SMSF

Pros and Cons of a Self-Managed Super Fund: Is It Right for You?

An SMSF, or Self-Managed Super Fund, is a type of private superannuation fund that members themselves specifically oversee. Unique in its structure, an SMSF permits a maximum of six members, all of whom typically assume roles as the fund's directors or trustees. Their primary function, echoing the core objective of other superannuation ...

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Can I Sell Property from My SMSF to Myself? Exploring the Risks and Benefits

Have you considered selling property from your Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) to yourself? The short answer is indeed, yes, you can, but it must meet specific conditions and align with the stringent guidelines set by the Australian Taxation Office.

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SMSF Trustee Declaration: Why It’s Important and How to Complete It Properly

The SMSF Trustee Declaration is a legal obligation, distinct from the trust deed, which outlines the setup and operational structure of an SMSF. Upon becoming an SMSF trustee or director of a corporate trustee, it's crucial to understand the declaration's content, as it explains your duties and ensures the SMSF operates in compliance with the superannuation law.

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A Beginner’s Guide to Using Super to Buy Investment Property

In recent years, SMSFs have become increasingly popular due to the enticing benefits they offer for property investment. As a favoured choice for Australians planning their retirement, it's important to delve into this trend and understand the opportunities and complexities involved. While the idea of using super to purchase property may sound ...

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When Can I Access My SMSF?

Self-managed super funds are one of the most popular retirement savings options in Australia. But when can you access your SMSF? The answer depends on a few factors, including your age, your employment status and your super balance. Generally speaking, you can access your SMSF from age 55 if you're retired or ...

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SMSF Rules & Regulations: Withdrawals, Lending, Bank Accounts, Residency & More

A self-managed super fund (SMSF) is a trust structure designed to hold retirement savings for the benefit of its members. As trustees of their own fund, SMSF members have control over how their retirement savings are invested and managed. While this provides greater flexibility and choice, it also comes with greater responsibility. ...

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Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) Related Party Transactions

A related party of a self-managed superannuation fund is any person or entity who is somehow connected to the fund. This includes, but is not limited to, the fund's trustees, members, directors, officers, and relatives of these people. The definition of a related party also extends to businesses and other entities that ...

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Can A Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) Lend Money?

Yes, an SMSF can lend money to a third party. However, some strict rules and regulations must be followed in order for the loan to be compliant with superannuation law. The most important rule is that the loan must be made on commercial terms. This means that the interest rate charged must ...

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SMSF In House Assets: What Are They? What Are the Rules Around Them?

The in-house asset rules of self-managed super funds (SMSFs) are designed to ensure that SMSF trustees do not use the fund's assets to give themselves or members an unfair advantage. The rules are also intended to protect the interests of all SMSF members, by ensuring that the fund's assets are used primarily ...

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SMSF Loans: Everything You Need to Know For Property Investment, Home Loans & Related Parties Etc.

If you're like most people, the words "self-managed super fund loans" probably make your eyes glaze over. But if you have an SMSF or are thinking about setting one up, it's important to understand how they work - especially when it comes to taking out a loan. In this article, we'll explain ...

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SMSF Adviser: Do you need to keep a specialist financial advisor when managing a Self-Managed Super Fund?

When choosing to manage your own superannuation, there are many things to consider. One key question is, do you need to keep a financial advisor when managing a SMSF? While it's possible to go it alone when it comes to managing your SMSF, there are definite advantages to keeping a financial advisor ...

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Direct Indexing for SMSFs

Direct indexing has been gaining popularity in recent years as an alternative investment strategy. Unlike traditional index funds, which seek to track a specific market index, direct indexing involves investing directly in the underlying stocks that make up the index. This can offer a number of advantages, including potentially higher returns, greater ...

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Complete Guide to Self-Managed Super Fund Property Investment

Self-managed super fund property investment can provide a range of benefits for those looking to invest for their retirement. Whether it be a residential property or commercial property, not only can it provide a solid return on investment, but it can also offer tax advantages and the potential to borrow against the ...

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SMSF Software For Trustee Administration: How Does It Work?

What is the best SMSF software in 2022? When it comes to Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs), there is a wide range of software options available that can help you manage your finances and stay compliant with regulations. Choosing the right software for your SMSF can be a daunting task, but it is ...

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SMSF Trust Deed & Declaration Templates: Where to Get Them

Running a self-managed super fund (SMSF) comes with many different roles, responsibilities and administrative requirements to ensure compliance in the fund. One of the first things you will need to arrange when setting up an SMSF is a trust deed. In this article, we will run through some general information about what ...

