There are numerous benefits of a well-diversified portfolio including mitigating volatility and short-term downside investment risks, preserving capital and the long-run benefits of higher overall returns. By spreading your SMSF’s investments across different asset classes and markets offering different risks and returns, you may better position yourself for a secure retirement. However, did you know…
November 5, 2018
Can your SMSF invest in a racehorse?
A popular question around Melbourne Cup time, can your SMSF invest in a racehorse? Unfortunately, the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. Whilst there is no direct restriction on investing in a race horse, the biggest issue is whether investing in a racehorse satisfies the specific legal requirements of superannuation law. Ultimately, more often…
October 30, 2018
Setting up an SMSF – What do you need to consider?
Setting up a self managed super fund (SMSF) can be complicated. Not getting it right can materially affect your financial situation and retirement plans. But don’t stress, this paper will help you ask the big questions. The first question you need to be sure about is whether an SMSF is the right fit for you…
October 24, 2018
Ready to set up an SMSF?
You’ve weighed up all the pros and cons and decided to establish a self managed super fund (SMSF). The establishment of an SMSF requires a lot of decisions to be made by you as an SMSF trustee in conjunction with appropriate advice from your advisor. Use the below checklist to ensure every step has been…
September 24, 2018
How to prepare your SMSF for audit
Written by Naomi Kewley SSA™ SSAud™, Managing Director, Peak Super Audits Tips on how to prepare your self managed super fund for audit this financial year Audit preparation 101: Tips for SMSF audit preparation this year; Key changes for pensions & contributions; Special investments – what will the auditor need? “Quality is never an accident.…
September 11, 2018
Podcast: SMSF strategies, benefits and traps you need to know
Self-managed superannuation funds make up 30% of the $2.3 trillion total superannuation pool and there are more than 1.1 million SMSF members, according to the Australian Taxation Office. From gearing to renting out vintage wedding cars, SMSFs offer investors the ability to deploy a wide variety of investment strategies and the structure provides various tax…
August 23, 2018
Digital currency: passing trend or something to consider?
You may have heard the term ‘cryptocurrency’ throughout the media in the past few months, but do you really know what this digital currency is? The term cryptocurrency is generally used to describe a digital asset in which encryption techniques are used to regulate the generation of additional units and verify transactions on a block-chain.…
August 20, 2018
FPA Share the Dream 2018 Research Report
The 2018 Financial Planning Week, run by the Financial Planning Association of Australia, focused on the next wave of ‘dreamers’, sharing money wisdom and practical tips with the people raising the next generation, so they can pass on the financial habits and skills that children will need later on in life. The research includes the…
August 15, 2018
Have you considered what you will do if an unexpected event occurs?
Your SMSF is a long-term plan. Much can happen during this time including illness, incapacity or death of a member. It is best practice to have contingency plans in place to deal with unexpected events. For example, if a fund member dies, leaving you as the sole member are you happy to continue with the…
How to access property in your SMSF and reduce concentration and compliance risks
Written by Peter Hogan, Head of Education and Technical, SMSF Association Investing for your retirement can present you with a wide range of investment opportunities to choose from. As a trustee and member of your SMSF, you need to make informed choices not only about the blend of different asset classes that will make up…