The Australian Government has over the past several years clearly signalled that it wants to reduce the number of pension – dependant people and it is becoming more critical for individuals to consider their investment alternatives.

Many managed fund managers fail to achieve reasonable investment results and coupled with high entry fees and management fees, many managed funds have suffered very low or even negative growth.

An alternative is to establish and invest in ones own superannuation trust while preserving tax and low risk advantages.

Superannuation funds cannot borrow, invest in beneficiary holdings or pay out unauthorized cash. Profits and contributions (a surcharge may apply according to a members income level) are taxable at 15%, income generated expenses are tax deductible.

A self-managed superannuation fund can build a diverse portfolio or invest most of its funds in one asset type such as property. It is important however to follow a long-term, low-risk strategy.

Shelfcom, through its specialist associations, can provide Superannuation Trusts for its clients.

1. Members through their Trustee(s) can take control of the investment fund and make their own investment decisions. Such decisions include deciding on how the fund will weight its investments in shares, unit trusts, fixed interest investments, real estate etc and in sectors within those investment options.

2. High entry fees and administration fees are avoided.

3. Trustee(s) may be corporate(s) or individual(s).

   Shelfcom’s fee for establishing a Superannuation Trust is $682.00 (which includes Stamp Duty and GST) and comprises: -

   1. Trust Deed, in duplicate
   2. Stamp Duty paid
   3. A prestigious binder containing all the Funds records in an indexed format.
   4. A guide to establishing the Fund and a Trustees guide book