If you’ve ever looked at your superannuation statement and thought, “I have money in there, but I don’t feel in control,” this conversation is for you. We sit down with Domenic Costanzo, tax accountant and Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) specialist at Costanzo & Associates, to break down what it really means to take control of your retirement savings — and what you need to understand to stay compliant with ATO requirements.

We explore why more Australians are setting up SMSFs, including the ability to choose your own investments, control timing of decisions, and build a strategy aligned with personal goals rather than default fund allocations. Domenic explains what an SMSF can invest in, including ASX shares, cash, property, cryptocurrency, and precious metals such as gold and silver bullion.

We also unpack SMSF structure and governance, including corporate trustee versus individual trustees, single-member fund options, and why administration and membership changes matter over time.

On the tax side, Domenic breaks everything down in simple terms — from how contributions are taxed, to capital gains implications when selling assets, and what happens with different super components during rollovers. We also discuss proposed changes impacting balances above $3 million, including concerns around the taxation of unrealised gains and what this could mean for long-term retirement planning.

If you’re considering an SMSF for flexibility, tax efficiency, or greater control over your retirement strategy, this episode will help you understand the key questions to ask before you begin.

What We Cover in This Episode

• Domenic’s background and focus on SMSF strategy and tax
 • Why Australians are moving to self-managed super funds
 • Control, flexibility, and investment choice inside an SMSF
 • What SMSFs can invest in (property, shares, crypto, gold & silver)
 • Corporate trustee vs individual trustee structures
 • Family SMSFs and how member balances work
 • Rollover rules and “untaxed” super components
 • How contributions and investment earnings are taxed
 • Capital gains tax inside an SMSF and timing considerations
 • Proposed $3M super tax changes and unrealised gains debate
 • Setup costs, admin requirements, and ongoing compliance

Ready to Explore Your SMSF Options?

If you’re thinking about setting up an SMSF or reviewing your current structure, you can reach out for guidance and an initial complimentary consultation.

Connect with Your Host

Carmelle Pavan
General Manager (VIC), As Good As Gold Australia
Phone: (03) 8375 9674 | National: 1300 295 833
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.asgoodasgold.com.au

Guest Information

Domenic Costanzo
SMSF Specialist Tax Accountant, Costanzo & Associates
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.costanzoassociates.com.au

Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone interested in taking greater control of their retirement planning.