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4 reasons for setting up an SMSF

In the past, most people invested their Superannuation in Retail or Industry Superfunds to which their employers contributed a percentage of their salary. Fund managers then made investment decisions on behalf of the members of those Funds.

This landscape has dramatically changed in the past 10 years, with over 1 million Australians having switched from Retail or Industry Funds to SMSFs. The reasons for the change include the additional control over their Super and potentially lower fees. Now let us have a closer look at the advantages that an SMSF can offer.

  1. Take back total control of your Super

An SMSF gives you total control of your Super by allowing you to choose where you invest your Super Benefit. Many of our clients who are disappointed with their Superfund's performance or simply think that they can do a better job investing their Super Benefit themselves are choosing to establish and manage their own SMSF.

Having total control means the members of the SMSF can invest in a wide range of investments. For example, with an SMSF, you can invest in Term Deposits, Australian & International Shares, Residential & Commercial Property.

  1. Save fees on managing your Super

An SMSF can also be the most cost effective type of Superannuation Fund. This is unique in comparison to other Superannuation Funds whose fees increase as your Super balance grows.

  1. Manage up to 4 members' Super in one SMSF

You can set up an SMSF for yourself and add up to three other people and consolidate the super balance from each member into one SMSF. This enables you to reduce the average fee per member to run an SMSF given our annual fee is the same for 1, 2, 3, or 4 members.

  1. Accumulation and Pension Funds in one

With Retail and Industry Funds your benefit is typically invested separately in a Pension or an Accumulation Account. This means that when you wish to drawdown your Super Benefit as a Pension your Super Benefit will need to be transferred to a separate Pension Account and any additional contributions you make will be added to a completely separate Accumulation Account. An SMSF is a Pension and Accumulation Funds in one. You can commence a Pension and continue contributing to the same SMSF. There is no need to split your Super Benefit into multiple Funds.

Before you start

An SMSF can be a great vehicle to take back control of your Super but an SMSF may not be right for everyone. Always consult with your accountant or financial planner before making any decision relating to your retirement planning or setting up your own SMSF.