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SMSF Advice

Enjoy more choice and control with an SMSF strategy that fits your goals

SMSF Advice

Take Control of Your Retirement Future

Superannuation is one of the most important vehicles for building long-term wealth in Australia, but for those looking for more control, flexibility, and personal involvement, a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) may be the ideal option.

At Focused Advisers, we help clients take their super to the next level by guiding them through the process of setting up, managing, and optimising an SMSF, tailored to their goals, risk profile, and investment interests. Whether you've already built a significant super balance or are looking to merge your existing super funds to get started, this page will walk you through what an SMSF is, its benefits, and whether it could be right for you.

What is an SMSF?

A Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) is a private superannuation fund that you manage yourself, either alone or with up to five other members (typically family or partners). Unlike traditional retail or industry funds, you have full control over the fund's investments, asset allocation, and compliance.

SMSFs can invest in:

But with greater control comes greater responsibility. That's why we're here - to provide expert advice, structure your fund correctly, and ensure it aligns with your lifestyle and long-term retirement goals.

Explore more insights into how SMSFs work and common myths on our Insights blog

SMSF Advice

Is an SMSF Right for You?

SMSFs are not for everyone, but they can be a great fit for individuals or couples who:

  • Have a combined super balance of at least $200,000
  • Want to choose and manage investments directly
  • Have experience or interest in financial strategy
  • Prefer transparency and control over fees and performance
  • Want to hold unique assets such as business premises or ethical investments

If you currently have multiple super funds, consolidating them into one may provide the required capital to establish an SMSF. We help assess your eligibility and ensure you're financially and logistically prepared to manage one.

What to Consider Before Starting a SMSF

SMSFs carry compliance obligations; not everyone has the time or desire to manage the fund themselves. It's important to consider:

  • Time commitment: SMSFs require active engagement, from investment decisions to compliance.
  • Regulatory obligations: As a trustee, you're legally responsible for following ATO rules.
  • Insurance: You may lose default insurance cover from your existing super fund when switching.
  • Setup and admin costs: Ongoing expenses must be weighed against long-term benefits.

At Focused Advisers, we don't just set up SMSFs - we provide ongoing strategic guidance, compliance support, and annual reviews to make SMSF ownership simple and rewarding.

How We Help Our SMSF services include:

Strategic suitability assessment
Consolidation of existing super accounts
SMSF establishment and legal structure setup
Ongoing compliance and reporting
Investment strategy development
SMSF property advice and lending strategies
Retirement and pension planning within your SMSF

Merge Your Super to Fund Your SMSF

If you've been accumulating super across multiple funds, it's worth consolidating your super before setting up an SMSF. Consolidation can:

  • Reduce fees from multiple super accounts
  • Boost your balance for larger investment potential
  • Simplify your super and make SMSF setup easier
  • Make you eligible to meet the minimum balance often required for effective SMSF management

We'll help you determine whether consolidation makes sense and which fund your employer should contribute to during the transition. Our experienced financial planners can make the entire process seamless, secure, and stress-free.

Tax Efficiency and Strategic Flexibility

SMSFs provide powerful opportunities for tax planning, including:

  • Franked dividends and imputation credits
  • Managing capital gains over time
  • Contributions planning and splitting
  • Transition to retirement strategies

With expert advice, you can utilise your SMSF to maximise retirement income> while legally reducing your tax burden.

Why Set Up an SMSF?

Here are the major advantages of moving to a self-managed super fund:

  • Greater Control Over Investments
    With an SMSF, you choose what to invest in, when to buy or sell, and how your portfolio is structured. This means you can tailor your investments to your values and goals - whether that means green investments, Australian shares, or commercial property.
  • Potential Cost Savings Over Time
    While SMSFs do involve setup and administrative costs, they become more cost-effective as your balance grows. Managing a single SMSF can be cheaper than multiple retail or industry fund fees combined - especially if you've already consolidated your super into one account.
  • Estate Planning and Family Wealth
    An SMSF gives you control over how your super is passed on to loved ones. You can create binding death benefit nominations, control the timing of payments, and use reversionary pensions to support a surviving spouse tax-effectively.

Your Retirement. Your Rules.

An SMSF gives you control over your super like never before, but only if it's set up correctly and managed strategically.

At Focused Advisers, we guide individuals and families through every step of the SMSF journey. Whether you're consolidating super, evaluating SMSF benefits, or planning for retirement, we offer personalised, practical advice to help you build your desired future.

Start your SMSF journey with confidence.

Explore your SMSF Advice Options

Book a free intro call with one of our experienced financial advisers and discover how SMSF Advice can give you peace of mind, no matter what life throws your way.

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Our Team

Meet Scott and Patrick, your financial advisers for wealth, super, retirement & insurance

Patrick Harrison

Patrick Harrison

Principal Financial Adviser

With over 18 years in financial services, Patrick partners with individuals and high-net-worth clients alike to turn ... Read more

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Scott Hendy

Scott Hendy

Financial Adviser

With over 7 years of experience in the financial advice industry, and a diverse career in public-facing roles before ... Read more

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