Make your new year’s resolution to sort out your super: ASFA’s top five tips for sorting out your super in 2014

As we kick off the new year, the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) is urging all Australians to spend 60 minutes this month sorting out their super.

ASFA CEO Ms Pauline Vamos says the start of a new year is an ideal time to get your super sorted, in order to ensure you are on track to deliver the best outcomes for your retirement savings.

“Two weeks into the new year, some of us are probably already slipping when it comes to our new year’s resolutions, but the one resolution that you should not let slide is to sort out your super. So whether you’re relaxing on your holiday break or getting back into work, think about setting aside one hour of your day to take some simple steps that could add thousands to your superannuation balance in retirement,” says Ms Vamos.

ASFA’s top five tips for sorting out your super

1. Consolidate your accounts

If you’ve had more than one job, chances are you also have more than one super account. Moving all your super into one account can help you avoid paying duplicate administration fees and will also make managing your super easier. It could also save you money on investment fees or insurance costs.

2. Find lost super

Tracking down lost super is another way to boost your retirement nest egg. Currently, there are billions of dollars in lost and unclaimed super, and some of it may belong to you. Use the ATO SuperSeeker tool to search for your lost and unclaimed super, then contact the fund to arrange to move it into your active super account.

3. Access the free help that is available

Many people do not know where to start when it comes to finding out about their super, but a good place to start is to get in touch with your fund. Most super funds have call centres and websites that can provide you with information, general advice and tools to help you plan for your retirement.

4. Plan to save more

Making small changes can add thousands of dollars to your balance in retirement. For example, having one less $3.80 cup of coffee per day and putting the extra money into your super could add over $120,000 to your final balance in retirement.* The earlier you start saving, the more you will benefit, so think about making these small changes today.

If you are on a low income and make personal, after-tax contributions to your super, then you may also be eligible for the government’s co-contribution, which will pay up to $500 directly into your super account. For further information visit the ATO’s website.

5. Visit Super Guru

The better you get to know your super, the more confident you will feel when it comes to dealing with it. Visit the independent ASFA Super Guru website, www.superguru.com.au, for a wealth of information, tools and tips to help you better understand how your superannuation works.

*calculation based on a 30-year-old person putting an additional $3.80 per week into their super account that has a ‘moderate’ investment option.

For further information, please contact:

Lisa Chikarovski, Media Manager, 0451 949 300.

About ASFA

ASFA is the peak policy, research and advocacy body for Australia’s superannuation industry. It is a not-for-profit, sector-neutral, and non-party political national organisation, which aims is to advance effective retirement outcomes for members of funds through research, advocacy and the development of policy and industry best practice.