Government priorities, SMSF investing and admin, Pension Loans Scheme, Large super fund performance
Highlights of the June 2019 edition of the SuperGuide Premium newsletter include:
- WHAT SHOULD BE THE GOVERNMENT PRIORITIES NOW? We ask some of Australia’s super and retirement planning experts, including Graeme Colley, Jeremy Cooper and Noel Whittaker, what they think the federal government should now be focusing on.
- DO LARGE SUPER FUNDS PERFORM BETTER? Janine Mace investigates whether size is important when it comes to super fund performance.
- PENSION LOANS SCHEME: There are big changes being introduced to the PLS from 1 July 2019. Learn more about the scheme and find out whether it could be suitable for you.
- FRANKED DIVIDENDS – WHAT NOW? Thanks to the Federal election, more Australians than ever are now aware of the benefits of franked dividends. If you’re curious how to make the most of them, Barbara Drury has prepared a useful guide.
- SMSF INVESTING: In a suite of articles, Barbara also looks in detail at ETFs, LICs and managed funds, as well as exploring the top ETFs, managed funds, domestic and international shares invested in by SMSFs. In a separate article Graham Hand reminds us how critical it is to factor in inflation when planning your investments, and the importance of real returns.
- SMSF ADMIN: We also have a special section on SMSF administration, with Penny Pryor looking at what trustees need to remember throughout the year. In separate articles Alexandra Cain looks at the decisions trustees need to make through the lifestage of an SMSF, and Janine Mace provides a trustee checklist for 2019-2020.
FEATURES
What should the federal government’s super and retirement planning priorities be?
As we see the dawn of a new government, we asked some of Australia’s top experts in superannuation and retirement planning what they think the government should be focusing on.
Choosing a super fund: Does size really matter?
Being with a big super fund can have advantages, but that doesn’t mean you should switch if your fund isn’t one of the giants increasingly dominating the industry.
8 warning signs of a bad financial adviser
The vast majority of financial advisers want the best for their clients, but sadly, some abuse their position for personal gain. Here’s what to watch out for.
What government services are available for older Australians?
With the cost of living on the rise, it’s worth making the most of the government discounts and services for older Australians in your state or territory.
SMSF statistics: 1.1 million members with $869 billion in super
The size of the self-managed super fund sector continues to grow in terms of members and assets, at the expense of all but industry super funds.
NEW FINANCIAL YEAR CHANGES
How the Home Equity Access Scheme works (formerly Pension Loan Scheme)
The Home Equity Access Scheme can be a great way to boost your retirement income by taking a loan from the government against the equity in your home.
Means test treatment of lifetime annuities
Changes to the means testing of lifetime annuities have changed potential Age Pension entitlements for retirees who purchased their annuity before or after 1 July 2019.
Protecting Your Super package: What you need to know
The Protecting Your Super Package of reforms start on 1 July 2019. These reforms are designed to protect your super accounts from being eroded by insurance policy fees and premiums that you may not require, as well as help to consolidate your low balance super accounts.
SMSF INVESTING
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.
ETFs: How do I use them and what do they cost?
Exchange-traded funds have exploded in popularity in recent years as an efficient, cost-effective way to build a portfolio, with new funds launched almost monthly.
SMSF investment: 20 most popular ETFs
From a standing start 20 years ago, ETFs now play a central role in many SMSF investment portfolios with more than 300 to choose from.
SMSF investment: 20 most popular managed funds
Traditional managed funds may not have the ‘it’ factor of ETFs but they still pack a punch in many SMSF portfolios, providing significant diversification.
SMSF investment: 20 most popular Australian shares
Australian shares remain the most popular asset class among SMSF investors who continue to put their faith, and their money, in our mining heavyweights and big four banks.
SMSF investment: 20 most popular international shares
Investing directly in international shares is still a fringe activity for most SMSFs, but the allure of the world’s big tech companies is proving irresistible for some.
SMSFs and cryptocurrency investments
More SMSFs have been dipping their toe into the cryptocurrency market, but the risks are high as the tumultuous events of last year show.
SMSF ADMIN
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.
How much super do you need to set up an SMSF?
It’s a debate that never entirely goes away, but there’s a growing body of research that indicates you may not need as much to start your own super fund as previously thought.
SMSF audits: Fees and guidelines
An annual audit is one of the necessary tasks associated with running an SMSF, but it can save trustees from inadvertent and costly breaches of the rules.