Superannuation Articles

SMSF Costs: Everything you need to know

If you’re thinking of keeping your super savings in a self-managed super fund (SMSF), you’ll need to have an idea of SMSF setup costs. You will also need to estimate the costs to maintain an SMSF.

What is the SMSF Association?

The SMSF Association represents the self-managed super fund sector of Australia. The association works to enhance the knowledge of SMSF professionals and trustees and advocates for the sector in discussions with various stakeholders.

Your guide to parental leave and superannuation

See how your superannuation is affected when you take parental leave. Also, learn how to minimise the impact of the leave on your superannuation fund balance.

What is the sole purpose test for an SMSF?

The Sole Purpose Test is designed to ensure that each action undertaken by a self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) is for the sole purpose of providing retirement benefits to the trustees.

What is gainful employment under superannuation regulations?

You can access your super when you reach your preservation age if you’re no longer gainfully employed. And if you’re over 67, you can add to your super again if you’re gainfully employed. So what is considered as gainfully employed for superannuation purposes?

Choosing the right super investment options

Choosing the right investments for your super fund is important and can make a huge difference to your retirement savings. However, making this choice could be confusing, and you may not know where to begin.

Can you change your superannuation fund?

If you’re not getting optimum returns and suitable features from your super fund, you may want to switch to another. So how do you select the right one for you, and how do you change superannuation funds?

How much can I salary sacrifice into my super fund?

When you salary-sacrifice into your super fund you make a concessional contribution taxed at a lower rate, unless you exceed the cap available to you.

A super-health checklist: what cardinal super sin are you committing?

If you’re in the habit of simply letting your super chug along in the background as you move through your career, you could be doing yourself a disservice.

The cost of super complacency

Aussies who have a set-and-forget mentality towards their super funds could be sacrificing the retirement they deserve.

How can I find out where my super money is invested?

Being proactive with your superannuation from the early stages of your career can have long lasting effects, and that includes knowing where your money is being invested.

What happens to my super if I’m a temporary resident working in Australia?

Working in Australia means a percentage of your wage or salary must be put aside in a superannuation fund. But what happens if you’re only working in Australia on a temporary basis? Will you be unable to access this money until you retire, or can you access your super early?