If you’re thinking about taking control of your own investments, you probably already know you should be taking a bit more interest. The first option is to manage your investments under your current structure—sticking with your industry fund or a retail super fund and using that as your vehicle.

1. Managing Your Investments Through a Super Fund

Many Marcus Today members are self-directed investors, meaning they manage their own investments. If you’re currently in an industry super fund, there’s no reason to make major changes—many industry funds already offer tools that allow you to take control without the complications of setting up a self-managed super fund (SMSF).

• The biggest industry super fund is AustralianSuper, managing over $100 billion.
• Most large super funds perform similarly. Some advertise based on cost differences, but functionality is what really matters.
• Many big super funds today act as administrative websites rather than active fund managers.

What does this mean? Instead of stock-picking, they focus on providing platforms where you can manage your own asset allocation.

2. Understanding Asset Allocation

Every major super fund allows you to adjust your asset allocation, meaning you can decide where your money is invested.

The most common asset classes include:

• International equities – often seen as the most “risky”, though in reality, they’re not particularly dangerous.
• Domestic equities – Australian stocks.
• Property – often in the form of real estate investment trusts (REITs).
• Bonds and cash alternatives – more conservative investments.
• Alternatives and private equity – offered by some funds but not necessary for most investors.

You don’t need to be an expert. Simply adjusting your asset allocation between equities, property, and cash based on your risk appetite can be enough to protect your wealth while growing it.

3. Using Super Fund Platforms for Control

Most large super funds now allow you to manage your investments through their websites or apps.

• You can change your asset allocation in real time based on market conditions.
• Many super fund websites allow you to buy and sell individual stocks.
• Large funds typically have better administration, better websites, and better customer service.

You no longer need a self-managed super fund to take control—many of these large funds already provide the tools you need.

4. Making Investment Decisions in Real Time

One of the biggest advantages of managing your own super is the ability to adjust your investments on the fly.

• If major news breaks—like a market crash or global event—you can log in and shift to cash if necessary.
• Some platforms allow daily adjustments, though they may take a few days to process.
• Younger investors can be more aggressive, while older investors may prefer to dial back risk over time.

For younger people, being able to adjust investments via an app without setting up a self-managed super fund is a huge advantage.

5. Alternative Ways to Take Control of Your Retirement

If you don’t want to manage your investments through a super fund, there are two other main options:

• Option 1: Work with a Financial Planner
• Option 2: Become a Fully Self-Directed Investor

Let’s look at both.

Option 1: Working with a Financial Planner

Financial planners are best suited for wealthier or older investors who need help managing large sums of money.

• They provide certainty and peace of mind, helping you plan for retirement.
• They suggest strategies, including tax minimisation, estate planning, and structuring assets efficiently.
• They often recommend setting up a self-managed super fund (SMSF) for more control.

However, financial planners can be expensive.

• You’ll pay for an initial financial plan.
• You’ll pay an annual percentage fee based on your assets.
• You’ll often be put on an investment platform (like Netwealth or Hub24), where the planner executes trades on your behalf.
• On top of that, you may pay management fees for investments like ETFs or managed funds.

For high-net-worth investors, the benefits can outweigh the costs. For younger investors, financial planning is often unnecessary—simply maximising your super contributions and letting compound interest do the work is often the best strategy.

Option 2: Becoming a Fully Self-Directed Investor

The final option is taking complete control and managing your own investments—without an advisor or a structured super fund.

• This is what most Marcus Today members do.
• It often involves setting up a self-managed super fund (SMSF) but doesn’t have to.
• It means choosing your own stocks and investments, rather than relying on a fund manager.

For many, this becomes a lifelong hobby—investing in the stock market, attending conferences, and staying engaged with financial news.

• There are about 600,000 self-managed super funds in Australia, many of which are run by investors who actively manage their portfolios.
• To start, you simply need to open an online brokerage account (like CommSec or NAB Trade) under your super fund’s name.
• From there, you’re in charge of buying and selling stocks, ETFs, and other assets.

However, this approach isn’t for everyone—some people thrive on the challenge, while others struggle due to poor discipline or a gambling mentality.

The Social Side of Self-Directed Investing

For many self-directed investors, investing is more than just about making money.

• There are investment conferences, forums, and communities where investors connect.
• The Australian Shareholders Association has held great events where investors gather, share stock tips, and discuss the market.
• Many find investing an engaging intellectual pursuit, keeping them sharp in retirement.

Final Thoughts

There are three main ways to take control of your retirement investments:

• Stay in your industry super fund and manage your asset allocation through its website or app.
• Work with a financial planner, which is expensive but can provide long-term certainty and tax efficiency.
• Become a fully self-directed investor, managing your own portfolio and making all your own investment decisions.

Somewhere along the way, you’ll find the approach that works best for you.