My SMSF audit has been ‘qualified’ – what does this mean?
All SMSF trustees must appoint an approved auditor to audit the operations of their fund each year. This annual audit must include both a financial audit and a compliance audit. The auditor is required to report their findings to the trustees in the form of an audit report. The audit report consists of two parts, Part […]
Interesting voices – build your knowledge
We are often asked who to read/watch to keep up to date with what’s going on in the world of finance. Here are a few to get started with. James (aka Jim) Rickards — an American lawyer, investment banker, media commentator, and author on matters of finance and precious metals. He is the Editor of Strategic […]
SMSFs & Real Estate – part one
Can I buy an investment property in my self-managed super fund (SMSF)? How much super do I need to have in order to get started? Can I buy a commercial property with my SMSF and lease it back to my own business? Can I borrow money from the bank to buy property in my SMSF? Can […]
Aussies on the BBQ – worthwhile watch
If you’ve had the growing sense that all is not well with Australia, its economy and future, this keynote address at the Australian Institute of Progress Brisbane on 23rd August 2024, will show you why. It is well worth the hour+ watch. Yes watch it here. It is full of useful visuals explaining the current and […]
SMSF trustee structure – which is better?
When you set up a self-managed super fund (SMSF) you can choose one of two ‘trustee’ structures: individual or corporate. Which is ‘better’? That’s up to you. Most of our SMSF clients choose corporate for the following reasons single member SMSFs are allowed easy to add/remove members as needed (such as with separation or death) […]
Collectables – ATO rules clarified
Some of our SMSF clients invest their super in ‘collectibles’ such as artworks, antiques, artefacts, memorabilia, wine and spirits, jewellery, motor vehicles and more. Might sound enjoyable, but the ATO has strict rules around storage, usage and insurance to ensure such investments are made for genuine retirement purposes, and not to provide any present-day benefit, […]
Finance visionary predicts crash soon
In August, veteran finance icon Jim Rogers expressed concerns about an imminent US market crash and, according to an interview with The Economic Times, he is hoarding cash in preparation. “America and the world is long overdue for a problem. The reason I have a lot of cash is because I expect the next sell-off to be […]
CBDCs – are you ready?
Most people will have heard now about the plans to introduce Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) in countries around the world, including Australia. By March 2024, the central banks of 134 countries, accounting for 98 per cent of the world’s GDP, were said to be in various stages of evaluating the launch of a national […]
Silver battery buzz – exciting silver bugs
Bullion is a popular investment among SMSF clients, and so we often feature interesting news and insights into the world of gold and silver. Recently, a new Samsung silver solid-state battery is all the buzz with the silver bugs. The technology was presented back in March of this year by the Samsung Advanced Institute of […]
FAQs – do we have yours?
Did you know we have 30 pages of frequently asked questions here, and highlight one of them every week on our socials? Even though these FAQs are designed for new SMSF managers, have a look. You might find something interesting…or something missing! If you find a question you wish you’d had the answer to, email mary-jane@freedomffs.com.au and we’ll […]