How Fiona found $45,000 in lost super

It’s not every day you find $45,000. But that’s exactly what happened to Fiona, after being reunited with lost super from a previous job. Fiona’s not alone: as of June 2020, Australians had amassed almost $13.8 billion in lost and unclaimed super¹. Some of that might be yours. Read Fiona’s story and how you could find lost super.

Fiona’s super story

As a busy mother of two, retirement and super weren’t high on Fiona’s list of concerns. However, when she heard during an AustralianSuper-run seminar that older and middle-aged women are the highest growing proportion of homeless people, she sat up and took notice.

‘As you become older you become less employable. And your super’s already been reduced because you’ve been out of the workforce for a period of time with children,’ she explains.

Consider your financial future carefully

Fiona has had a diverse career. She’s worked for Australia Post, completed studies in naturopathy and remedial massage, worked in massage at a Broome football club, and later transitioned into an executive assistant role with the Western Australian state government. Fiona also took six months of unpaid leave to work full-time as a carer, looking after her mother.

In the lead up to retirement, Fiona was keen to make the most of her remaining working years. ‘I was excited about going back to work. I think it keeps you healthy. It keeps you engaged with your community and it gives you a purpose,’ she says. But she always had one eye on the future, too: ‘You never know what’s around the corner.’

Fiona urges other women to consider their financial future carefully, particularly if you’ve changed jobs or taken time off work – whether for a career break, to raise a family, or care for someone. ‘I tell everyone I come across to do a lost super search. Make sure that you’re going to make a conscious effort to cover your expenses once work has gone for you,’ she says.

EXPLORE: SUPER TIPS FOR A CAREER BREAK

Find lost super

‘It was like winning the lottery,’ says Fiona, after finding $45,000 in lost super.

Just like Fiona, a simple super search could help you track down money that belongs to you. You can find your lost super using the ATO online services through myGov. Or if you’re an AustralianSuper member, we can help you track down your lost super.

Whether you’re nearing retirement or it’s a little way off, adding to your super now can make a big difference to the amount of money you have when you retire. After all, it’s your money.

Combine your super into one account

If you do find lost super, you might want to consider combining those accounts into one. By doing this, you could save on fees that might be eating away at a balance that’s no longer being added to. You could also avoid paying for multiple insurance premiums.

Before making a decision to combine multiple funds, look out for any fees or charges that may apply. Make sure you also understand the impact of combining your accounts on any additional benefits, such as insurance. We recommend you consider seeking financial advice.

In some circumstances, insurance cover linked to your super will lapse if there are no contributions and your account falls below $6,000. Be sure to have a look at the insurance cover you have through your super, including any special conditions that might apply if you’re off work. 

LEARN MORE: INSURANCE THROUGH AUSTRALIANSUPER

References

1. ATO – There is $13.8 billion in lost and unclaimed super. Could any of it be yours?