It's incredible how over a million Australians can now take better control of their retirement savings through an SMSF or self-managed super fund.
One of the best things about an SMSF is that it lets you invest in a broader range of asset classes compared to a traditional superannuation fund.
You must always keep your financial goals in mind when choosing between investment options. For instance, more conservative assets may be able to deliver a steadier cash flow, but appreciating assets such as commodities and stocks can significantly help you build wealth.
Here, your trusted mortgage broker in Sydney shares information on what your self-managed super fund can invest in:
Residential and Commercial Properties
You may not be aware, but your self-managed super fund can invest in various assets- including residential and commercial properties.
Investing in a residential property - such as a house, unit, or townhouse - can be a great way to generate rental income and build long-term wealth. Before buying a property for your self-managed super fund, there are some things to consider, including the location, size, and type.
Commercial properties - such as office buildings, warehouses, and retail stores - can also be an excellent investment for your self-managed super fund.
Deciding whether to invest in a residential or commercial property is a big decision - and there's no right or wrong answer. It all depends on your needs and goals.
Australian and International Shares
Australian shares offer the advantage of being well-regulated and easy to buy and sell. They are also usually less volatile than international shares. However, they may provide less growth potential than some global shares.
International shares offer the advantage of potentially higher growth potential. However, they may be more volatile and less well-regulated than Australian shares.
Fixed Income Products
Various fixed-income products are available for self-managed super funds (SMSFs) to invest in. The most common fixed-income products are Australian government bonds, corporate bonds, and term deposits.
Australian government bonds are issued by the Australian government and are considered a very safe investment. Corporate bonds are issued by companies and are also considered a relatively safe investment. Term deposits are deposits made with a financial institution for a fixed term, typically ranging from one month to five years.
SMSFs can also invest in a variety of other fixed-income products, including international government bonds, residential mortgage-backed securities, and commercial mortgage-backed securities.
The main advantage of investing in fixed-income products is that they offer a relatively low risk and tend to provide lower returns than other investment options. The downside is that the investment options, such as shares and property.
When considering investing in fixed-income products, SMSFs should consider their investment objectives and risk tolerance. They should also ensure that they diversify their investment portfolio to reduce the overall risk.
Cash and Term Deposits
Your self-managed super fund can invest in cash and term deposits with banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions. The interest rates on these investments are generally lower than other investments, such as shares, but they are also considered very safe.
When investing in cash and term deposits, it is crucial to consider the fees and charges that may be applied. Some financial institutions may charge monthly fees, while others may charge exit fees if you withdraw your money early. It is essential to compare different offers to find the best deal for your needs.
Physical Commodities
Your self-managed super fund (SMSF) can invest in a range of physical commodities, including precious metals, energy products, and agricultural commodities.
Rare metals such as silver and gold have been for some time popular investments due to their perceived stability and value. Gold is often seen as a safe haven asset, while silver is used in a range of industrial applications which can be kept inside a gold storage facility.
Energy commodities such as oil and fuel are also popular investments, as they are essential to the global economy. Oil is used for transportation, while fuel is used for heating and power generation.
Agricultural commodities such as corn, wheat, and soybeans are traded globally. These commodities are used in a range of food and industrial products.
Conclusion
A self-managed super fund can be an excellent way to invest for your retirement. However, it is important to consider what you are investing in carefully. Make sure to do your research and understand the risks involved before making any decisions.
If you're planning to invest in real estate, it's a good idea to speak with a seasoned mortgage broker who can help you through the process.
Wealthy You offers the services of a trusted mortgage broker in Australia. If you're interested in investing in residential or commercial property using your SMSF, contact our team so we can answer your questions!
