If you have ever looked at your super statement and thought “surely I can do better than that”, you are not alone.
More Australians than ever are asking the same question, and a growing number are answering it by setting up a Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF). The idea is simple: rather than leaving your future in the hands of a default fund manager, you take charge of where your retirement savings go and how they perform.
The Shift Towards Control
There are now more than 650,000 SMSFs in Australia, collectively managing over $1 trillion in assets. It is not just high-net-worth investors driving the trend. Everyday Australians, including business owners, professionals, and couples with solid savings, are realising that taking control of their super is not about taking unnecessary risks; it is about taking responsibility.
When you manage your own fund, you can invest in property, shares, managed funds, or even certain alternative assets. You decide how your money grows, not a faceless fund manager following a one-size-fits-all model.
Why So Many Are Making the Switch
For many, the motivation comes down to three things:
1. Frustration with limited visibility.
Most large super funds provide generic reports and distant service. Trustees want transparency and the ability to see what is really happening with their retirement money.
2. Desire for flexibility.
With an SMSF, you can tailor your investments to match your risk profile and goals. Whether that is long-term property growth, steady dividends, or ethical investing, you are in control.
3. Potential for better outcomes.
While results always depend on strategy and discipline, SMSFs allow for tax-effective structures and direct control over investment decisions, something larger funds simply cannot replicate.
The reality behind the headlines of course, it is not all upside. Running an SMSF involves serious responsibility. The ATO requires annual returns, audits, and detailed record-keeping. There are penalties for getting it wrong, and mistakes can reduce your retirement outcome.
This is where most people hesitate, and rightly so. The good news is, you do not have to go it alone.
The Smart Way to Do It
Working with a licensed adviser experienced in SMSFs can make all the difference. A professional can help:
- Confirm whether an SMSF is right for your circumstances.
- Design a tailored investment strategy aligned with your goals and comfort level.
- Ensure ATO compliance and manage the paperwork so you can focus on results.
- Keep your strategy on track with regular reviews and adjustments.
The result? Control without chaos. You make the key decisions, but with the confidence that your fund is structured, compliant, and working effectively for your future.
A More Personal Path to Retirement
Setting up an SMSF is not about chasing the next big win; it is about understanding where your money is, how it is performing, and building something that genuinely reflects your goals.
If you are curious about whether taking control of your super makes sense for you, start with a simple conversation. You might be surprised by how much freedom and focus it brings.
Take charge of your future – click here to book a time with an SMSF specialist to explore your options