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Four tips for boosting your super balance

If you could add $61,000 to your super fund in 10 years, would you do it?

 

 

Of course you would, however by choosing, or defaulting into, funds that underperform and charge high fees, you may be leaving money like that on the table.

Super is the biggest investment most Australians will ever make, yet too many unknowingly behave as if they are starring in the TV show, “Married at First Sight.” They commit to something they haven’t gotten to know or understand.

It can be a very expensive error. The recent Productivity Commission estimated that super investors would gain $3.9 billion yearly by choosing better-performing funds and reducing fees by consolidating accounts. That would give a 55-year-old today an additional $61,000 by retirement, and a new job entrant an additional $407,000 when they retire in 2064.

Here’s a few ideas on how to send some of that money your way:

  • Match your investment option to your goals. If you’re young and have many years until retirement, a growth fund may make sense for you. On the other hand, your age may not matter if you have difficulty watching wild market swings. In that case, you may prefer a more conservative option.
     
  • Once you know how you want to invest, compare the long-term performance (five years or more) of funds in that category. Compare growth funds to growth funds, balanced funds to balanced funds, etc, and be aware of differences between funds in the same investment category. Some funds labeled “growth” may have higher allocations to growth assets such as shares and property, compared to another super funds “growth” option, for example. What is important, however, is that you select an asset allocation that matches your financial goals and risk tolerance.
     
  • If you have more than one super fund, consolidate them to eliminate redundant and high fees. This is actually a very easy and profitable move. In most cases, the super fund you decide to consolidate to will have a ‘find my super’ option, and will do all the hard work for you. If you need to know more, the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) shows you how here. Be sure to review how switching your super affects any insurance you have with it.
     
  • As we all know from watching the daily gyrations of the share market, you can’t control everything. But you can control your costs, and that will make a huge difference to your super fund over time. According to Canstar, the average cost on an $80,000 super balance ranges from $466 to more than $2,000 - a year. While you cannot control future performance, you can control costs. This ASIC calculator helps you compare funds, including fees.

Finally, don’t make yourself crazy. Constant tinkering is more likely to hurt than help, but do get to know your super and increase your odds of a decades-long blissful union.

 

Written by Robin Bowerman
Head of Corporate Affairs at Vanguard.
29 January 2019

 

 


David Forrest Download David's Adviser Profile

David Forrest

Director
BEc (Acc), MBA, CPA, FFin

David has been in the Financial Services Industry for nearly 30 years. He was one of the founding Directors of the successful Financial Planning and Stockbroking Practice, Henderson Gregory Forrest, for a decade. Prior to that, he held senior roles in companies such as ING, KPMG Accountants and AMP. David was previously Chairman of OAMPS Superannuation Trustee Board and currently serves as an independent Board Director for several companies.

David’s extensive experience in all forms of superannuation, including Self Managed Super Funds (SMSF), Defined Benefit Funds, retirement funding through Account Based Pensions, stockbroking with a focus on Direct Share Investment, Taxation/Remuneration Planning, Centrelink, Aged Care and business management, equip him to advise expertly on all aspects of Financial Advice.

Those with a particular interest in superannuation/SMSFs, direct share investment, salary packaging or applying for the Centrelink Pension will find his knowledge and ability in formulating and implementing creative, logical and simple wealth creation strategies a valuable asset.

David maintains a strong personalised client service focus, providing tailored solutions for clients.

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David Forrest is an Authorised Representative of Integrity Financial (SA) Pty Ltd ABN 16 133 921 187 — AFSL No 334846

Michelle Forrest

Michelle Forrest

Business Finance Manager
B Bus (Acc), CPA

Michelle’s career has spanned across the Financial Services, Retirement Living and Aged Care industries working in the private sector, not for profit and more recently with the state government for over 20 years. Her experience extends to many facets of the financial services industry, having worked in superannuation administration, technical support and financial planning practice administration.

Commencing with AMP and subsequently working in commerce and accounting roles with companies such as Brambles, Adelaide Bank Retirement Services, ECH Inc and SA Health and Wellbeing, Michelle returns to financial services after working in practice financial management at Henderson Gregory Forrest. This wide range of experience from senior accounting and management roles has provided Michelle with a strong background in business administration.

With an astute financial acumen and keen interest in business improvement strategies, Michelle ensures the smooth running of the Integrity Financial Advisory practice providing valued management support to our personalised client service focus.

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Darren Chalk Download Darren's Adviser Profile
Natasha Bartlett
Kelly Collins
Jasmine Smith

Jasmine Smith

Client Service Manager

Jasmine has worked in the financial services industry for over 12 years in all areas of client administration, working with David since 2013.

Jasmine has extensive knowledge and experience in client service including implementation of advice, portfolio reporting, assisting with the establishment of Self Managed Super Funds (SMSFs), term deposit management and a long history of helping clients with their enquiries.

Jasmine’s attention to detail, yet gentle approach, means she is able to solve the trickiest of questions for our client community.

Jasmine has gained her Certificate III in Financial Services qualification.

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Merrilyn Smith

Merrilyn Smith

Senior Client Service Manager

Merrilyn has worked in the financial services industry for over 11 years in all areas of client administration, and is a new addition to our client services team, returning from Melbourne to join the team in June 2019.

Merrilyn has extensive knowledge and experience in client service including implementation of advice, managed fund administration, assisting with the establishment of Self Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) and process improvement for the previous practices she has worked with. Merrilyn’s experience with direct shares constitutes the other part of our administrative support for direct equity investments.

Merrilyn’s warm and caring nature continues to endear her to our clients and she has already established herself as a valued member of our team.

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