Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSF) are a popular option for individuals, families and small business owners.

We all want to have more control over our financial direction towards retirement.

SMSFs operate similarly to corporate and industry superannuation funds – they invest member contributions and make funds available to members on retirement. The main difference is that the members of a SMSF are also the trustees of the fund. The trustees (you) determine how contributions are invested, as well as managing members’ benefits.

There’s a lot more on offer with a SMSF, but unless you’re super-savvy you’ll need help and guidance to manage your fund. Cue The Peak Partnership and how we help:

SETTING UP A SMSF

A SMSF is like a new puppy – it’s for life (well almost) so you’ve got to be sure.

Generally, you should have a minimum of $200,000 to start investing in a SMSF, so our first step is a good, bad, ugly discussion to help you decide if a SMSF is right for you. Then we’ll design a plan that matches your retirement vision.

We’ll take you through investment strategy, trustee structures, rolling your existing super and setting up your initial investments, bank accounts, trust deeds, record-keeping and your compliance responsibilities.

Right now it might sound overwhelming, but the benefits of a SMSF far outweigh the initial nerves. And we’re always here to help.

SMSF ADMINISTRATION

Ticking all the boxes with a SMSF as tax time approaches can be complex.

Luckily, we do SMSF compliance day-in day-out. Our qualified SMSF specialists know how to administer your fund thoroughly and efficiently, saving you money while we keep the regulators happy.

We adopt the monthly administration method, which means together we can stay on top of your SMSF right throughout the year so there’s no nasty last-minute surprises. And we manage your SMSF through every stage, from establishment through to termination and payment of benefits.

RETIREMENT PLANNING

Super is all about retirement, so we always have an eye on your end goal.

We’ll help you set up a Transition to Retirement investment strategy (TTRP), tax-free pension payments, pension allocations, as well as asset structures for cash flow or capital growth.

INVESTING

This is where your SMSF gets exciting. You have greater investment flexibility through a SMSF, such as listed securities and business property, directly from its members.

This added flexibility allows a SMSF to invest in the usual superannuation-style investments like listed shares, as well as real property - giving greater control over investment strategies and outcomes.

BORROWING AND PROPERTY

It’s possible with a SMSF.

You can get into the property investment game, borrowing the money you need for a residential or commercial property through your own Fund. How it works and the rules around borrowing through your SMSF are complex, but it can be a worthwhile strategy to increase your Fund’s asset base and achieve ongoing investment returns.

If you like the idea of playing for real that famous board game that we can’t mention by name, talk to us about making it happen. As a little teaser, grab our fact sheet on self-managed super and borrowing for property.

ESTATE PLANNING

Everyone wants to enjoy their super when the Golden Years arrive, but unfortunately it doesn’t always turn out that way. With our estate planning expertise, we’ll make sure your SMSF assets go to the people you want if the worst should happen.

Find out more about estate planning at The Peak Partnership here.

If you still want more information, head over to our Fact Sheets page where you’ll find a bunch of simple guides around SMSF.