Australians are prioritising super amid rising costs of living and economic uncertainty
A survey of more than 2,000 Australians, conducted earlier this year by Equip Super, found that they are beginning to invest more in their super well ahead of their retirement. Nearly one in two (46 per cent) have made voluntary contributions to top up their super over their working life, with around two thirds (65 per cent) first making voluntary contributions before turning 40.
Equip found that nearly two in five (39 per cent) Australians consider their super more important now than prior to the COVID pandemic, with around a third (31 per cent) saying they think about their retirement plans often.
“Australians are seeking stability for their future, including their retirement plans, even if they’re many years away. Making extra contributions to your super is a great way to build towards the retirement you want,” said Scott Cameron, Equip CEO.
The results of the latest Financy Women’s Index
The results of the latest Financy Women’s Index (FWX) for the 2022 September quarter show that, despite being rocked by COVID disruptions, progress is back on track. However, the time frames to achieve economic gender equality remain daunting. Key Results show:
- 3 points – The FWX rose 0.4 points in the Sept quarter, signalling gender equality progress helped by narrowing of the gender gaps in education, underemployment and board leadership.
- 139 years to gender equality in education. Now the worst performing area.
- 59 years wait for equality in unpaid work. Second worst performing area.
- 26 year wait for equality in employment and 17-years in underemployment. More Australian women are working to their desired potential.
- 1 year wait for equality in board leadership. Women account for 35 per cent of ASX 200 board directors.
- 23 year wait for equality in gender pay gap. This is the median timeframe to gender equality across all seven FWX areas.
Downlaod the full report at this link.
Author of the FWX, Bianca Hartge-Hazelman says: “There is still a lot of work to be done to ensure that Australian women fully recover financially from the pandemic and aren’t economically penalised for the choices they make in areas such as education and employment.”
HESTA commits $240 million founding investment to Super Housing Partnerships (SHP)
HESTA has committed $240 million to seed Super Housing Partnership’s first fund to develop a pipeline of build-to-rent (BTR) projects in Victoria.
SHP is a specialist affordable housing fund manager that will provide institutional investors with access to scalable investment in new BTR residential projects, with a focus on social and affordable housing – a first in Australia.
HESTA CEO Debby Blakey said the Fund’s founding investment in SHP’s pipeline of BTR homes, aims to generate stable, long-term returns for members while helping catalyse an emerging investment sector.
“We have the opportunity to innovate and invest to meet an unmet need, providing our members with appropriate risk-adjusted investment returns by improving housing supply,” Blakey said.
“A lack of access to housing impacts our members who provide critical services and need to afford housing near their work, and economic productivity that presents broader systemic risks to long-term investors like HESTA.”
Colonial First State launches ‘Thrive+’ sustainable growth fund
Colonial First State (CFS) has released a new sustainable growth fund ‘Thrive+’.
Research by CFS has revealed a strong and growing interest in sustainable investing, with almost eight million Australians indicating they are considering a switch to a more sustainable investment option over the next two years.
The fund was developed in response to key research of 4,567 Australians seeking their investment intentions. Of the respondents who were not yet CFS customers, 46 per cent with superannuation or managed funds said they are likely to switch their investments to a sustainable option in the next two years.
“The fund has been designed to give Australians greater choice in where their superannuation is invested. By choosing to invest in this product, investors in the fund can look to use their personal investment for the benefit of the planet and the wider community,“ said Kelly Power, Chief Executive Officer of Colonial First State Superannuation.
Midwinter Integrates with Estate Planning Platform Inherit Australia
Midwinter, a Bravura Solutions Limited company, has announced an integration with Inherit Australia, an estate planning platform connecting financial planners and lawyers. Advisers using Midwinter financial advice software can now pull their client data into Inherit Australia.
The Inherit software uses a sophisticated legal bot that replicates the line of questioning of an experienced estate planning lawyer to help advisers navigate estate planning conversations with their clients. This allows advisers to complete the data collection and testamentary wishes process without providing legal advice.
The one-way integration from Midwinter to Inherit eliminates the need for double data-handling while ensuring the integrity of client data stored in the Midwinter client profile.
“Advisers already have a trusted relationship with their clients; when it comes to estate planning, it makes sense for them to lead these conversations,” said Andrew Zietara, Head of Product at Midwinter.
Introducing the ASFA Studio
Did you know that ASFA has a brand new Studio? Custom-built and fully appointed for live-streaming and pre-recorded productions, please get in touch if you would like ASFA to produce your next video.
The ASFA Studio is also available to hire to develop your own studio events. For more information, contact Justine Earl-Smith at jearlsmith@superannuation.asn.au.
