In Australia retirement funds are called superannuation. Employers pay 9% of earnings into a super fund. Employees can also salary sacrifice pre-tax income into their super fund at a tax rate of 15%. In June 2012 I set up my own SMSF (self managed superannuation fund) which gives me total control. Although my SMSF is small it has so far proved to be more profitable running it myself. It is not nearly as onerous a job as is often implied and contrary to popular opinion you do not need to have >$200,000 to make it worth your while if you enjoy finances and are happy with the responsibility.* read this article from The Intelligent Investor for his view on SMSF’s and esuperfund. My fund is set up through esuperfund and I’ve found them very easy and helpful to work with. It’s not for everyone but it works for me! My strategy is value investing to create a dividend income and also some options trading. I also have cash in high interest accounts. I cannot access this money until I am 58.

Start Balance:

end 2012 Balance: $35,450

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Investing sites I use:

SMSF Education is an excellent & free  site. Filled with free videos and an educational weekly newsletter that I can really recommend if you considering and SMSF.

Dividend investing blogs I read regularly (US & Australian) are in my blogroll.

Top Yields A great place to quickly find high dividend paying on stocks

The Options Guide. Great, easy to understand site to learn all about options trading.

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I am not a financial adviser & nothing on this blog should be taken as financial advice or a recommendation. You should discuss your investing decisions with a qualified financial professional. This information is shared for entertainment purposes only.