In this article you can discover the investment performance for 12 asset classes over various timeframes. For all asset classes there is data for 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 calendar years, and for most asset classes there is also data over 15 calendar years. Note: A calendar year covers 1 January to 31 December, whereas a ... Read more
Asset Sector Performance Reckoner
SuperGuide’s Asset Sector Performance reckoner allows you to compare the investment performance of various asset classes over the short, medium and long term. The reckoner covers 12 asset classes over 1, 3, 5, 7 and 10 years and, where available, also over 15 years. The maximum performance timeframe available for each ... Read more
The arm’s length rule for SMSFs
If you are a trustee of your own self-managed super fund, you’ve probably heard of the ‘arm’s length’ rule. The concept of ‘arm’s length’ is familiar to businesses the world over. To ensure business transactions are conducted at commercial market values buyers and sellers must act independently, without colluding and ... Read more
What on earth is an in-specie transfer?
It may sound like an alien abduction, but in specie transfers have a more down-to-earth meaning in superannuation parlance. Most super fund members are familiar with the process of making contributions to their super account. However, they may be less familiar with the process of transferring an asset such as property ... Read more
Your SMSF calendar
SMSF trustees have a lot to remember. Along with trustee meetings and minutes, trustees need to keep up to date with current superannuation legislation and review their investments regularly. There are annual returns to lodge, auditor reports to arrange and actuarial reports to book as well if your SMSF is paying a ... Read more
5 new year’s resolutions for your SMSF
The beginning of a new year is frequently the time when people begin planning for the year ahead. Many of us usually have a few days holiday, if not a few weeks, which gives us time to recharge and reflect. A self-managed super fund (SMSF) is no different to a fitness, diet or a savings plan, in that a few days ... Read more
Choosing an SMSF service provider
Most people who choose to run their own self-managed super fund are drawn to the control and flexibility they offer. But the reality is that unless you have a high degree of SMSF and investment knowledge, as well as plenty of time available to manage your fund, you’re likely to need at least some professional ... Read more
What are the penalties for SMSF non-compliance?
It’s a rare person who enjoys paperwork. But for trustees of a self-managed super fund, it’s a necessary evil. That’s because there can be serious penalties if your fund isn’t set up and managed to comply with superannuation and taxation legislation. These penalties are imposed by the Australian Taxation Office ... Read more
Guide to SMSF administration, reporting and record-keeping
Self-managed super funds (SMSFs) provide members with a high degree of control over their retirement savings, but with that control comes responsibility. SMSF trustees have extensive administrative, reporting and record-keeping obligations to ensure their fund complies with superannuation and taxation ... Read more
SMSFs: What advice can your accountant provide?
Being the trustee of an SMSF can be challenging. But while many SMSF trustees turn to their accountant for assistance, they can only provide advice on some SMSF-related matters. To keep your fund compliant, you need to ensure you are getting assistance from someone licenced and qualified to do so. But what matters can ... Read more
What are the key differences between SMSFs and public offer funds?
Self-managed super funds (SMSFs) are still growing both in number and in assets. According to the latest figures from the Tax Office, the total assets held by SMSFs now exceeds $750 billion shared by 1,118,650 members. Yet, despite the popularity, the average trustee of an SMSF has only a vague understanding of the ... Read more
What is a self-managed super fund (SMSF)?
As the name implies, an SMSF (also known as DIY super) is a private super fund that you manage yourself. So it’s no surprise that control is the number one reason people give when asked why they chose to fly solo. SMSFs give their members control over how their retirement savings are invested. Other reasons for ... Read more
How to wind up an SMSF
There are many reasons why you might choose to wind up your self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) – you’ve retired and you’re not taking a pension, you don’t have the time to manage it efficiently anymore, or a trustee might have passed away – but, just like starting a SMSF, there is a proper process to go ... Read more
SMSFs: Corporate or individual trustee?
One of the first decisions you must make when setting up an SMSF is whether to choose a corporate or an individual trustee structure. Both have pros and cons but whichever structure you choose every member of your fund must be a trustee. The role of trustees Trustees own and manage the fund’s assets on behalf of ... Read more
How to set up an SMSF correctly
So you’ve decided to join more than one million Aussies with a self-managed super fund. Congratulations! Having your own SMSF can be a personally and financially rewarding experience, provided your fund is set up correctly from the get-go. Attention to detail now will avoid penalties and save you time in the long ... Read more