Australians now have more tools to help them take control of their super with
the relaunch of independent consumer website, Super Guru.
Designed to help engage consumers with superannuation, www.superguru.com.au features consumer-friendly,
easy-to-understand content and a range of interactive tools to develop the financial literacy of Australians on superannuation.
Super Guru, an initiative of the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) and developed with support from the Victorian Government, focuses solely on super.
It is not aligned to any product or service, and offers free, independent information on, and guidance through, the Australian superannuation system.
"With research showing Australians are failing to save enough to fund the lifestyle they desire in retirement, there is a real need to provide super fund members with the information they need to ensure they can start improving their retirement futures as early as possible," said ASFA chief executive officer, Pauline Vamos.
"Super Guru provides Australians of all ages with the information and tools they need to ask informed questions of their employer, super fund or financial adviser."
Calculators on the site were developed by Rice Warner Actuaries and include a budget planner, contributions optimiser, insurance needs calculator and a retirement projector.
"We've been delighted to work with ASFA on this project," said Greg Wilkinson, head of actuarial and modelling at Rice Warner. "These tools really help individuals engage with the concept of saving for retirement by making it personal to them."
In addition to the calculators, Super Guru also offers a series of online learning modules developed by finance and communication specialists, Money 101.
"Besides being a stand-alone source of valuable information, the Super Guru site is designed to help people engage with and really get to know their super, whether it be by engaging with the learning modules, or using the online calculators to get a better picture of their own financial situation," said Ms Vamos.
Super Guru caters to working Australians at all stages of life from beginning their first job and choosing a fund, to investing and withdrawing funds at retirement.
The site also has information for those key life events which can often trigger people to ask more questions about their super including switching jobs, moving overseas, having a baby, falling seriously ill or getting married or divorced.
First launched in 2010, Super Guru has undergone an extensive makeover to make it more interactive and easy-to-digest for consumers.
Media contacts:
Pauline Vamos, 0433 169 342
Rebecca Glenn, GM marketing and communications, 0416 170 439
Megan McDougall, communications and media co-ordinator, (02) 8079 0849
About ASFA - the voice of super
The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia is the peak industry body representing the superannuation and retirement industry. Its members represent over 90 per cent of the approximately 12 million Australians with superannuation. ASFA members manage or advise on the bulk of the $1.3 trillion in superannuation assets as at September 2011. ASFA is the only organisation that represents all types of superannuation funds (retail, industry, corporate and public sector) and associated service providers.