$200
$645

Based on your details, you can compare and save on the following superannuation
Pros and Cons
Pros and Cons
- Simple Pooled investment options, plus Super Wrap investment options.
- Easy to use online member portal.
- Competitive group and retail insurance offers.
- Responsive member servicing (eg: follow up of rollovers).
Summary
Australian Practical Superannuation is an accumulation superannuation product offered through the MAP Superannuation Plan Division II and will merge into the SmartSave ‘Member’s Choice’ Superannuation Master Trust Plan via a Successor Fund Transfer to be completed on 17th December 2020. Members are offered a comprehensive investment menu, consisting of 5 pre-mixed pooled investment strategies and a range of Super Wrap investment options, including the Cash Hub, Managed Funds, Managed Account Model Portfolios, ASX Listed Securities and Term Deposits. While limited performance history is available for this product, the 50/50 Option underperformed the SR25 Conservative Balanced Index over each time period assessed to 30 June 2020.Fees associated with this product are lower than the industry average across the medium and large account balances assessed. Members can make investment switches at no cost, although a buy/sell spread may apply.Members are provided with a choice of group life cover or retail insurance. Automatic Death & TPD cover is provided upon initially joining the fund. There is no limit to the amount of Death only cover a member can apply for, while Death & TPD cover is available up to a maximum of $3 million. Income Protection (IP) is offered as part of the retail insurance cover through a Nominated Representative. An assessment of IP is not provided as premium rates are tailored on an individual basis. Additional benefits available include access to a range of fact sheets and high quality educational material, as well as the ability to change details and perform transactions via the Secure Online Portal.
Features and Fees
Yellow Brick Road Fees and Features
- Features
- Insurance Cover
- Fees
Features
Binding nominations | |
Account size discount | Online Access |
Home loans | Financial planning service |
Non-lapsing binding nominations | Employer size discount |
Anti-detriment payments | Credit cards |
Insurance Cover
Health insurance | Insurance life event increases |
Total and permanent disability cover | Long term income protection |
Fees
Admin fee $200 | Administration fee (%) 0.38% |
Switching fee $0 | Investment fee |
Indirect cost ratio (%) 0.51% | Exit fee $0 |
Pros and Cons
- Simple Pooled investment options, plus Super Wrap investment options.
- Easy to use online member portal.
- Competitive group and retail insurance offers.
- Responsive member servicing (eg: follow up of rollovers).
Australian Practical Superannuation is an accumulation superannuation product offered through the MAP Superannuation Plan Division II and will merge into the SmartSave ‘Member’s Choice’ Superannuation Master Trust Plan via a Successor Fund Transfer to be completed on 17th December 2020. Members are offered a comprehensive investment menu, consisting of 5 pre-mixed pooled investment strategies and a range of Super Wrap investment options, including the Cash Hub, Managed Funds, Managed Account Model Portfolios, ASX Listed Securities and Term Deposits. While limited performance history is available for this product, the 50/50 Option underperformed the SR25 Conservative Balanced Index over each time period assessed to 30 June 2020.Fees associated with this product are lower than the industry average across the medium and large account balances assessed. Members can make investment switches at no cost, although a buy/sell spread may apply.Members are provided with a choice of group life cover or retail insurance. Automatic Death & TPD cover is provided upon initially joining the fund. There is no limit to the amount of Death only cover a member can apply for, while Death & TPD cover is available up to a maximum of $3 million. Income Protection (IP) is offered as part of the retail insurance cover through a Nominated Representative. An assessment of IP is not provided as premium rates are tailored on an individual basis. Additional benefits available include access to a range of fact sheets and high quality educational material, as well as the ability to change details and perform transactions via the Secure Online Portal.
