Running a self managed super fund lets investors access a lot more investment options. An SMSF has a wide choice of investments for retirement money including shares, managed funds, property trusts, fixed interest, direct property and cash. The added benefit of transparency makes it easy to analyse which assets in a portfolio are performing and which ones are underperforming.

DIY super traps
However on average, SMSFs have cash balances of around 30 per cent of the fund’s assets. This means that investors are taking the opportunity to put their cash into their SMSF but when it comes to ‘do it yourself’ investing, these investors may be lacking the skills and time required to manage their DIY fund and execute their investment strategy.

Generally, SMSFs are not suitable for everyone. With the control comes a great deal of responsibility. SMSF Trustees need to be aware of the super rules and make sure the fund operates within the rules. Investors need to be capable of making investment decisions and need to have the time to dedicate to operating and administering the fund properly.

Self Managed Super versus a direct super wrap account
An alternative strategy that will give much of the flexibility of an SMSF but without the responsibility as the Trustee is a direct super wrap account. A super wrap account will generally provide a wide range of investment options. This range of choice allows investors to construct a suitably diversified portfolio that includes access to many international markets – an area often overlooked by many SMSF funds. Though a wrap account won’t enable you to invest in direct property, it will provide access to wholesale and boutique managed funds, shares, term deposits and cash.

A super wrap becomes very advantageous when it comes to ongoing administration and compliance. Taxation on contributions and investment returns (income and capital gains) is managed by the Custodian/Trustee of the superannuation platform. Investors also have 24 hour online access to view their portfolio and run reports

Comparison of fees: DIY Super vs Super wrap account
As the table below shows, a super wrap account may be a cost-effective alternative for investors who are interested getting increased control of their superannuation assets but don’t want to take on board the compliance and administration hassles of a SMSF.
The example is based on the Personal Choice eWRAP Super, a super wrap account available from 2020 DIRECTINVEST without unnecessary adviser fees.

Comparison of administration fees
Invested balance	SMSF - Accountant*	SMSF - Specialist administration service	Personal Choice eWRAP Super**
$250,000.00	$2,000.00+	$2,760.00	$1,783.76
$500,000.00	$2,000.00+	$3,240.00	$2,802.50
$750,000.00	$2,000.00+	$4,200.00	$3,750.63

Note: The above table compares costs of ongoing administration only.
Brokerage costs for shares and investment management fees for managed funds are likely to be similar in an SMSF and in Personal Choice eWRAP Super.
*Fees are approximate only and may vary depending on the accountant or specialist provider used. Excludes annual audit fee which typically ranges from $330 - $550.
**Assumes a 10% balance held in cash. No administration fees are charged on the cash account balance.