24 January 2024
A lot can happen in your life from when you start working until you retire. You may get married, start a family, or buy a property. Major life events have an impact on your finances and are also great times to review your super: its performance, fees you pay, and how your retirement money is tracking.
Your super is there for you in retirement. It’s part of a long-term financial plan. For example, you could be paying into your super for over 40 years and using it to support your retirement for more than 20 years.
The decisions you make through your working life could make a big difference to your final balance. Let’s take a look at 4 key times in life where it can be a good idea to review your super.
1. Starting a serious relationship
Most people don’t start a relationship talking about super. But as a couple, you may want to consider your super to be shared. When de facto or married couples split or divorce, super can be legally positioned like any other financial asset during contested settlement.
While you can’t combine 2 super accounts together, or have a joint account, you can contribute to each other’s super. This is called a spouse contribution. Many people consider adding to their partner’s super if they’re taking a break from work. This can include parental leave, study leave, or to care for a family member. These extra contributions can help you support the growth of each other’s balance1.
You may also want to check you’ve nominated a beneficiary for your super. This is the person you’d like your super and any insurance entitlements to go to when you pass away.
2. Changes to your spending – buying a new house or starting a family
Big changes in your spending, such as buying a house or having a baby, can be exciting – but it also means new financial responsibilities. This can be a good time to review the insurances in your super.
Your personal insurance is there to help you manage your financial commitments if you need to take time out of the workforce due to temporary or permanent disablement. For many people the biggest cost is a mortgage or family. Your insurances can also help support your family financially if you pass away unexpectedly. While it’s difficult to think about, it’s important to be prepared.
For AustralianSuper members, insurances in your super may include:
- Income protection
- Total and Permanent Disablement
- Death Cover.
The right level of cover for your lifestyle is important, and as your life changes, the level of cover you need will change too. You can use our free insurance calculator to find out how much insurance you might need, and how much it will cost.
Review your insurance to make sure your financial needs, including unforeseen events, are included. For example, if you were never able to work again, would your total and permanent disability insurance be enough to cover your lifestyle, expenses, and any new health care needs such as home modifications?
AUSTRALIANSUPER MEMBERS: REVIEW YOUR INSURANCE COVER NOW
3. Changing jobs
A salary boost from a new job can be a good time to consider topping up your super. One way of making voluntary payments into your super account is through salary sacrificing. Boosting your super with a little extra each month can help you save more for retirement and could also have tax benefits.
Salary sacrifice may affect some Government benefits and employee benefits. Consider getting financial advice before deciding if a salary sacrifice arrangement is right for you.
Being stood down or made redundant
Losing a job is also a key time to check in with your super. Check what fees you’re paying and make sure you don’t have multiple funds. By consolidating your super into one account, you’ll pay a single set of fees and know where your super is.
If you’re considering combining accounts, ask your existing super provider for information about any fees or charges that may apply, any benefits that you may lose, such as insurance, or waiting periods on new insurance. You can compare super funds for free using the ChantWest Apple tool, via the AustralianSuper Website. We recommend you seeking financial advice.
READ MORE: WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR SUPER IF YOU’RE MADE REDUNDANT OR STOOD DOWN
4. Financial windfall
Sudden wealth from inheritance, work bonuses or even a lottery win can improve your financial situation. You may choose to top up your super. The earlier you add to your super, the greater the benefit from any investment returns and compound interest - leaving you better off at retirement. There are limits to how much you can add each year, so make sure you know the contribution cap limits and any tax implications. It may be useful to speak to your super fund for general guidance, or a financial adviser for personal advice.
A long-term investment
Super is a long-term investment and is something that needs reviewing throughout life.
Reviewing your insurance, nominating your beneficiaries and checking your super performance are simple things you can do to make sure your super is on track for your best retirement.
Need support? See your options for connecting with a financial adviser through AustralianSuper.
Reference:
- Before adding to your super or making spouse contributions, consider your financial circumstances, contribution caps that may apply, and tax issues. We recommend you consider seeking financial advice.
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This may include general financial advice which doesn’t take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision consider if the information is right for you and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement, available at australiansuper.com/PDS or by calling 1300 300 273. A Target Market Determination (TMD) is a document that outlines the target market a product has been designed for. Find the TMDs at australiansuper.com/TMD. AustralianSuper Pty Ltd ABN 94 006 457 987, AFSL 233788, Trustee of AustralianSuper ABN 65 714 394 898.