DIY Australian investors planning for retirement are taking an increasingly active role in managing their superannuation and proving themselves to be capable investors.
An overwhelming theme from the SMSF members involved in the development of the CompareSMSF site was their level of interaction with a large variety of on-line communities.
For the year ended 30 June 2007 alone, the estimated investment performance benchmark across all SMSF's was 20.2 %.# (building upon the prior year return of 18.9% #).
Melbourne, Australia (PRWEB) October 9, 2007 -- DIY Australian investors planning for retirement are taking an increasingly active role in managing their superannuation and proving themselves to be capable investors.
Often described as 'DIY Super', SMSF's are one of the fastest growing Superannuation segments. Based on Australian Tax Office estimates, there are over 680,000 DIY investors managing approximately $287.7 billion of assets as at the 30 June 2007.
The recently launched website http://www.comparesmsf.com.au , collaborated with a broad cross section of Self Managed Super Fund (SMSF) members to create a free information site specifically tailored for the SMSF community.
- On-line Community Engagement
An overwhelming theme from the SMSF members involved in the development of the CompareSMSF site was their level of interaction with a large variety of on-line communities.
SMSF members commonly engage with on-line communities for:
> Information as they investigate how to set up SMSF's,
> Research concerning compliance and administration responsibilities, and,
> Information to help with investment decision-making.
Small investment networks, targeted news feeds, investment newsletters, and participation in discussion forums where the most popular forms of on-line engagement.
Interestingly personal finance blogs represented only a minor form of on-line engagement.
Recognising the benefits of on-line communities, all participants expressed an overwhelming appetite to be part of a wider 'independent' SMSF community of interest, sharing favourite sites and experiences.
- SMSF Investment Performance - The Elephant in the Room
Given the nature of being a DIY Investor there is limited opportunity for discussion of personal investment performance - in fact the focus groups exposed performance comparison for SMSF's as the 'Elephant in the Room'.
In developing the site CompareSMSF researched and calculated SMSF returns for the last eight years and according to founder Scott Williams, "the SMSF member is proving to be a very capable and astute investor."
For the year ended 30 June 2007 alone, the estimated investment performance benchmark across all SMSF's was 20.2 %.# (building upon the prior year return of 18.9% #).
"The SMSF investment performance is even more impressive when you realise the result is the average performance outcome. Many SMSF's have performed substantially better" noted Williams.
CompareSMSF is an online community of SMSF members, and those considering setting up their own SMSF.
The Site provides SMSF members with:
> an online tool to make 'like-for-like' comparisons of performance with other SMSF's,
> a centralised information centre of 'bookmarks' all identified and supported by the SMSF community, and,
> the opportunity to share product and service news and experiences.
SMSF members can join the SMSF community, and access free tailored performance reports, by visiting http://www.CompareSMSF.com.au
# CompareSMSF calculates an estimated average performance return (before tax), for all Australian SMSF's, utilising various forms of public data.
Disclaimer: The information used in compiling the performance result comes from sources considered reliable. Much of the data used is estimated and it is not guaranteed to be accurate or complete. The purpose of the Benchmark is not to influence consumer decisions or interest in financial or investment products, but rather provide an indicative guide for personal comparison. The Index and performance report do not constitute financial advice.
© Fishtank Solutions Pty Ltd.
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