Blog

How Much Super Will I Need – Part 2: The Effects of Inflation on you Super Balance

Inflation eats away at your retirement money every single day, of every week, of every year! Therefore, it’s important to invest your money to offset the reduction of your spending power by inflation. What is inflation? Inflation is the rate at which prices for goods and services rise over time. In other words, inflation reduces the purchasing power of your money. The $100 you have today, won’t buy you the same amount in ten years’ Read more…

By peter.vlant, ago

Choosing a Super Fund – Part 2: Investment Options and Risk

When it comes to choosing the right superannuation fund for you, it’s important to understand your risk appetite. Do you want a low-risk investment option, or are you willing to take on more risk for the potential of higher returns? Generally speaking, there are three main risk levels when it comes to superannuation funds: low risk, medium risk and high risk. Low risk investments tend to be more stable, with less chance of losing your Read more…

By peter.vlant, ago

Building Your Super – Part 1: Employer Contributions

If you’re an employee working in Australia, your employer is generally required to make super contributions on your behalf. This is called the Superannuation Guarantee (SG). These employer super contributions are a percentage of your before-tax salary and are paid into your super fund. The contributions are in addition to any salary or wages you earn and are designed to help you save for your retirement. They are also in addition to any personal contributions Read more…

By peter.vlant, ago

How Much Super Will I Need – Part 1: The ASFA Retirement Standard

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think much about retirement until you’re nearing the end of your working life. But whether you’re years or months away from retirement, it’s never too early to start thinking about how you’ll support yourself during those golden years. One of the best ways to ensure a comfortable retirement is to plan ahead and set aside as much money as possible. But how much is enough? The industry Read more…

By peter.vlant, ago

Choosing a Super Fund – Part 1: Different Types of Funds

There are various types of superannuation funds in Australia. As each type of fund has its own benefits and drawbacks, it’s important to do your research before deciding which one is right for you. The five main types of superannuation funds in Australia are industry funds, retail funds, corporate funds, public sector funds and Self Managed Super Funds. 1. Industry funds Industry funds are sector specific, and are usually set up by employers in a Read more…

By peter.vlant, ago

Super Basics – Part 6: How can you make the most of your superannuation?

There are a number of things you can do to maximise your superannuation.  One is to make sure you are being paid the Super Guarantee. This is the minimum amount your employer must contribute to your super fund. You should speak to your employer if you are not being paid the Super Guarantee.  You can also make additional contributions to your super fund. This can be done through salary sacrificing or making personal contributions.  You Read more…

By peter.vlant, ago

Super Basics – Part 5: When can you access your superannuation?

In Australia, superannuation is a long-term savings plan to help you financially in retirement. You can start paying into your super from the day you start work. In most cases, your employer will pay money into your super account (called the Superannuation Guarantee). The money in your super account can’t be accessed until you reach what’s called your ‘preservation age’. When you reach preservation age (currently, between 56 and 60, depending on your date of Read more…

By peter.vlant, ago

Super Basics – Part 4: Investments

When it comes to superannuation, there are a range of investment options available. From low-risk options such as cash and fixed income, to higher-risk options such as shares and property.  Most super funds allow you to choose between ‘Pre Mixed’ investment options. The default option typically being ‘Balanced’ which invests across a range of investment assets, including shares, property and cash. ‘High Growth’ which has a larger investment in shares, and ‘Stable’ which focuses on Read more…

By peter.vlant, ago

Financial Jargon – Part 4

When it comes to retirement planning, there are a lot of terms and concepts that can be confusing. In this series, we’ll help demystify some of the key terms you need to know. Rollover: This is when you move move your superannuation from one fund to another. This could be to cosolidate your super into the one account, or once you reach your preservation age, you choose to rollover your super into an account-based pension. Read more…

By peter.vlant, ago

Women and Retirement – Part 4: Planning for Healthcare Costs in Retirement

Retirement planning is not just about money. It’s also important to consider your health and wellbeing in retirement. This includes making sure you have adequate insurance cover, as well as planning for activities and hobbies that will keep you physically and mentally active. Planning for healthcare costs in retirement is an important part of financial planning for your later years. Women, in particular need to be aware of the potential costs associated with health care Read more…

By peter.vlant, ago

Website Terms & Conditions • Website Privacy Policy  • App Terms & Conditions, Assumptions and Privacy Policy

The information shown on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your individual needs, objectives or financial situation. Before acting on any information on this website you should assess your own objectives, financial situation and needs and determine if it is appropriate for you. You may wish to seek professional advice from a suitably qualified adviser prior to making any financial decision.