Self Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) Advice Penrith

At MLS Financial, we provide personalised advice and support for individuals and families in Penrith considering or currently managing a Self Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF). Whether you’re seeking greater control over your retirement savings, want to invest in direct assets like property or shares, or simply need help managing the compliance side of your fund, our experienced advisers are here to help.

With over 20 years of experience, our SMSF advice combines technical expertise with practical guidance, so you can focus on growing your wealth while meeting your trustee responsibilities.

What Is a Self Managed Superannuation Fund?

A Self Managed Superannuation Fund, or SMSF, is a private super fund that you manage yourself. It can have up to six members, all of whom are trustees responsible for complying with super and tax laws.

The key difference between an SMSF and other super funds is the level of control. You choose the investments, insurance, and structure of the fund, and you’re responsible for making sure it complies with legislation.

Common reasons people choose an SMSF:

Control over investment decisions (e.g. direct shares, ETFs, commercial or residential property)
Flexibility in retirement income strategies
Potential cost savings (particularly for higher balances)
Estate planning and intergenerational wealth options
Pooling super with a spouse or family

However, SMSFs are not for everyone. They require time, responsibility, and professional advice to ensure they remain compliant and effective.

Our SMSF Advice Services

At MLS Financial, we provide a comprehensive SMSF advice service that supports clients at every stage of their SMSF journey—from deciding whether to set one up, through to long-term strategy, investment advice, and compliance support.

1. Discovery and Understanding You

We begin with a conversation to understand your current financial position, and where you want to be in the future. Sometimes a Self Managed Superannuation fund is not the best way to achieve your goal, so we want to hear your story so we can provide advice fit for you.

2. SMSF Suitability Assessment

Before anything else, we help you determine if an SMSF is right for you. We consider your super balance, experience with investing, time commitment, and retirement goals. We’ll also compare the cost-benefit trade-offs of an SMSF compared to industry or retail funds.

3. Advice and Implementation - SMSF Setup

If it’s the right fit, we’ll help you liaise with your trusted accountant, or another local accountant for the establishment of your SMSF, including:

Creating the trust deed
Registering the fund with the ATO
Assisting with the appointment of trustees or corporate trustee

Once the fund is set up, we help you with the following:

Setting up a cash account
Rolling over funds from existing super accounts

We make the process smooth, transparent, and fully compliant with legislation.

4. Advice and Implementation - Investment Strategy and Advice

Your SMSF must have an investment strategy that reflects the needs and objectives of its members. We work with you to:

Define a clear, tailored investment strategy
Consider diversification, risk tolerance, liquidity, and insurance
Advise on investments like Australian shares, managed funds, term deposits, ETFs, and whether property allocation is suitable for your fund
Guide decisions that align with your retirement timeframe and cash flow needs

We can also help clients assess Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangements (LRBAs) if they’re considering using their SMSF to purchase property.

5. Advice and Implementation - Insurance Inside Super

Whilst many super funds, Self Managed Superannuation Funds do not provide automatic cover for life insurance, total and permanent disability (TPD), and income protection. As such, it is important that your plan considers this as part of your SMSF set up.

We review your current insurance and help to ensure:

You have appropriate cover, to protect yourself and your family.
Your beneficiaries are correctly nominated
Your policies are structured tax-effectively

6. Ongoing Advice and Reviews

Our SMSF clients benefit from proactive, ongoing support. We regularly review your fund’s structure, investment performance, insurance, and pension strategies to keep everything aligned with your goals and legislative changes.

Our focus is not just technical compliance—it’s helping you grow and preserve your super in a tax-effective way.

Who We Help

Our SMSF advice is suitable for:

Individuals or couples with a combined super balance of $400,000+
Business owners looking to purchase a commercial property via their super
Investors wanting more control over how their super is invested
Clients wanting to pool super with a partner or adult children
Those with complex estate planning goals or intergenerational strategies

Whether you’re just starting to explore SMSFs or have been a trustee for years, we’re here to help you make informed decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions for SMSF advice

How much do I need to start an SMSF?

There’s no official minimum, but our SMSF advice only considers funds with minimum net assets of $400,000 to ensure cost-effectiveness and appropriate diversification. Although, if your superannuation does not currently meet this, we can consider strategies to get you to this starting point.

Can I buy property through my SMSF?

Yes, SMSFs can purchase residential or commercial property under specific conditions. Borrowing is allowed under a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA), but strict rules apply. Personal and related party use of the property is prohibited unless it’s a business premises leased at market rates.

Who handles the admin, tax, and audit?

We partner with trusted local accountants and SMSF administrators to ensure your fund meets its legal obligations. You’ll have a complete support team working together to make SMSF management efficient and hassle-free.

What if I already have an SMSF?

If you already have an SMSF but haven’t reviewed it in a while, we can perform a strategic review. This includes checking your investment strategy, insurance, pensions, and estate planning to ensure everything is current and effective.

Why Choose MLS Financial for SMSF Advice in Penrith?

We’re proud to be a locally owned and operated financial planning firm based in Penrith. For over two decades, we’ve helped clients make smart, informed decisions about their wealth—always with care, clarity and integrity.

Here’s why locals trust us with their superannuation:

Local Expertise: We’re based in Penrith and understand the unique needs of our community. You’ll speak to a real local, who lives and works in the same area as you.
Experienced Team: With over two decades of experience in superannuation, tax strategies, and retirement planning, we know what works.
Holistic Advice: We don’t look at super in isolation. We consider your whole financial picture—investments, income needs, entitlements and estate planning.
Clear and Transparent Fee Structure: You’ll learn about our fees from the first call. We pride ourselves on our local reputation, so we are not here to rip off locals.
Support Beyond the Plan: We help with implementation, paperwork, and reviews so your plan stays current as life changes.

We provide a second opinion if you already have an SMSF or are questioning its performance or structure.

Ready to Take Control of Your Super?

If you’re considering an SMSF in Penrith, or simply want to know if it’s right for your situation, start with a conversation. Book a no-obligation meeting with our team and explore your options with confidence.

Call us on 1300 791 800 or contact us.

Secure your future. Own your strategy. Let’s plan it together.