SMSFs not immune from longevity risks
Arguably the “biggest issue” confronting Australia’s ageing population is whether it is prepared financially for its own longevity, according to the SMSF Academy.
Aaron Dunn, managing director of the SMSF Academy, told SMSF Adviser one of the “big ticket issues” facing the super industry includes the management of longevity, adding not all investors are adequately prepared financially.
“I think there’s a bit of work to be done … [perhaps] that’s why the government has started to look at these deferred annuities [and] the tax concessions around deferred annuities because there is a level of concern around how long the capital will actually last,” Mr Dunn said.
Mr Dunn added although self-managed super funds (SMSFs) traditionally have larger balances and may be in a better position than Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA)-regulated funds, that doesn’t necessarily ensure their level of preparation.
“It really comes down to the living needs of individuals and basing that on their own particular circumstances,” Mr Dunn said.
“You’ve got to think about your own health and the probabilities of at least one in a husband and wife living for a lot longer,” he added.
Mr Dunn also drew attention to the importance of building a “pension plan,” saying historically the payment of pension has been “a set and forget”.
“It’s important that you have a pension or pensions that can adapt to the changing environment, changing markets [and] changing events that can happen to ensure that not only you get the best tax outcome for members, but also to ensure [the] best possible tax outcome when the money actually has to leave superannuation as well,” he added.
