A helpful guide to understanding the basics of super.
Superannuation, commonly known as ‘super’, is money set aside while you’re working so you’ll have money for retirement. Your money is put into a fund, where it’s invested on your behalf by a trustee, to help you earn returns and grow your savings.
The amount of super you’ll end up with when you retire depends on a number of factors, including:
Many people think of their super as an investment that takes care of itself but the choices you make about your super and investments could make a big difference to your quality of life in retirement.
A super contribution is money that’s deposited into your super account, either as an ongoing payment or as a one-off. Usually made by you or your employer.
Your employer is required to contribute 10.5% of your before-tax income into a super fund. These payments are known as super guarantee (SG) contributions (also known as employer super contribution), and they form the foundation of your super. You can find more information on the superannuation guarantee in our Superannuation Guide page
Employer super contributions are taxed at a lower rate than most income tax brackets, so it’s important to provide your tax file number (TFN) to your super fund to avoid extra tax being taken out. You’ll also need to provide your TFN if you want to make any personal super contributions.
In addition to your SG contributions, you can also contribute more money to your super account in the form of voluntary contributions. You can make these contributions using either before-tax or after-tax money. In many cases, they’re taxed at a lower rate than your income, so they can be a good way to build your retirement fund while being tax-efficient.
Keep in mind that there are caps to the amount you can contribute depending on your age and circumstances.
There are a number of different types of super funds on the market, including:
In most cases, you can choose which fund you’d like your super to be invested with – so it pays to do your homework and find a fund that offers the investment options and features you’re looking for.
Most employees can choose their own super fund when they start a new job.
You’ll typically have a choice between your employer’s default fund or one you select, which could be a fund you joined with a previous employer, an SMSF, or a new fund altogether.
If you don’t choose a fund, your SG contributions will be paid into your employer’s default fund. Although, new laws from 1 November 2021 will mean you’ll generally take your super account with you when you change jobs, rather than have a new account automatically opened up for you.
There are a few things to consider when choosing a super fund. These include the fees charged, investment options, insurance cover available and its cost, and the fund’s investment performance. It’s a good idea to compare super funds online and weigh up your options.
Also remember that most super funds charge fees – so it might be worthwhile sticking to one fund even if you change employers to avoid doubling up on costs.
If you think you might have lost or unclaimed super, you can search for it via the Australian Taxation Office’s super search service.
Many super funds offer a simple and cost-effective super account called MySuper, which comes with low fees, basic features and a simple, default investment option.
If you haven’t nominated a fund with your new employer, for now, your super will be automatically transferred into a MySuper account. This will change on 1 November 2021, when new laws come in.
You always have the option of moving your super to an account of your choice.
When it comes to how your money is invested in super, many funds offer various investment options that you can choose from. Choosing the most suitable option will typically come down to your goals for retirement, your attitude to risk and the time you have available to invest. For example, you might decide to take on higher-risk investments with the potential for higher returns at a younger age, and transition to more stable investments like cash deposits as you move towards retirement.
You usually can’t access your super money until you reach what’s known as your ‘preservation age’ (typically around the time you retire). However, if you’re a first homebuyer and make extra contributions, you could be eligible to withdraw these contributions and put them towards a home deposit under the First Home Super Saver Scheme.
Contact the practice if you’d like to discuss your super options with a financial planner in the team by phoning the office on |PHONE| to make a time. Alternatively, simply book online using our online booking link – simply click the link and choose an adviser and select a day and time that best suits you.
Source: AMP July 2022
Important:
This information is provided by AMP Life Limited. It is general information only and hasn’t taken your circumstances into account. It’s important to consider your particular circumstances and the relevant Product Disclosure Statement or Terms and Conditions, available by calling |PHONE|, before deciding what’s right for you.
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