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Yellow Brick Road Fees and Features
- Features
- Insurance Cover
- Fees
Features
Binding nominations | |
Account size discount | Online Access |
Home loans | Financial planning service |
Non-lapsing binding nominations | Employer size discount |
Anti-detriment payments | Credit cards |
Insurance Cover
Health insurance | Insurance life event increases |
Total and permanent disability cover | Long term income protection |
Fees
Admin fee $200 | Administration fee (%) 0.38% |
Switching fee $0 | Investment fee |
Indirect cost ratio (%) 0.51% | Exit fee $0 |
Fund fees vs. Industry average
Fund past-5-year return vs. Industry average
Investment allocation
Investment option performance
Product | Past 5-year return New | Admin fee $0 | Company ![]() | Calc fees on 50k $530 | Features Advisory services Death insurance Income protection Online access Term deposits Variety of options | SuperRatings awards ![]() | Go to site | More details |
Product | Past 5-year return - | Admin fee $50 | Company ![]() | Calc fees on 50k $545 | Features Advisory services Death insurance Income protection Online access Term deposits Variety of options | SuperRatings awards ![]() | Go to site | More details |
Product | Past 5-year return New | Admin fee $0 | Company ![]() | Calc fees on 50k $395 | Features Advisory services Death insurance Income protection Online access Term deposits Variety of options | SuperRatings awards ![]() | Go to site | More details |
Product | Past 5-year return New | Admin fee $200 | Company ![]() | Calc fees on 50k $530 | Features Advisory services Death insurance Income protection Online access Term deposits Variety of options | SuperRatings awards ![]() | Go to site | More details |
Product | Past 5-year return 5.39% | Admin fee $200 | Company ![]() | Calc fees on 50k $620 | Features Advisory services Death insurance Income protection Online access Term deposits Variety of options | SuperRatings awards ![]() | Go to site | More details |
Product | Past 5-year return New | Admin fee $0 | Company ![]() | Calc fees on 50k $495 | Features Advisory services Death insurance Income protection Online access Term deposits Variety of options | SuperRatings awards ![]() | Go to site | More details |
Product | Past 5-year return 4.98% | Admin fee $0 | Company ![]() | Calc fees on 50k $555 | Features Advisory services Death insurance Income protection Online access Term deposits Variety of options | SuperRatings awards ![]() | Go to site | More details |
Past 5-year return New | Admin fee $200 | Company ![]() | Calc fees on 50k $645 | Features Advisory services Death insurance Income protection Online access Term deposits Variety of options | SuperRatings awards ![]() | Go to site | More details |
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FAQs
What happens to my superannuation when I change jobs?
You can keep your superannuation fund for as long as you like, so nothing happens when you change jobs. Please note that some superannuation funds have special features for people who work with certain employers, so these features may no longer be available if you change jobs.
What is a superannuation fund?
A superannuation fund is an institution that is legally allowed to hold and invest your superannuation. There are more than 200 different superannuation funds in Australia. They come in five different types:
- Retail funds
- Industry funds
- Public sector funds
- Corporate funds
- Self-managed super funds
Retail funds are usually run by banks or investment companies.
Industry funds were originally designed for workers from a particular industry, but are now open to anyone.
Public sector funds were originally designed for people working for federal or state government departments. Most are still reserved for government employees.
Corporate funds are arranged by employers for their employees.
Self-managed super funds are private superannuation funds that allow people to directly invest their money.
When can I access my superannuation?
You can withdraw your superannuation when you meet the ‘conditions of release’. The conditions of release say you can claim your super when you reach:
- Age 65
- Your ‘preservation age’ and retire
- Your preservation age and begin a ‘transition to retirement’ while still working
The preservation age – which is different to the pension age – is based on date of birth. Here are the six different categories:
Date of birth | Preservation age |
---|---|
Before 1 July 1960 | 55 |
1 July 1960 – 30 June 1961 | 56 |
1 July 1961 – 30 June 1962 | 57 |
1 July 1962 – 30 June 1963 | 58 |
1 July 1963 – 30 June 1964 | 59 |
From 1 July 1964 | 60 |
A transition to retirement allows you to continue working while accessing up to 10 per cent of the money in your superannuation account at the start of each financial year.
There are also seven special circumstances under which you can claim your superannuation:
- Compassionate grounds
- Severe financial hardship
- Temporary incapacity
- Permanent incapacity
- Superannuation inheritance
- Superannuation balance under $200
- Temporary resident departing Australia
What is the superannuation rate?
