Is a Self-Managed Super Fund for Me?

As the name suggests, a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) is a superannuation fund that you control and manage yourself.

Why a Self-Managed Super Fund?

The Ability to Manage Your Own Investments

Typically, with an industry fund, you select a fund and tick boxes to choose the right risk level for you (e.g. Cash, Balanced or Growth) and possibly select a level of life insurance cover and then get lumped into various set investment portfolios with thousands of other individuals who ticked the same boxes as you.

With Self-Managed Super, you have greater control over what your funds are invested in. If you want to invest heavily in shares in the banking sector, for example, you can.

Of course, if you didn’t feel comfortable managing ALL of your investments, you could also have your choice of financial adviser manage some of the investments for you.

Real Property Purchase

The most appealing reason for some people will be the ability to use superannuation funds to purchase real property. This could be your business’ trading address, for example, so instead of paying rent to a third party landlord, you pay it to yourself – into your super fund.

As with all investments within the super system, strict guidelines apply but, after considering your personal circumstances, significant outcomes in your favour can be gained using this investment method.

Access to a Broader Range of Investments

You can not only invest in shares, term deposits, managed funds and property, you can also hold alternative assets, such as gold bullion.

Of course, as we are dealing with funds that are to be used for the sole purpose of funding your retirement, strict criteria apply.

To find out whether a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) is the right choice for you, contact one of our Superannuation Specialists on 03 5833 3000.