SMSFs are not for everyone, but where an SMSF is appropriate, the benefits can be considerable.
In the context of ongoing public debate regarding the appropriate minimum size for an SMSF, new research has been provided to provide insights into the true costs of running an SMSF. And the research shows SMSFs are cheaper to run than many people may think.
“New year, new me!” We’ve all heard it plenty of times – may have even said it once or twice, but how many times has it actually resulted in tangible results?
This year why not start with a few simple things that can have a big impact on your future! Here are a few idea’s to get the most out of your SMSF.
With official interest rates hovering at an all-time low of 0.25%, it’s not surprising that many SMSF trustees are turning to riskier investments to try to generate better returns. While these investments are allowed by the SMSF legislation, there are several factors that need to be considered before investing.
With interest rates at record lows, the share market unpredictability and all round economic uncertainty, now more than ever it is important to ensure your SMSF investments are meeting your investment goals.
2020 has been a year full of unexpected events, be they local, national, or international. But what happens if you have an unexpected personal event?
Your SMSF is a long-term plan. So much can happen during this time including illness, incapacity or death of a fund member.
Setting up an SMSF can be complicated without the right assistance. Our aim to make the entire process as clear and stress free as possible for you to help you decide if an SMSF is right for you. The main points to consider are the following…
With lockdown restrictions coming back into force in parts of the country many individuals and business may once again find themselves unable to earn any income in the short term – especially if they are only just recovering from previous lockdowns!
If your SMSF has a property and a tenant in financial distress, you may be able to provide your tenant with rental relief under an agreed commercial arrangement. This may even be the case when the tenant is a related party or yourself.
As a trustee, you probably don’t think too much about what happens once you drop all your SMSF information off to your accountant, financial planner or auditor (referred to as your administrator here).
It may surprise you to learn that many of these services are then outsourced to other companies – often to workers in developing countries like Vietnam, India and Malaysia.
You may be aware that the Government recently announced measures which allow individuals affected by the economic impacts of COVID-19 to access a limited amount of their superannuation early.
Making the decision to access your superannuation early is a significant one and if possible, should be encompassed by financial advice. The Australian Taxation Office have now released guidance on the process for accessing superannuation early from SMSFs to assist in cushioning the adverse economic effects of Coronavirus. Read more
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone’s lives, and SMSF trustees are no exception.
While the worst of the pandemic is (hopefully) behind us, trustees still have difficult questions to ponder as they focus on how best to position their SMSF in 2020-21, as well as meet their annual regulatory obligations for 2019-20.