With the quieter summer holiday upon us now might be a good time to make some super simple changes that could make a lifetime of difference in retirement.
Many Australians are concerned that they won’t have enough money in their super accounts to fund their retirement.
But Industry Super Australia’s Head of Research Dr Nick Coates says there are five easy steps workers can take now to boost their savings:
First, check with your fund to make sure you are getting paid all your legal super entitlements. Unpaid superannuation impacts one in three workers and while most bosses do the right thing there are still some employers out there who deliberately rip workers off. And with the super guarantee rate legislated to start increasing next year it will soon be even more important to check the full amount is being paid.
TWO, consolidate your super funds into one account, finding lost or unpaid super is simple now using the Australian Tax Office tools.
Three, compare your existing super fund with others in the market to make sure it is meeting your needs. Fees and investment performance are important factors to consider. Remember long terms returns is what matters. Compare funds over 5 years or more. Being a member of an Industry SuperFund puts you ahead of the others because of their low fees and strong performance history (of course remember that past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance). The Productivity Commission found underperforming funds can cost members up to $500,000 in savings when they retire. This could be the difference between retiring at 65 or 67.
Four, make sure the type of fund is right for you. Choosing your super investment strategy is like making the perfect beach cocktail, you need to get the mix right. Make sure the investment strategy matches your needs and appetite for risk – which your fund can help you with. Also be sure to check the insurance coverage is the right fit for you and your family.
Five, if you get some type of windfall consider putting it in your super fund. It is a tax-effective way to make savings and with the powers of compounding interest a little invested in super now makes a big difference in retirement.
Further tips on boosting your retirement nest egg can be found on the Industry Super Australia website
