Newsletter - Winter 2017

In recent times, Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSF) have become very popular and, for many investors, they represent an excellent vehicle to manage their retirement assets.

It is my belief that for many Australian’s who have an SMSF, it is not the most appropriate structure. Truth be known, often the person recommending the fund benefits greatly.  As a financial planner, a SMSF client is gold as they are generally high revenue clients.  The same applies for accountants and those involved with property investment, we are all incentivised to recommend an SMSF. Is this best for the client? Often the answer is yes, it is a great option, however, in a lot of other situations, I’m less confident that an SMSF is appropriate. 

Estate planning is complicated! From experience, most people are unaware that their superannuation does not form part of their estate and therefore is not covered by your Will. Your super needs to be addressed separately and is normally done so with the nomination of beneficiaries.

So what happens if you die without a nominating a beneficiary? The trustee decides on where the money should be directed and is obligated to act in your best interests. This seems to make sense and, in many cases, ends up with a satisfactory result; however, the trustee’s decision is by no means guaranteed to match your wishes.