Young Aussies risk falling behind on money goals, with young women leading the push to upskill

14 October 2025

• AustralianSuper research revealed a gender disparity amongst young Australians when it comes to how they think about money.
• 6-in-10 young women feel overwhelmed by money matters, compared to only 48 per cent of young men¹.
• Young women are 15 per cent less confident than young men when it comes to comparing financial products¹.
• Despite this, 90 per cent of young women view improving their money management skills as a priority, compared to 77 per cent of young men¹.

AustralianSuper research exploring the financial attitudes of Australians, has revealed gender disparities are common across all life stages with some of the biggest differences amongst young Australians aged between 15 and 29 (Gen Z).

At every life stage, the research shows females are less confident they will live well in retirement than males. The gap in retirement confidence is significant amongst young Australians, with only 36 per cent of young women confident they will live well in retirement, compared to almost half of young men (49 per cent)².

AustralianSuper research also identified 62 per cent of young women feel overwhelmed by money matters, compared to 48 per cent of young men. Further, when tasked with comparing financial products, young women are 15 per cent less confident than men¹.

Despite some confidence gaps amongst young women, 90 per cent are determined to improve their money management skills, compared to 77 per cent of young men¹.

AustralianSuper’s Head of Retirement, Jacki Ellis, said despite saving for retirement not being an immediate focus for many young Australians, it is important to have the right foundations in place early.

“Young people are juggling study, careers and rising living costs, so super often slips off their radar. By engaging with free online information and simple tools, like our super projection calculator, young Australians can feel empowered to maximise the benefits of super early,” Ms Ellis said.

“Getting ahead can be particularity important for young women, whose financial security in retirement is often more impacted by life events.

“We know the earlier young Australians start engaging with their super, even with small tweaks, the more freedom and security they’ll have later in life.”

Small tweaks, like changing an investment option, can make a big difference in retirement. For example, AustralianSuper modelling shows an 18 year old starting work on $56,000, who decides two years later to change their investment option from Balanced to High Growth, can expect to have $85,000 more in retirement*.

With the importance of small but impactful changes, AustralianSuper shares five tips for young Australians to get a super start:

1. Choose a good super fund: When you’re starting out, it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re choosing a solid, well-run fund from the start – be sure to check the fees and costs, insurance options and the fund’s long-term performance (over 10+ years).


2. Choose the right investment option: Your superannuation may become one of your largest financial assets, so make an investment choice suited to your needs, goals and risk appetite. Make sure you do your research and learn about the investment options available to you on your super fund’s website.


3. Boost your super: A great way to boost your super when you’re starting out is through accessing the government co-contribution. If you're a low or middle-income earner and make personal non-concessional (after-tax) contributions to your super, the government may also make a co-contribution up to a maximum of $500 each year. The government co-contribution you are eligible to receive depends on your income and how much you contribute. Separately, if you are in a position to do so, making extra contributions to your super now can make a big difference in the future with compounding growth on your side.


4. Keep tabs on your money: Just like a banking app, if you download your super fund’s app onto your mobile device, you can see your contributions going into your account and adding up. Using your fund’s app will also allow you to see the benefits of compounding growth, as well as the impact long-term performance can have on your retirement savings.


5. First Home Super Saver Scheme: A good way to save for a deposit for your first home is through the Government’s First Home Super Saver Scheme. Eligible first home buyers can make voluntary contributions up to $15,000 a year (up to a maximum of $50,000) to help with a deposit for their first home. It’s important to note, you can only withdraw voluntary contributions you have made yourself, not compulsory super contributions from your employer.

Before adding to your super, consider your financial circumstances, eligibility, contribution caps that may apply, tax issues and when your super can be accessed.

To understand more about what you could be doing to maximise the benefits of super early, visit: australiansuper.com/supersnapshot