Super scorecard, Top funds revealed, How your fund ranks, Director IDs, Dixon’s demise, Reverse mortgages
Highlights of the February 2022 edition of the SuperGuide Premium newsletter include:
- WINDS OF CHANGE: With more ‘reforms’ on the way, we keep score of the super and not-so-super changes so far.
- BEST IN SHOW: We reveal the top performing super and pension funds, including risk-adjusted and sustainable options.
- WHERE DOES YOUR FUND RANK? If your fund is not among the top dogs, we show you where it sits in the pack.
- SMSFs AND DIRECTOR IDs: If your fund has a corporate trustee then listen up, it’s time for an identity check.
- LESSONS FROM A FALL: Dixon Advisory has left many of its SMSF clients out of pocket and provided salutary lessons for all.
- UNLOCKING HOUSING WEALTH: A growing number of retirees are turning to reverse mortgages to top up their income.
HOW SUPER WORKS
Super news for February 2022
$450 income threshold lifted, Retirement income covenant introduced, Aware Financial Services Australia fined $20m, Inflation hits retirees, APRA to focus on sub-standard practices in super, Australian super funds lead decarbonisation, SMSF Association calls for simplification of transfer balance cap, Proxy advice regulations overturned in Senate.
History of superannuation: Is it getting better?
If you thought governments were constantly tinkering with super, you’re right. Here’s your guide to the good, the bad and the ugly super changes so far.
How myGov can help you keep track of your super
Your myGov account can help you do everything from consolidate multiple super accounts to checking how much more you could contribute this financial year.
SUPER FUND PERFORMANCE
Top 10 Balanced super funds ranked by risk and return
While super funds with the highest annual returns capture headlines, some funds and their members place a premium on balancing rewards with a focus on consistency.
Top-performing sustainable super funds (to June 2024)
Sustainable funds delivered strong returns last financial year, comparing favourably with their non-sustainable peers.
Pension fund performance to December 2024
Pension fund returns exceeded minimum withdrawal rates for most retirees in 2024, providing a buffer against volatile times ahead.
Super fund performance: Monthly returns to March 2025
President Trump’s tariff chaos continued to wreak havoc on global share markets in March, putting a dent in super fund returns although they remain positive for the financial year to date.
BEST PERFORMING SUPER AND PENSION FUNDS
Check out the best performing super and pension funds across 5 different investment categories over 1 year and 10 years, updated to 31 December 2021.
Super funds
SUPER AND PENSION FUND QUARTILE RANKINGS
If your super fund is not in the top 10, see which quartile it ranks in across 5 different investment categories and 8 different timeframes, updated to 31 December 2021:
Super funds
SMSFs
Director Identification Numbers: What is required for SMSFs
If you are planning to set up your own self-managed super fund with a corporate trustee, then you will need to add applying for a Director ID to your administrative to-do list.
SMSF returns are competitive with large funds
While lagging the performance of large super funds some years, SMSFs have outperformed them over the longer term.
SMSF investment: 20 most popular Australian shares
SMSF investors continued their love affair with dividend-paying Australian shares in the year to June 2024, with all the usual suspects in the top 20.
SMSF investment: 20 most popular international shares
While the number of SMSFs investing directly in global shares is still relatively small, the booming tech sector is attracting an increasing number of those that do.
SMSF investment: 20 most popular managed funds
Despite the inroads made by ETFs in recent years, traditional managed funds remain popular with SMSFs seeking easy access to global shares and fixed interest.
SMSF investment: 20 most popular ETFs
ETFs were the fastest growing asset class among SMSF investors in the year to June 2024, with a surge of inflows to international shares driven by booming tech stocks.
RETIREMENT PLANNING
Dixon Advisory’s fall from grace: 4 lessons for all investors
When Dixon Advisory collapsed, it left a trail of aggrieved SMSFs and investment losses. It’s a saga we can all learn from.
Should I retire overseas?
Many Australians dream of retiring overseas and some actually turn the dream into reality, but there are health and financial considerations to consider before you take the plunge.
Retiring overseas: Implications for your super and tax
If you dream of retiring to an exotic overseas location where the living is easy, be sure to look at the financial, health and other considerations before you make the leap.
Five common financial mistakes SMSF trustees make just before retirement
There’s a lot to think about when you’re on the threshold of retirement, so it’s not surprising that mistakes are made and opportunities overlooked. Here’s what to watch out for.
IN RETIREMENT
Reverse mortgages: What are they and how do they work?
If you’re finding it difficult to make ends meet in retirement, one solution to free up some extra cash could be to take out a reverse mortgage.
Age Pension Q&As: Minimum drawdowns and the Age Pension
Sheena Stow-Smith from PensionHelp answers reader questions about how minimum drawdowns impact Age Pension entitlements.
Why aged care deserves to be part of your retirement plan
When you are planning your retirement bucket list, aged care probably doesn’t rate a mention, but it should if you want to live out your days in comfort and security.
Need care at home? We look at where to find it and what it costs
Government funding is available for older Australians who want to remain in their own home with in-home care, but you need to know where to look.