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Self-Managed Super Fund Accountants: SMSF Accounting Fees & Services

In recent years, fees for SMSF accounting services have consolidated as streamlining and data efficiency have come into play. Bank account and investment data feeds that plug straight into the accounting software have significantly reduced the manual work required to complete the annual SMSF audit and financial accounts. Some accountants, either by ...

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SMSF Auditing, Auditors and the Online Audit Process

Self-managed super funds or SMSFs must be audited each year by an auditor independent of the tax accountant and fund administrator preparing the financial statements. An online SMSF audit refers to an audit process that involves submitting information and interacting with the SMSF audit provider online instead of conventional face to face ...

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Opinion: SMSF Contributions: The Many Benefits of Timing Your Super Investments

One of the most important benefits of having a self-managed super fund; the ability to time your contributions and market entries. We all know the “buy low, sell high” analogy but rarely is it considered when it comes to traditional super fund investments. Using a self-managed super fund is a common way of increasing your ability to time your investments and contributions.

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Q&A: SMSF Investment Strategy: Ideas & Options For Investing in a Self Managed Super Fund

One of the main attractions of an SMSF when compared to a traditional super fund or industry super fund is the wide range of investment options available for you to choose from within the SMSF. In almost all SMSFs, you can invest in traditional investments like shares, property, government or corporate bonds, ...

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Q&A: SMSF Capital Gains Tax (CGT): How It Works for Self Managed Funds

When you sell shares, property or a business and generate a profit, you have made a capital gain on the transaction. Capital gains are generally considered taxable income but exactly how much tax is payable on this income often boils down to how long you have held the asset before selling it. ...

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Self Managed Super Fund (SMSF) and Superannuation Glossary of Terms

SMSF and superannuation terminology can be a little confusing if you are new to the space so the team at SMSF Mate has created a glossary of common terms and phrases to help you navigate your way through your superannuation journey.

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SMSF Setup Guide: How do you Start a Self Managed Super Fund?

Operating your very own SMSF can be a fulfilling and financially beneficial experience, assuming you have done your homework and the fund is set up correctly from the beginning.

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Self Managed Super Fund (SMSF) Beginner Guide: Things to Know

Much like a regular superannuation fund, an SMSF is an excellent way for you to save for your retirement.

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Is it Worth Paying for a Financial Advisor or Wealth Manager?

When it comes to paying for a financial advisor, the costs are usually based on assets under management (AUM) or in simple terms - how much money they manage for you. The fees are in the vicinity of 0.20% to 1.5% of AUM per year. Some financial advisors charge a fee for ...

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What’s the Difference Between Retail, Wholesale and Sophisticated Investors For SMSFs?

In Australia, there are laws and legislation which differentiate retail and wholesale (sophisticated) investors. The main intention of this legislation is to protect retail investors from investments that are considered riskier and more complex than others.  On the other hand, when a person or entity is classified as a wholesale investor, it ...

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Kind words from Aussies managing
their own self funded futures

  • SMSF Mate is a unique website because it has ideas about how to approach SMSFs, insurance and other financial topics that come straight from first hand experience. It's much more useful than what you find on all the other financial websites that just offer generic info that you could easily get on the ATO's website. It's also nice to know there's no financial incentive behind the information, it's legitimately there to help people understand self-managed super funds and how to get the most out of them, not to get an affiliate commission from a broker or other financial services provider. The investment product information is also incredibly useful, I've never seen this kind of functionality on any other website that let's you look at such a wide range of products, sort by what info is most interesting or important to you, and subscribe to updates for different funds and financial products all in one place. Definitely worth checking out if you own or are considering an SMSF!

    David G, Self-Employed, SMSF Owner
  • SMSF Mate provides a unique insight into superannuation and financial topics in a way that is easier to understand than conventional websites. The colloquial nature of the site makes it easy to understand and they often speak about complicated topics in lamens terms so I can wrap my head around them. The investment product information is a great way to research funds that I am interested in investing in with my SMSF and there is a lot of helpful information on the site for better structuring my investment portfolio. In comparison to other websites which offer similar information, SMSF Mate excels as the information is free to access whereas many other sites charge a subscription fee for the same thing. Overall, I think SMSF Mate is a great resource for SMSF trustees and is worth looking at for a variety of super-related topics. Thanks.

    Tim B, Business Owner, SMSF Trustee