The Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) sector has long been dominated by older and wealthier Australians seeking to grow their retirement funds.
However, we are seeing an evolution, and SMSFs are now entering a period shaped by fresh regulations, generational change, and a renewed focus on control and flexibility.
One of the biggest forces shifting the SMSF landscape is the introduction of a new tax on super balances above $3 million. For the first time, unrealised gains are included when calculating the tax, which means that paper gains on assets like property or private investments can trigger real tax obligations.
For SMSFs that hold non-liquid assets — often prized for long-term stability — this change is raising new questions about cash flow and asset mix.
Trustees of larger funds may need to become more deliberate: rethink their strategies, review valuations more frequently, and run their funds with a sharper eye on liquidity.
At the same time, the transfer balance cap has increased, providing retirees with more flexibility to transfer funds into the tax-free retirement phase. Whilst it is not a dramatic change, it is enough to influence planning conversations and encourage a rethink of timelines for contributions.
Perhaps the most interesting development is related to demographics.
It turns out that younger Australians are entering the SMSF space faster than many expected.
Drawn by the promise of control, direct investment, and modern tools like ETFs and low-cost digital administration platforms, this new wave of trustees is rewriting the narrative.
SMSFs are no longer seen as a retirement-only vehicle. For many individuals under 40, they are coming to represent a hands-on wealth-building tool.
Regulatory scrutiny is increasing, particularly around the quality of advice given to new trustees. More and more people are turning to professionals for advisory help.
Larger funds — those over $3 million — may slow their growth or restructure, while smaller and mid-sized funds continue to flourish.
In 2026, the story of SMSF’s is one of evolution — a shift toward smarter, leaner, more deliberate self-management, driven by Australians who want to shape their retirement their own way.
You can book a free and no-obligation review meeting with a Finwell Group Senior Consultant to discuss your circumstances, understand if an SMSF is right for you and to see how we can help guide you. Call us on (03) 9017 3235, or email info@finwellgroup.com.au
As the new year approaches, you may start to think about your 2026 goals such as your health, career, and travel.
However, the best way to impact all these areas and more is to set goals around your money. Getting your money in good shape as you enter 2026 will set you on the road to a positive financial future.
Here are 5 tips from the team at Finwell Group to be prepared for the next year ahead:
1.Review Your Spending and Budget
Start by taking a close look at where your money went this year. Go through your bank and credit card statements and group your spending into categories — essentials, lifestyle, and discretionary. Once you see where your money’s going, set a realistic budget that includes some savings each month.
2. Tackle Debt Early
Interest rates may have stabilised, but debt still eats into your future wealth. Make it a priority to pay off high-interest credit cards or personal loans. Consider consolidating smaller debts into one lower-interest loan if it helps you stay on top of repayments.
3. Build (or Rebuild) an Emergency Fund
A good rule of thumb to follow is to have three to six months’ worth of living expenses in a reserve that you can’t access easily. This safety net can help you cope with unexpected costs like medical bills, car repairs, or job changes without relying on credit. If you’ve had to use your emergency fund recently, make a plan to rebuild it this year.
4. Review Your Super and Investments
Your superannuation is likely one of your biggest assets, yet many Australians rarely check how their Super has performed. Review your super balance, fees, and investment mix.
Make sure it aligns with your risk tolerance and retirement goals. For investors, the start of a new year is a great time to rebalance portfolios and take advantage of tax-effective investment opportunities.
This could include asking the question of your financial advisor if an SMSF is right for you. See our recent article on this topic (READ ARTICLE)
5. Set Financial Goals — and Get Professional Advice
Clear goals help turn intentions into action. Whether it is saving for a home, paying down a mortgage faster, or planning for retirement, writing down your goals makes them real. Research shows a clear message. Getting advice can put you in a better position than someone who hasn’t engaged a professional.
Here are some powerful statistics on the value of advice from the FAAA (Financial Advice Association Australia) Value of Advice Index (2024).
- Approximately 9 in 10 advised Australians say that the benefits of advice outweigh the costs.
- Over 80% of those who use a financial adviser are less worried about money since receiving advice.
- Advised clients score significantly higher on financial confidence, satisfaction and quality of life measures, compared to those without an adviser.
If you’re unsure where to start or want to be sure your money is working hard for you, now might be the right time to speak with one of the Finwell Group team.
