Book Review: DIY Superannuation: A Practical Guide To Setting Up and Managing A Personal Superannuation Fund, 4th Edition Review by Jenw (TNO member since Nov 2001) There are well over 400,000 Australians who are members of DIY superannuation funds. This book explains how a DIY fund works, so as you can decide whether a DIY superannuation fund is suitable for you.

There are 4 parts to this book.

Part 1 covers issues involved in controlling your own superannuation and addresses the investment and taxation benefits. It also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of having your DIY super funds. It is interesting to review the pros and cons of DIY superannuation for someone who already have one in place for many years.

Part 2 deals with the setting-up process of a DIY fund and discusses the
ongoing administration. I found this section very informative.

Part 3 covers general investment principles and practices. Special mention was given to the treatment of tax credits and the special rules for taxing capital gains.

Part 4 turns to specific aspects of investment management for a DIY super fund. It includes chapters on setting policy and strategy and the allocation of capital to different investment areas and the necessity of keeping up-to-date records.

My accountant encouraged me to attend a seminar where Barbara Smith was a guest speaker. I bought this book even though our superannuation fund has been established for more than twenty years, and found it very useful.

This book meets the criteria of an essential reference for setting up and managing a DIY superannuation fund. It is written in a detailed and ease-to-read format with check lists, tables and references to web sites for further support and information.

Whilst this book appears to be written for beginners, I would recommend it to all trustees as an up-to-date reference guide. 5 out of 5 stars for contents and writing style.

DIY Superannuation (4th Edition) is now on sale!

Reviewer's Rating
Contents
Writing Style
Recommended Level	Beginners (Update for existing trustees)