Understanding Self Managed Super Funds

Many Australians are now looking to take control and become more involved in their superannuation. SMSFs hold approximately one-third of the total superannuation funds and often the preferred choice for people who are highly engaged with their superannuation and retirement planning.

Turtle Securities can help you establish a SMSF and guide you with the many responsibilities of trustees. We will guide you and educate you along the way.

Why a Self Managed Super Fund (SMSF)? 

There are 8 major benefits.

1. The main benefit is investment control and wider choice such as residential and commercial property, collectibles, term deposits and direct shares that SMSF members have compared to industry and retail super funds.
   
   
2. An SMSF is allowed borrow to members can purchase large single assets such as an investment property or commercial property, not possible in industry or retail super.
   
   
3. Another benefit of an SMSF is tax minimisation because you have more control.  You have flexibility when it comes to contributions, the timing of contributions, allocating earnings to particular members and implementing ‘reserves’. 
   
   
4. You are able to pay for your personal insurance cover through a SMSF.
   
   
5. Whenever it comes time to move to the retirement phase an SMSF will allow you to have an almost seamless transition from the accumulation phase to the pension phase without the need to sell down assets triggering capital gains tax (CGT) and other transaction costs. With many industry and retail funds, when moving to retirement you will be forced to sell down your super fund assets when leaving the accumulation phase, then re-purchase new assets within the Pension phase.
   
   
6. SMSF offers even more benefits, control and flexibility over a member’s estate plan that can ensure that the funds from the SMSF go to the right people, at the right time, in the most tax effective way possible.
   
   
7. There can be significant cost savings for higher balances.  The cost of having an SMSF can be lower than alternative public offer super funds, especially when the fund balance is high – greater than $300,000.
   
   
8. Finally, an SMSF will allow you to have ultimate control over selecting your team of professionals, and how you will pay for their advice. There may be the opportunity to pay for their fees via your SMSF funds.

What are your next steps?

Self-Managed Super Funds are becoming the most powerful retirement savings structure available. You must be willing to take on the responsibilities of an SMSF trustee, and a good Financial Planner will help guide you and educate you along the way. You will be able to ‘pass the sleep test’ knowing that you have control of your superannuation, that you control your investment decisions, have maximised your tax effectiveness, and have implemented effective estate planning and asset protection strategies.

Contact us today for your FREE initial consultation to discuss your options and next steps when you are looking to understand more about Self Managed Super.