Finwell Group’s professional advisors can help you map out a personalised strategy, maximise tax benefits, protect your assets, and stay accountable throughout the year.
Property investment has long been considered a core pillar of wealth building in Australia.
In recent times, high interest rates and cost-of-living pressures have kept many buyers on the sidelines.
However, in the last few months, conditions have tilted back in favour of investors, and as interest rates fall and property prices start to rise, that interest will only continue to heat up.
Inflation easing and rate cuts boosting sentiment
Australia’s inflation has come back from its post-pandemic peak. Headline inflation in recent months has settled around 3 per cent year-on-year. In 2025, the RBA has already cut its cash rate three times in February, May and August reaching the current level of just 3.60%. Lower interest rates mean cheaper borrowing costs. And that gives investors more capacity to borrow. With inflation no longer running hot, real interest rates are also lower by comparison.
The emotional effect is that buyers are more confident, and pent-up demand is now being released leading to prices starting to rise quickly.
Property prices have risen
In March 2025, following the first rate cut, Core Logic reported that Australia’s median dwelling value rose 0.4%, reaching a new record high of about A$820,331. More recently, in August 2025, national home values climbed 0.7% month-on-month. This represents the strongest monthly gain since May 2024. The market is seeing a tight supply of listings and renewed buyer demand. In the September quarter, according to MacroBusiness, core capital city values have grown by 2.3% (five-city aggregate) with Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide outperforming the average.
Property Investment looks attractive right now
For the astute investor, there is a compelling proposition. The combination of easing inflation, lower rates, improved sentiment, and ongoing shortage of housing supply is creating a “sweet spot” where capital gains and rental income are on the up. Supply constraints are real: new approvals have lagged, and many markets are undersupplied relative to population growth.
If you are interested in investing in property, it is important to look at your goals and the local dynamics to determine the best location and type of property that suits you.
Whilst demand heats up, it is recommended that now is the time to take advantage. You can book a FREE review meeting with one of Finwell Group’s senior consultants to review your circumstances and get your questions answered.
You may have only heard vaguely of a Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSF) or already have an interest but want to know more about it, so we’re here to help.
An SMSF is a private super fund that you manage yourself, rather than leaving your retirement savings in an industry or retail super fund.
The main benefit of having an SMSF is obtaining control of your Super.
Members have the flexibility to choose their own investments, such as property (including borrowing through the fund), shares, term deposits, and even certain collectibles, rather than relying on the limited options available in standard funds.
This control allows for tailored investment strategies that may better align with members’ retirement goals.
You will have access to the same reduced tax rates of 15% that are available through standard industry super (as long as your self-managed super fund is a complying fund) in comparison to your personal income tax rate which could be as high as 45%.
The fund can have up to six members, all of whom are trustees (or directors of a corporate trustee), which means they are directly responsible for running the fund.
SMSFs can offer cost efficiencies for larger balances and enable families to pool their super into one fund.
However, with these benefits come responsibilities.
Trustees are legally responsible for complying with superannuation and tax laws. This includes ensuring the fund is audited annually, preparing accurate financial statements, and following strict rules around contributions and withdrawals.
Mistakes can lead to penalties or the fund losing its concessional tax treatment.
It is also important to note what an SMSF is not, which include:
- A way to access your super early
- How to avoid tax
- Take shortcuts with compliance.
It’s still a regulated superannuation fund under the ATO, and therefore there are strict rules and responsibilities.
Taking all this into account, you need to understand if an SMSF is right for you. Running an SMSF requires time, financial knowledge, and ongoing attention to regulatory changes.
For most people, this means they’ll need a financial planning expert to help fully understand everything about SMSF.
An SMSF can be a powerful tool if you have a strong super balance (often recommended to be at least $200,000), are confident in making investment decisions, and are willing to take on the administration or pay professionals to assist you.
If you prefer a hands-off approach, have a smaller balance, or are not comfortable with the compliance burden then an industry or retail fund may be more suitable for you.
Ultimately, setting up an SMSF should be based on whether the control and potential benefits outweigh the responsibilities for your situation.
Professional financial advice is strongly recommended before making this decision.
You can book a Complimentary Initial Review with one of the Finwell Group experts to review your circumstances, get your questions answered and understand if an SMSF is specifically right for you.
