‘It was time for a reset’: Why Ash and Brenda Carey switched from a self-managed super fund to Brighter Super
22 May 2026
Former Australian hockey player Ash Carey understands what it means to perform at an elite level. As a member of the Australian team that won silver at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, he built his sporting career on discipline, preparation and teamwork.
When it came to his super, however, he felt the structure wasn’t delivering at the level he expected.
After more than a decade running their own self-managed super fund (SMSF), Ash and his wife Brenda felt it was time to reassess.
Two years ago, they closed their SMSF and transferred their retirement savings to Brighter Super.
‘I’m more confident,’ he says. ‘My stress level is better because I have some visibility about where we are heading financially and from a time perspective this is much simpler.’
Ash and his wife Brenda, both 56, say they now have a clearer picture of where their finances are headed - and when they can realistically step away from work.
Why they chose an SMSF
Ash established his SMSF in 2008 after selling a share in a business and consolidating his previous super accounts. At the time, the appeal was flexibility and control.
‘It gave us increased flexibility to have input about what could happen with our funds,” Ash says. “There was an opportunity to make decisions ourselves and shape the direction of our investments, provided we had time to properly focus on it.”
For a number of years, that involvement suited them. But as work and family commitments continued, the time and responsibility required to manage the fund became more significant.
The reality of managing an SMSF
Running an SMSF involved more than investment decisions. There were compliance obligations, tax reporting and ongoing administration to manage alongside careers and family life.
‘When you are still working in your fifties and you are trying to grow that nest egg, finding time to drive returns is not easy,’ he says. ‘Particularly as you have to find time to work and juggle kids and manage family and your own career.’
Transparency was another frustration.
‘If you have a self-managed super fund, you don’t have a reporting tool that tells you what you invested today and what your performance is at each time you look.’
‘If you have to ring your broker and say, ‘can you have a look at this’, it just doesn’t work as easily.’
Looking back, Ash says the time and responsibility were significant.
‘A good accountant would probably tell you that unless you are willing to commit to the research and work closely with a broker it is not worth it.’
Over time, Ash and Brenda began to question whether continuing to manage the fund themselves was the right fit for their stage of life.
Why they switched from their SMSF
Two years ago, Ash and Brenda decided to wind up their SMSF and move their retirement savings to Brighter Super.
‘It was an easy decision,” Ash says. “The reality was we didn’t see the growth with the SMSF, and it didn’t have the reporting tools that are available to us now.’
Closing the SMSF was not straightforward.
‘We had to sell our shares and there were accountants’ fees and tax to pay.
It took ‘three to six months to wind it down,’ and longer in one instance due to a private investment.
While he acknowledges markets can fluctuate, Ash says the clearer visibility has changed how he feels about retirement.
‘You will start to see what you will potentially be receiving in retirement.’
‘The information is far more simplified and gives you clarity.’
Greater clarity and confidence after moving to Brighter Super
Today, Ash says the biggest difference is no longer feeling personally responsible for managing every investment decision.
Despite being one member of a large fund, Ash believes he is getting a greater degree of personalisation at Brighter Super than he had with his SMSF.
‘You receive more personalisation because you can put money in growth or balanced or cash and you don’t have to worry about picking the stocks. That’s being done by a professional.’
For Ash and Brenda, stepping away from the SMSF has meant less complexity, clearer visibility, reduced stress and a renewed confidence about their path toward retirement.
For members considering managing their super fund themselves, Ash’s message is straightforward:
‘Review the amount of time and effort you are placing on managing your self-managed super fund.’
Brighter Super Trustee (ABN 94 085 088 484) (AFSL 230511) (the Trustee) as trustee for Brighter Super (ABN 23 053 121 564) (RSE R1000160) (the Fund). Brighter Super may refer to the Trustee or the Fund as the context may be. Brighter Super products are issued by the Trustee on behalf of the Fund.
You should obtain and consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) before making any decision to acquire any products. A TMD is a document that outlines the target market a product has been designed for. Find the PDSs and TMDs at brightersuper.com.au/pds-and-guides.
This article provides general advice only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. As such, you should consider whether it is appropriate in light of your own objectives, financial situation and needs prior to making any decision. You should consult a licensed financial adviser if you require advice which does take into account your personal financial circumstances.
The experience described is that of the member and may not be representative of other members. Individual outcomes will vary depending on personal circumstances, investment choices and market conditions.
Investment returns are not guaranteed. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.
Whether an SMSF or a super fund is appropriate will depend on your individual circumstances. You should consider the costs, risks and responsibilities before making any decision to establish, wind up or transfer from an SMSF.
