May 2019 newsletter

Federal Election, Super tips and strategies, Super funds of the year, DIY SMSFs, How much super do I need?

Highlights of the May 2019 edition of the SuperGuide Premium newsletter include:

FEDERAL ELECTION: The Coalition election win should mean much less disruption to the super and tax rules in the short-term. As we near the end of the financial year though it pays to be across what the government has pledged in the Federal Budget and during the election. In a separate article we provide a refresher on the current super rules and the changes that are legislated for 1 July 2019. Daniel Brammall also reminds us that we need to see the promised recommendations from the Royal Commission come into effect.
EOFY TIPS AND SUPER STRATEGIES: Janine Mace provides 10 useful super housekeeping tips for the end of the financial year. Don’t leave your contributions until it’s too late! In a separate article Janine has also developed a bumper pack of super tips and strategies whatever stage of life you’re at.
SUPER FUNDS OF THE YEAR: Last night Chant West announced their super fund of the year. Find out who won, as well as the winners picked from the other major super research houses back to 2013.
REAL DIY SMSF: While SMSFs are intrinsically self-managed, many trustees choose to outsource much of the administration and investing. Penny Pryor explores how it’s possible to go the other way and operate a truly DIY super fund, and how much it can impact your fund’s bottom line.
BOARD DIVERSITY = BETTER RETURNS: Recent research has found that companies that have more female representation at board level produce higher returns. Alexandra Cain investigates what this means for super investors.
HOW MUCH SUPER DO I NEED TO RETIRE? Barbara Drury looks at what you need to consider when considering when you might retire and how much super you may need. We have also updated our series of articles (and reckoners) with the latest figures, including how much super you need to retire on $60,000, $80,000 or $100,000 a year, and what retirement income $500,000, $750,000, $1 million, $1.6 million and $2 million in super can give you.

FEDERAL ELECTION AND THE 2019 SUPER RULES

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Superannuation rule changes from July 2025 (and previous years)

Navigating your way around the constant rule changes in the super system is tricky, so here’s our annual list of the modifications you need to know about.

In your 50s or younger? The super rules that apply to you

When you reach your 50s, it’s time to get serious about your super, so here’s the key super rules for your age group.

Super housekeeping tips for EOFY

The end of the financial year is a good time to get your super house in order. Check our tips to make the most of your opportunities.

Tips to boost your super when retirement is approaching

As retirement nears, setting your super on the right path is more important than ever.

Super funds of the year awards: Best super funds for 2025

Investment returns are important, but they are not the only feature that make a great super fund. Here are the funds that go above and beyond for their members.

Members benefit from more superannuation board diversity

More women and people of diverse backgrounds on superannuation fund boards should translate to better outcomes for members.

Risk profiling and your investment choice

We all want a decent return on our investments, but it’s important to understand how much risk you are prepared to tolerate along the way.

How to invest your superannuation: Super for beginners guide

Just because we may be compelled to have superannuation, is no reason to leave it to its fate. In fact, playing a role in how your super is invested is one of the key ways we can influence its outcome. Here we break down the key concepts to help you gain confidence with the investing side of super.

Selecting your super fund: Can I make the choice?

Most Australians can choose which super fund they want their employer’s super contributions paid into, but there are exceptions. We explain who is, and is not, free to choose and how to go about it.

What are defined benefit super funds?

Although defined benefit funds are disappearing in Australia, if you’re lucky enough to be a member, they can offer a valuable way to save for your retirement.

Real DIY super: How to keep SMSF costs super low

With the cost of living front of mind, you could potentially save a lot of money by doing more of your SMSF tasks yourself, but you need to know what you’re doing.

Currency hedging for SMSFs

You may think currency hedging is too esoteric to worry about, but it can make a significant difference to your returns from global investments.

SMSFs: Investment property tax deduction mistakes to avoid

Property investment is popular with SMSFs, so it’s important to know what your fund can and can’t claim as investment property tax deductions if you want to stay on the right side of the ATO.

What age should I retire?

It’s a common question and the short answer is that age is only one of many considerations when you are weighing up when to retire.

How much super do I need to retire?

The good news is you probably don’t need anywhere near the $1 million often touted to retire in the style to which you have become accustomed. Here’s how to set your savings target.

See also the following articles on how much retirement income particular super balances can generate…

… and how much super you need to generate a particular income in retirement.

LATEST SUPER FUND RETURNS

Super fund performance: Monthly returns to May 2025

After a nail-biting start to the year, super funds are on track for another cracking return of about 9% for the 2025 financial year, after the median Growth fund was up 2.7% in May and markets continuing to rise in June.

What are lifecycle super funds, and how do 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.