With over 1.1
million Australians choosing to manage their own Self-Managed Super Fund, it
has become a popular option for those wanting more control over their
retirement savings.

A Self-Managed
Super Fund gives you, as the Trustee, the ability to put retirement planning
into your own hands. The long-standing debate when comparing an SMSF to a
traditional superannuation fund is typically restricted to a simple analysis of
cost and returns; but in reality, it’s never that simple. It also comes down to
your motivations, your desire for control and your own personal retirement
goals. Yes, an SMSF is not right for everyone – it must be considered on a case
by case basis – but it’s important to have all the facts and information at
hand so you can make the right decision.

“Lower fees,
More control, Better choice, More Flexibility”

WHY CHOOSE
AN SMSF?

Control

SMSFs enable
you to take control of your financial future. The desire to gain greater
control over superannuation assets and investments is the leading motivation
for the establishment of SMSFs. As a trustee, you are responsible for making
decisions on where your money is invested. Control lies in
your hands. Your money. Your choice. You control the fees, and you control the
ability to achieve higher returns. It is this sense of comfort, confidence, and
security in managing your own affairs that cannot be measured.

Flexible
investment choices

SMSFs provide
the ultimate level of investment flexibility and choice. In addition to shares,
fixed interest, and managed funds, SMSFs can offer increased flexibility,
enabling you to invest directly into property, commodities, unlisted companies,
and unlisted managed funds and trusts.This can even
include your own small business property. This ability to create a diverse,
tailored portfolio is unmatched when compared to institutional superannuation
funds.

Dissatisfaction
with your existing fund

Taking control
of an SMSF also means that trustees always have oversight of their
superannuation savings. Many people decide to set-up an SMSF because they are
dissatisfied with the performance of their existing superannuation fund. The
fees may be too high or the investment options too restrictive. They may want
more transparency over the fees they are paying or have more control over
things like corporate actions.

Plan your tax

SMSFs can also
provide additional flexibility to manage the tax paid by your fund. The
flexibility of an SMSF allows individuals to control the timing of
contributions and the purchase and sale of investments to achieve the best
retirement savings outcome for members. SMSFs also provide for a seamless
transition from accumulation to pension phase.

Plan your
estate

With proper
planning, and if structured correctly, an SMSF can provide additionally
flexibility and certainty regarding when, and to whom, death benefits are paid
from your retirement assets.

‘8 out of 10
trustees believe their SMSF is good value for money.

DID YOU KNOW?

1. Around half of all SMSF trustees own or have owned
   a small business
2. 9 out of 10 trustees believe managing and engaging
   with their own SMSF provides them with a level of satisfaction
3. The median “operating expense” of SMSFs is $3,923 a
   year
4. The majority of SMSF trustees spend between 1 to 5
   hours a month administering their SMSF
5. The most common age range for establishing an SMSF
   is between 35 and 44
6. SMSFs can be cost effective at balances of $200,000
   or more
7. Over 50% of SMSF members have had their SMSF for
   over 10 years
8. There are strict regulations surrounding SMSFs.
   Aside from the annual audit of your SMSF, which must be done by an
   independent Approved SMSF auditor, you can choose the level of compliance
   and administration work you outsource to others – but as the trustee of
   your SMSF you remain ultimately responsible for ensuring your SMSF
   complies with the superannuation and taxation laws

The ATO, a
specialist SMSF adviser and an experienced SMSF Accountant are there to help
you with your success.