SMSF experiences. Looking to learn from you all!

Discussion in 'Superannuation, SMSF & Personal Insurance' started by curious_george, 19th Mar, 2013.

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  1. curious_george

    curious_george New Member

    Joined:
    1st Jul, 2015
    Posts:
    1
    Location:
    Sydney NSW
    Hi Guys,

    I was wondering if people would be able to share their experiences with me? In particular i'm interested to find out why most people moved to a SMSF as opposed to using the standard structures available.

    For example, i'm concerned about the
    1. high level of fee's in the industry.
    2. poor performance of the investments made on my behalf.
    3. poor transparency on the investment options out there.
    4. lack of control over my investments.

    Do you share the same thoughts, or was your decision motivated by something else? More flexability etc?

    Additionally, do you guys use direct equity's, etf's for fund managers in your superfunds? and why specifically do you do that?

    If you do use outsourced providers of investments, what stuff in particular to you absolutely insist on having delivered to you to make your life easy when it comes to tax time? (particularly if using stuff like ETF's).

    I'm not asking for advice from anyone, so don't worry! ;-) Just interested to understand your experience and motivations to help form a view for myself.

    Thanks,

    CG
     
  2. Mark.

    Mark. Guest

    For me, 2 main drivers:

    1. Reduce ongoing costs
    2. Ability to invest directly in shares/bonds (rather than pooled/managed funds)

    I know exactly how much I'm spending on super, and I know the value of my super at all times.

    At the moment I'm only using ETFs to invest in property.
     
  3. jorgon

    jorgon Member

    Joined:
    1st Jul, 2015
    Posts:
    22
    Location:
    Brisbane
    My main driver for my own personal SMSF is my belief that I can do it as well, or better than other people. Therefore why pay those others.
     
  4. jeffery85

    jeffery85 Active Member

    Joined:
    1st Jul, 2015
    Posts:
    28
    Location:
    canberra
    Check out SMSF lite e.g. Australian Super Members Direct (theres lots of different ones) gives you the best of both worlds and ok fees but i want to build up to a full SMSF eventually as i build my confidence.
     
  5. stephenp

    stephenp New Member

    Joined:
    1st Jul, 2015
    Posts:
    3
    Location:
    Brisbane, Qld
    I chose to set up my SMSF to reduce fees and have some better control and flexibility. I felt that I could get at least an equal or better return by doing it myself rather than paying for the privilege. This was very apparent during and after the GFC where keeping funds in term deposits was better than in the superfund.

    I have also been investing in stocks for the last 25yrs so am comfortable with and understand the risk and reward.

    I chose a low cost provider/administrator and get investment advice elsewhere.