Superannuation is a means of investing toward retirement.
Employers and employees can both contribute to superannuation in Australia ... and contributions are typically invested in the stock market, bonds, real estate, or other approved investment vehicles.
The money invested is subsequently paid to the member (or to the members' beneficiaries) on retirement, disability or death of the member either as a lump sum or as a pension or both.
The Superannuation Guarantee came into effect in 1992, requiring an employer to contribute toward an employee's retirement through superannuation.
The Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1993 prescribed the employer contributions as a percentage of it's staff wages.
Employers are not required to contribute in some circumstances, e.g. for very low income earners, young workers not working full-time and workers over 70 years of age.
Employers may choose to contribute a higher amount than that prescribed as a means of employee incentive or reward or as part of a salary package.
There are some limitations on the tax deductibility of employer contributions for a given member and, therefore, professional advice should be sought before entering into these arrangements.
There are significant benefits in members saving toward their own future and Superannuation fund members may consider making contributions to superannuation in addition to employer contributions.
Individuals considering making personal superannuation contributions should seek professional advice.
Please note that some of our calculators may use assumptions that are not necessarily applicable to your current specific circumstances and we therefore cannot always guarantee their accuracy. You should always seek professional financial advice from a licensed professional before proceeding with any financial recommendations.
Currency Converter [click]
Compare currency exchange rates for all major international currencies.
Financial Goals [click]
Plan for your future by setting financial goals with this handy calculator.
Net Worth Calculator [click]
Find out if you are where you should be financially
Retirement Calculator [click]
Find out whether your retirement savings are on track to meet your longer term needs
![]() | Retirees Missing Out on Key Superannuation Benefits Wed, 05 Feb: Recent data highlights a growing concern among financial experts about older Australians who are not transitioning their superannuation funds to retirement-phase accounts, thus missing out on potential tax and cashflow advantages. The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) released data revealing that as of June 2024, over $302 billion in retirement savings remain in taxable accounts despite eligibility for tax-exempt status once in retirement phase. - read more
|
![]() | Government Tightens Reins on Super Fund Services Tue, 04 Feb: The Albanese government is intensifying its scrutiny of the superannuation sector, targeting persistent customer service issues like delays in processing death benefits and insurance claims. This move comes ahead of the impending elections, as the government prepares to introduce mandatory industry standards designed to enhance services across the sector. - read more
|
![]() | ASIC Intensifies Scrutiny on Risky Superannuation Tactics Thu, 30 Jan: As we look ahead to 2025, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) is ramping up its efforts to curb advice and practices it deems inappropriate in the superannuation sector. In recent times, there's been growing concern about aggressive sales techniques and the strategic use of social media to lure unsuspecting consumers into risky financial decisions. - read more
|
![]() | Super Funds Advocate for ASIC as Key Regulator in Scam Oversight Tue, 28 Jan: In an effort to streamline the regulatory approach toward scam prevention in the financial sector, the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) has voiced support for the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) over the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). The recommendation was presented during a Senate Committee session, suggesting that ASIC's deeper involvement could lead to more efficient oversight. - read more
|
![]() | Self-Managed Super Funds vs. Industry Funds: Which Is Right for You? Superannuation, often referred to as 'super', is a cornerstone of financial planning for retirement in Australia. It is a mandatory savings system designed to ensure that Australians accumulate sufficient funds to support themselves in retirement, reducing their reliance on government pensions. - read more
|
![]() | The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Superannuation: What Every Australian Should Know Superannuation, often referred to simply as 'super', is a critical component of the financial landscape in Australia. It is a system where money is placed in a fund during your working life to support you in retirement. The Australian government mandates super contributions to help ensure that citizens can look forward to a stable and comfortable retirement. - read more
|
![]() | Retirement Planning 101: Secure Your Future Now Retirement planning might seem like a daunting task, but it's a crucial step to securing your future. Many Australians find themselves wondering if they're doing enough to prepare for their retirement. Whether you're just starting your career, or nearing retirement age, taking the time to understand and plan for your future financial needs can make all the difference. - read more
|
![]() | Breaking Down Superannuation: How to Make It Work for You Superannuation, or 'super', is a form of long-term saving specifically aimed at helping Australians accumulate funds for retirement. It operates through a mandatory system where employers contribute a percentage of an employee's earnings into a superannuation fund. This system ensures individuals have a financial reserve to support them throughout their retirement years, lessening the reliance on government pensions. - read more
|