The superannuation rate, or guarantee rate, is the percentage of your salary that your employer must pay into your superannuation fund. The superannuation guarantee has been set at 9.5 per cent since the 2014-15 financial year. It is scheduled to rise to 10.0 per cent in 2021-22, 10.5 per cent in 2022-23, 11.0 per cent in 2023-24, 11.5 per cent in 2024-25 and 12.0 per cent in 2025-26.
What contributions can SMSFs accept?
SMSFs can accept mandated employer contributions from an employer at any time (Funds need an electronic service address to receive the contributions).
However, SMSFs can’t accept contributions from members who don’t have tax file numbers.
Also, they generally can’t accept assets as contributions from members and they generally can’t accept non-mandated contributions for members who are 75 or older.
How is superannuation regulated?
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) regulates ordinary superannuation accounts. Self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) are regulated by the Australian Taxation Office.
Can I carry on a business in an SMSF?
SMSFs are allowed to carry on a business under two conditions.
First, this must be permitted under the trust deed.
Second, the sole purpose of the business must be to earn retirement benefits.
What is salary sacrificing?
A salary sacrifice is where your employer takes part of your pre-tax salary and pays it directly into your superannuation account. Salary sacrifices come out of your pre-tax income, whereas personal contributions come out of your after-tax income.
Am I entitled to superannuation if I'm not an Australian citizen?
Yes, permanent and temporary residents are entitled to superannuation.
How is superannuation calculated?
Superannuation is calculated at the rate of 9.5 per cent of your gross salary and wages. So if you had a salary of $50,000, your superannuation would be 9.5 per cent of that, or $4,750. This would be paid on top of your salary.
The ‘superannuation guarantee’, as it is known, has been at 9.5 per cent since the 2014-15 financial year. It is scheduled to rise to 10.0 per cent in 2021-22, 10.5 per cent in 2022-23, 11.0 per cent in 2023-24, 11.5 per cent in 2024-25 and 12.0 per cent in 2025-26.
How do I set up an SMSF?
Setting up an SMSF takes more work than registering with an ordinary superannuation fund.
An SMSF is a type of trust, so if you want to create an SMSF, you first have to create a trust.
To create a trust, you will need trustees, who must sign a trustee declaration. You will also need identifiable beneficiaries and assets for the fund – although these can be as little as a few dollars.
You will also need to create a trust deed, which is a document that lays out the rules of your SMSF. The trust deed must be prepared by a qualified professional and signed by all trustees.
To qualify as an Australian superannuation fund, the SMSF must meet these three criteria:
- The fund must be established in Australia – or at least one of its assets must be located in Australia
- The central management and control of the fund must ordinarily be in Australia
- The fund must have active members who are Australian residents and who hold at least 50 per cent of the fund’s assets – or it must have no active members
Once your SMSF is established and all trustees have signed a trustee declaration, you have 60 days to apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN).
When completing the ABN application, you should ask for a tax file number for your fund. You should also ask for the fund to be regulated by the Australian Taxation Office – otherwise it won’t receive tax concessions.
Your next step is to open a bank account in your fund’s name. This account must be kept separated from the accounts held by the trustees and any related employers.
Your SMSF will also need an electronic service address, so it can receive contributions.
Finally, you will need to create an investment strategy, which explains how your fund will invest its money, and an exit strategy, which explains how and why it would ever close.
Please note that you can pay an adviser to set up your SMSF. You might also want to take the Self-Managed Superannuation Fund Trustee Education Program, which is a free program that has been created by CPA Australia and Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand.
Can I choose a superannuation fund or does my employer choose one for me?
Most people can choose their own superannuation fund. However, you might not have this option if you are a member of certain defined benefit funds or covered by certain industrial agreements. If you don’t choose a superannuation fund, your employer will choose one for you.
What should I know before getting an SMSF?
Four questions to ask yourself before taking out an SMSF include:
- Do I have enough superannuation to justify the higher set-up and running costs?
- Am I able to handle complicated compliance obligations?
- Am I willing to spend lots of time researching investment options?
- Do I have the skill to make big financial decisions?
It’s also worth remembering that ordinary superannuation funds usually offer discounted life insurance and disability insurance. These discounts would no longer be available if you decided to manage your own super.
What is MySuper?
