MythBusters! Busting The Biggest Myths about Self-Managed Super Funds
Self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) are a great way to take
complete control over your retirement. However, in recent years, SMSFs have
come under a lot
of scrutiny after the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving many Australians
to question the legitimacy and safety of having a SMSF.
Fear no more – Auditax Accountants have laid out 5 of the biggest myths
surrounding SMSFs, so you can consider whether having one is right for you.
Myth #1: You Need To Be A Millionaire To Open An SMSF
While there are some general advice floating around about how much you
should have to create and sustain a SMSF (usually the more money, the better)
it is a myth.
First, there are no mandatory minimum balance to open a SMSF, according
to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). In 2018-19,
ASIC calculated that approximately 15%
of SMSF’s had a balance below $200,000, and the average fund
straddled between $200,000 - $500,000. You are not expected to be a millionaire
open entering or exiting a SMSF.
It
is recommended, however, that you calculate higher
administration fees, compliance fees, and yearly auditing fees, when
considering opening a SMSF. For funds with low balances to begin with, it may
not be worth it. Before deciding, talk to an SMSF adviser, such as Auditax
Accountants, to see if it’s right for you.
Myth #2: SMSFs Are Risky
Unlike retail and industry funds, where investment decisions are made
for the member on behalf of the fund, SMSF’s are solely managed by their
trustees. Which, as you can probably imagine, is like having the weight of the
financial world on your own shoulders. To run a SMSF, you need to have some
level of skill and understanding of investing – but you don’t have to do it all
alone. To reduce your risk, you can seek professional advice to review your investment
strategy and remove the high-risk factor.
Myth #3: SMSFs Are A Simple Way To Buy Property
Let’s address the elephant in this myth to start off – buying property
is never simple. Buying property through a SMSF is actually
more challenging to manage and regulate, compared to buying a
private investment property. Additionally, you cannot live or rent the property
purchased through your SMSF, nor can anyone related to you. So, if all goes
pear shaped with your current home or rental, you cannot use your SMSF home as
a backup.
Myth #4: You Need To Be The Wolf Of Wall Street To Run
A SMSF
You don’t need to be the Wolf of Wall Street to start an SMSF – however,
you do need some skills in making investment decisions, and be financially
literate. Failing that, finding the right investment advisor can help empower
you to take calculated risks when investing your super – and there are a lot of
them out there.
Myth #5: They’re A Lot Of Work.
This one isn’t a myth actually. They really are a lot of work. In fact, the
average cost of running a SMSF works out to be around $6,450.
Furthermore, it is suggested you spend at least 8 hours a month reviewing your
SMSF investments, minutes, and deeds to ensure it remains compliant. But the benefit are, you can release the funds
when you retire directly, rather than jump through leaps and hurdles with
industry funds.
While SMSFs are great for some, they're not suited to everyone. If you're considering opening an SMSF, the first step is to speak to an expert.
Auditax Accountants provide SMSF Audits Perth is a professional Self Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) auditing firm with offices in Perth and clients all around Australia. Working with complex SMSF concerns and Superannuation legislation requires substantial experience and knowledge. We are completely independent and situated in Perth, and we provide competitive, personalised, and fast audit services. We use the most up-to-date cloud-based technology and a secure Australian-based upload site to provide you with piece of mind.
Comments
Post a Comment