Insights
Short articles on SMSF rules, setting up a fund, investment strategy and outsourcing. Most were first published in 2016 and 2017, and each one was reviewed against today's rules in November 2026.
Articles
These articles are general information, not advice for any fund or person. Rules and limits change: check the ATO's current figures before you act.
Things to consider before starting an SMSF, part 2
Published ·
Four more points to weigh before you start an SMSF – flexibility and control, the real costs, estate planning and insurance, and whether you need advice.
For trusteesThings to consider before starting an SMSF, part 1
Published ·
Five points to weigh before you start an SMSF – where you want to be, the risk you can take, investing long term, where to invest and your role.
For trusteesUnderstanding the life cycle of an SMSF
Published ·
The seven stages of a typical SMSF, from set-up and contributions through investing, retirement and pensions, to death benefits and winding up.
For trustees5 investment strategy steps for your SMSF this year
Published ·
Five steps to a sound SMSF investment strategy – own your duties as trustee, set clear objectives, spread the assets, check the rules and document it.
For firmsThe role of an accountant in an SMSF
Published ·
The parts an accountant can play in an SMSF, from accounts, tax and administration to advice, and why the auditor must be a separate, ASIC-registered auditor.
For trusteesHow does insurance in an SMSF work?
Published ·
How life, total and permanent disability and income protection cover work in an SMSF, how premiums are treated for tax, and the pros and cons.
For trusteesHow to run your own SMSF
Published ·
What it takes to run your own SMSF – what the fund is, the duties you take on as trustee, and the money, time, skills and insurance thinking it needs.
For trustees5 tips to choose the right SMSF outsourcing firm
Published ·
Five tips for choosing who looks after your SMSF's accounts and administration – know your needs, use an accountant who knows you, and weigh online services.
For trusteesA beginner's guide to buying property with an SMSF
Published ·
What to know before your SMSF buys property – putting the fund first, limited recourse borrowing, the costs, and how rent and gains are taxed.
For trusteesSelf-managed super funds as a retirement investment
Published ·
Why SMSFs appeal as a retirement investment, with control, flexibility, concessional tax and insurance, and the questions to ask yourself before you start one.
For trusteesQuestions to ask yourself before starting an SMSF
Published ·
Four questions to ask before you start an SMSF – is it cost-effective, what would you give up, do you have the investment skills and the know-how?
For firmsHow SMSF outsourcing gives your firm an edge
Published ·
How outsourcing SMSF preparation helps accounting and financial planning firms – deadlines met, specialist work, consistency, lower cost, less key-person risk.
Tell us how many funds you have. We'll confirm the fee.
A few lines about your firm are enough. We reply within one working day.