MySuper accounts are basic, low-fee accounts. If you don’t nominate a superannuation fund, your employer must choose one for you that offers a MySuper account.
MySuper accounts offer two investment options:
- Single diversified investment strategy
Your fund assigns you a risk strategy and investment profile, which remain unchanged throughout your working life.
- Lifecycle investment strategy
Your fund assigns you an investment strategy based on your age, and then changes it as you get older. Younger workers are given strategies that emphasise growth assets
What is the age pension's income test?
These are the rules for most people who want to claim the standard pension:
Single people
- If your income per fortnight is up to $168, you’re entitled to a full pension
- If your income per fortnight is over $168, your pension will reduce by 50 cents for each dollar over $168
Couples
- If your income per fortnight is up to $300, you’re entitled to a full pension
- If your income per fortnight is over $300, your pension will reduce by 50 cents for each dollar over $300
These are the rules for most people who want to claim the transitional pension:
Single people
- If your income per fortnight is up to $168, you’re entitled to a full pension
- If your income per fortnight is over $168, your pension will reduce by 40 cents for each dollar over $168
Couples
- If your income per fortnight is up to $300, you’re entitled to a full pension
- If your income per fortnight is over $300, your pension will reduce by 40 cents for each dollar over $300
For most people, the age pension cuts off if your fortnightly income exceeds these thresholds:
Category | Fortnightly income |
---|---|
Standard pension for singles | $1,944.60 |
Standard pension for couples living together | $2,978.40 |
Standard pension for couples living apart due to ill health | $3,853.20 |
Transitional pension for singles | $2,038.00 |
Transitional pension for couples living together | $3,317.00 |
Transitional pension for couples living apart due to ill health | $4,040.00 |
Can I take money out of my superannuation fund?
Superannuation is designed to provide Australians with money in their retirement. The government has strict rules around when people can take that money out of their fund because it wants to prevent people eroding their savings before they reach retirement.
As a general rule, you can only take money out of your superannuation fund when you reach:
- Age 65
- Your ‘preservation age’ and retire
- Your preservation age and begin a ‘transition to retirement’ while still working
That said, you can take money out of your superannuation fund early based on one of these seven special conditions:
- Compassionate grounds
- Severe financial hardship
- Temporary incapacity
- Permanent incapacity
- Superannuation inheritance
- Superannuation balance under $200
- Temporary resident departing Australia
How do you open a superannuation account?
Opening a superannuation account is simple. When you start a job, your employer will give you what’s called a ‘superannuation standard choice form’. Here’s what you need to complete the form:
- The name of your preferred superannuation fund
- The fund’s address
- The fund’s Australian business number (ABN)
- The fund’s superannuation product identification number (SPIN)
- The fund’s phone number
- A letter from the fund trustee confirming that the fund is a complying fund; or written evidence from the fund stating it will accept contributions from your new employer; or details about how your employer can make contributions to the fund
You might want to provide your tax file number as well – while it’s not a legal obligation, it will ensure your contributions will be taxed at the (lower) superannuation rate.
How does superannuation affect the age pension?
Most Australians who are of retirement age can qualify for the age pension. However, depending on the size of your assets and post-retirement income, you might be entitled to only a reduced pension. In some instances, you might not be entitled to any pension payments.
What are the age pension's age rules?
Australians must be aged at least 65 years and 6 months to access the age pension. This eligibility age is scheduled to increase according to the following schedule:
Date | Eligibility age |
---|---|
1 July 2019 | 66 years |
1 July 2021 | 66 years and 6 months |
1 July 2023 | 67 years |
How do you create a superannuation account?
Before you create a superannuation account, you’ll need to check if you’re allowed to choose your own fund. Most Australians can, but this option doesn’t apply to some workers who are covered by industrial agreements or who are members of defined benefits funds.
Assuming you are able to choose your own fund, the next step should be research, because there are more than 200 different superannuation funds in Australia.
Once you’ve decided on your preferred superannuation fund, head to that provider’s website, where you should be able to fill in an online application or download the appropriate forms. You’ll need your tax file number (assuming you don’t want to be charged a higher tax rate), your contact details and your employer’s details (if you’re employed).