds: Growth category (61–80%)
While the top 10 Growth funds bounce around from year to year, the cream floats to the top over 10 years and tends to stay there.
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.
Super fund performance: Annual returns to December 2025
Super funds hit the trifecta in 2025, with strongly positive returns for the third year running, despite rising geopolitical tensions and volatile investment markets.
Super fund performance reckoners: Annual returns for 5 investment categories
In these reckoners you can view the median super fund returns for 1, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 15 years across five different investment options for the last 10 calendar years and 9 financial years.
SUPER FUNDS
Super funds with the lowest fees
Super fund fees vary widely by fund, investment option and balance size. Find out how funds compare and which options were cheapest as at March 2026.
How super fund fees impact your net returns
Super fund returns may grab the limelight, but even small differences in fees can make a big difference to your retirement balance in the long run.
What are the different types of super funds?
Choosing an excellent super fund can make a big difference to your retirement outcomes. The first step is an understanding of the five broad categories of funds on offer.
Which are Australia’s largest super funds?
Bigger is not always better but it can help super funds in a fiercely competitive market for members and performance.
MySuper funds: What they are and who offers them
Default MySuper funds have been undergoing a makeover in recent years, with performance under the microscope and fees falling.
SMSFs
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5 new year’s resolutions for your SMSF
The summer break is always a good time for trustees to review their SMSF and resolve to make it fit for whatever 2026 may bring.
How to start a pension in your SMSF
There are decisions to make and steps to take before a fund member can start withdrawing retirement income from their super. Here’s what trustees need to know.
Commuting an SMSF account-based pension
If you want to commute (roll back) some or part of a super pension, or combine multiple pensions, you need to follow strict rules.
How to add a new member to your SMSF
Now that SMSFs can have six members instead of four, here’s a refresher on the process involved in adding new members and some of the issues to weigh up.
RETIREMENT PLANNING
How to plan for your retirement
It can be difficult knowing where to start when you are ready to think seriously about retirement, but working through these easy steps will help.
Retiring soon? Here are 6 questions you need to answer first
From planning your retirement income to where you will live and how you will spend your time, there’s a lot to think about in the run-up to retirement.
IN RETIREMENT
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See also our guides to seniors cards for each state and territory:
What happens to my Age Pension if I sell my home?
Now updated with part 2 (if you are moving to a lifestyle village) and part 3 (if you are not purchasing a new home straight away).
3 very different types of ‘retirement’
Today’s 60- and 70-somethings are reinventing retirement, easing into it with a focus on finding meaning and purpose in flexible part-time work, volunteering and new activities.
