17.03.11 - What are the benefits of investing in super for the long-term compared to other investments?

Super isn’t the only way we can invest to support ourselves in retirement.  Direct shares, managed funds and investment properties can also help you build wealth for the future.  The difference with super is the substantial tax savings compared...

17.02.11 - How will AustralianSuper members be affected by the implementation of the policies proposed in the Cooper and Henry reviews?

The Cooper and Henry reviews proposed changes to help Australia deal with an ageing population and the fact that many Australians simply don’t have enough super to retire comfortably.  The changes aim to achieve the benefits of a low cost, high...

21.01.11 - I am 67 but have not withdrawn any money from my super and would like to keep it there as long as possible. Would I be...

Any amount your take out of your super fund will be tax free as you're over 60. But there will be an administrative cost for processing your benefit payment of $35. If you wish to make a partial withdrawal, you'll need to ensure that your account meets...

02.12.10 - How do your fees compare with the recent AMP announcement that its low cost fund is 47% cheaper than industry funds?

On TV and on their website, AMP compare their Flexible Core Super product with other funds to show that it is low cost. But when compared to AustralianSuper by independent rating agency Chant West Pty Ltd, AustralianSuper is about the same or cheaper...

17.11.10 - How will my super be affected by the implementation of the Cooper and Henry review reports?

Firstly, superannuation was generally out of scope for the Henry review, however, the Federal Government decided to propose changes to super when they announced the outcome of the review, such as progressively increasing the level of Superannuation...

28.10.10 - How do I make a salary sacrifice contribution to my super, and do I advise my employer to do so on a monthly basis on my before...

Salary Sacrifice is an arrangement between you and your employer whereby you choose to give up (or 'sacrifice') part of your before-tax salary which goes to supplement your superannuation contributions as an additional employer contribution. This...

23.09.10 - My recent benefit statement showed that I had a negative return of –1.71% on my account. I’m in the Balanced option, and I saw...

Members’ benefit statements are for activity in their accounts over a 6-month period only. Your last benefit statement was for the six months ended 30 June 2010. In the six months to 30 June 2010 share markets were very volatile. A significant...

27.08.10 - When I started my new job recently my employer put me into another super fund. Am I able to change and have my employer pay...

With most jobs, you can choose which fund you have your employer super contributions paid into. It makes sense to stick with AustralianSuper, so you can continue seeing your super grow faster with our low fees and strong investment performance. And...

22.07.10 - "Is there a conservative investment option available for my super? I am particularly concerned as I am over 55 and thinking...

The balance of most superannuation accounts is subject to fluctuations in local and world markets. The higher the risk of fluctuation, the greater (or lesser) the potential long term returns. Each person has different life circumstances, financial...

18.06.10 - If the Government is going to increase super contributions from 9% to 12%, do I really need to contribute anything extra?

When will I see an increase in my super? The SG increases are proposed increases only and if they do proceed, they won’t begin until the 2013-2014 financial year. They will be incremental, rising slowly to finally reach 12% in...

19.04.10 - Can you tell me more about the Government co-contribution scheme and how I can get it?

The Government is helping you to boost retirement savings by contributing $1.00* for every $1.00 you contribute (after-tax) to your super. And with 30 June fast approaching, it could be worthwhile to make a payment soon, so you don't miss-out on any...

23.03.10 - I'm 55 and have only $50,000 in super - how can I increase my super before I retire?

The good thing about asking this very important question now is that you still have time to make a plan to effectively grow your super while you are still working.   Making choices For many workers, the idea is that you take a lump-sum payment...

02.02.10 - I’ve heard it’s a good idea to consolidate my super to save on fees. How do I do this?

It certainly does make good financial sense to put all your super into one fund. For many people, a new job means a new super fund and over the course of a career it’s not unusual to find small amounts spread over several different funds. Each of these...