SUPER CONFUSED ABOUT SUPERANNUATION STRUCTURES

Brought to you by: Perpetual

With a number of super structures available to you, it is crucial to select the one that best matches your current circumstances and your longer-term retirement goals. In this article Elysse Lorenti, Senior Financial Adviser, Perpetual Private and Catherine Chivers, Senior Manager Strategic Advice, Perpetual Private explore the different types of super structures available and the 5 key factors to consider when choosing the right super structure to build your retirement nest egg.

Still a super place for your retirement savings 👵🏼

Despite the recent market volatility created by the COVID-19 pandemic, it's worth remembering that in the face of these unprecedented times, the super system is still an effective way to save for retirement.

Here’s a few key reasons why:

1. All investment earnings from super are taxed at a maximum rate of 15 cents in the dollar. Outside the super system, your earnings can be taxed as high as 47 cents in the dollar (including Medicare levy). So, the question is - for every dollar you earn, would you prefer having 85 cents or as little as 53 cents working for you as an investment?
   
2. The benefits of super extend beyond the low tax rate on investment earnings. Under current law, you’ll pay no tax on the money you take out; either as a lump sum or an income stream, after the age of 60.
   
3. There’s tremendous flexibility in the form of superannuation structures that can best suit your needs and circumstances. This is where tailored financial advice can prove very helpful, there’s a few options to choose from!

Navigating the superannuation maze 🧩

When it comes to your super, some options have greater responsibilities than others, and therefore involve a more ‘hands-on’ management style by a fund member. However, if a more ‘hands-off’ preference is held, then that can be catered for too. It all gets down to what’s the right choice for you.

This may be beginning to sound complicated, but working alongside a financial adviser, you can navigate the maze to arrive at an end destination you are most at ease with. There are five main elements that need to be considered along the way.

Five fundamental factors to consider when choosing a super structure 🤑

1. Investment management possibilities
2. Ability to tailor to specific needs
3. Having the degree of control that best suits your preferences
4. Estate planning and insurance
5. Fees and management

As super structures differ, care should be taken when examining each option in light of your current circumstances and plans for the future. Here are the three main forms of super with a brief summary of their characteristics.

Industry super fund: A pooled superannuation product that combines your superannuation monies with other members. Your balance is represented by the number of units you hold in the fund. There is a Professional Corporate Trustee who is responsible for running every aspect of the fund. Often your first experience with superannuation. It is simple, low touch and low cost.

Super wrap: An individual superannuation product in your sole name that allows you to build your own bespoke investment portfolio centred around a cash hub. There is a Professional Corporate Trustee who is responsible for the running and compliance of the fund. It allows for more control, flexibility and transparency over the investments and strategy for your superannuation without the hassle of managing the administration and compliance aspects.

SMSF: A private structure that you manage yourself with the assistance of an accountant. The Trustees choose their own bespoke investment portfolio and strategy. As Trustee of the fund, you are responsible/liable for running every aspect of the fund. It allows for total control and access to the wide investment universe including purchasing direct property and business real assets with your superannuation monies. Onerous compliance and administration requirements require technical expertise.

The super scorecard – how your options compare 🌟

The three super options are contrasted below according to the five key factors to consider when examining which super structure may be most appropriate for your needs.

Consider the broader implications of your choice 🤔

Decisions about your super structures can have broader tax and estate planning outcomes. To help you cover all the bases, it is important to consider financial, tax and legal advice as part of an integrated approach. Your financial adviser, acting as your primary point of contact, can co-ordinate this process for you to give you peace of mind without the headache of having to manage multiple advisers yourself.

What to do now?

If you’re a woman who’s starting to focus on retirement it might be time to talk to a financial adviser. They can help you save with more discipline, invest more strategically and take advantage of contribution strategies that boost your super and save you tax. If you’re interested in this approach, please feel empowered to start a conversation. 

About the author:

Elysse is a trusted Senior Adviser at the Perpetual Private’s Sydney office with over 10 years’ experience in helping Australians achieve their financial planning goals.

Backed by Perpetual Private's team of experts, Elysse provides a holistic approach to financial advice with a strong relationship focus. Elysse works with her clients to understand their current situation, define their goals and develop a plan to achieve them. She then uses her expertise to translate the complex into simple to help clients make informed decisions.

How to connect with Elysse: 

[email protected]

Perpetual Private advice and services are provided by Perpetual Trustee Company Limited (PTCo) ABN 42 000 001 007, AFSL 236643. This information has been prepared by PTCo. It contains general information only and is not intended to provide you with financial advice or take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider, with a financial or other adviser, whether the information is suitable for your circumstances. The tax information contained in this document is not tax advice and should not be relied on as such. This information, including any assumptions and conclusions, is not intended to be a comprehensive statement of relevant practice or law that is often complex and can change. To the extent permitted by law, no liability is accepted for any loss or damage as a result of any reliance on this information. To view the Perpetual Group's Financial Services Guide, please click here.