Superannuation information, tips and guides for Australians

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Superannuation

Trusted knowledge for smarter retirement decisions.

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How to find the best superannuation provider Super is tricky, but a little knowledge can go a long way.

A guide to insurance in superannuation Life insurance can help you financially if you're sick or injured, but what does it cover and do you really need it?

Articles

Retirement savings targets: How much do you need to retire? How much you need to maintain your standard of living, based on actual spending by retirees.

Where does your superannuation go when you die? We take a closer look at death benefit nominations.

Superannuation scams are costing Australians millions. Can we stop them? Super Consumers Australia says it's time the industry had an anti-scam code.

A beginner's guide to superannuation: What you need to know What is super, when are you entitled to it, when can you access it and how do you find the best super fund?

Australians have $17.8 billion in lost super. Some of it could be yours Claiming your lost super is free – follow our simple guide.

Are superannuation tax concessions fair? Experts and system reviews say current concessions aren't sustainable – and benefit some people more than others.

Junk insurance in super: 'I got nothing' says Wayne Stroke survivor Wayne won't work again, but his total and permanent disability (TPD) cover was worthless.

Greenwashing, ESG and your super Are super funds being upfront about their green investments?

Rotten nest eggs: How super funds failed thousands of Australians Super Consumers Australia's CEO takes aim at the recent First Guardian Master Trust fiasco and the systems that let it happen.

Backflip on mental health claim highlights problem with insurance in super One man's two-year battle over a disability payout was finally resolved when Super Consumers Australia questioned the fund.

How dodgy super advice destroyed Peter's life savings Advocates say stronger protections are needed to save others from poor financial advice.

Dentists and the superannuation rort Companies are charging big fees to help desperate consumers get early access to super.

Financial abuse in super: Why we need urgent action Experts say funds must do more to identify, record and stop abuse.

Super funds that impose minimum balances can cost you thousands in retirement Super Consumers Australia says all funds should allow eligible members to open account-based pensions to access tax breaks.

How the super system fails domestic and family violence victim-survivors Under the current system, perpetrators of domestic and family violence are able to access their victim's superannuation.

How to claim on the disability insurance in your super A simple guide to an often confusing claims process.

Some super funds pay a retirement bonus. Here's what you need to know Super Consumers Australia says the bonus is more like a tax payback – and you may even need to hand it back.

Is insurance in super working for older Australians? Our analysis found the cost – and what's covered – can vary widely.

When accessing your loved one's super after they die is a nightmare Super Consumers Australia says a review is urgently needed.

Why we need new laws on superannuation fund customer service Recent high-profile account problems have highlighted the need for tighter security and responsiveness when issues arise.

Annuities: A simple explainer These products can provide regular ongoing income for retirees.

Why we need to test retirement products Super Consumers Australia says more scrutiny is needed to protect the superannuation of over a million Australians.

First Nations people missing tens of millions in super Reforms needed to ensure people in remote communities can access money that is rightfully theirs.

Why fixing onboarding in super could help you retire with more Super Consumers Australia says the process should be easier.

'People lose their homes': The human cost of delayed insurance claims More people are complaining about delays in super insurance claim handling.

Why cold calling about superannuation should be illegal Hawkers are exploiting a loophole in the law to sell superannuation services that are often available for free.

Greg's story: How a disability insurance exemption left him with nothing The former mechanic suffered a spinal injury, but his insurance claim was rejected due to an exemption for back injuries.

Three super takeaways from the 2023 Budget The Budget confirmed changes to how super will be paid and taxed.

What are account-based pensions? Our guide to the popular option for retirees.

Super tax concessions: A simple explainer Our guide to the recently announced changes to the way superannuation is taxed.

MYOB's new HR platform is funnelling people into a high-fee super fund Consumer advocates say the platform may lead to a return of the 'bad old days' of superannuation.

Super update: The changes coming in 2023 A round-up of recent changes to super and the updates to come this year.

How to keep your super safe from scammers Super scams are on the rise. Here's what you need to know.

How to fix insurance in super Why we need disability cover that works for everyone.

Is your fund best placed to help you plan for retirement? We road test the advice from super funds.

Super funds that failed the performance test slash their fees Our research shows the test is driving change to super funds that benefits members.

What does it mean when your super fund merges? We take a closer look at Australia's changing super fund landscape.

The six fundamentals of super: How to maximise your retirement income Sort out your super with these simple pointers.

Carol's story: Insurance delay making bad situation worse Lawyers say delay by insurers adds to claimant's distress

Should leftover superannuation become part of your will? The problems with death benefit nominations in super, and why the system needs a review.

Claire was underpaid super for years – and she's not alone The health care worker is pursuing her missing super.

Survey says: Conflicted financial advice still a problem Seven in 10 respondents don't trust financial advisers who receive commissions.

Your super in a market downturn: Why experts say to 'stay the course' The long-term nature of superannuation means you can ride out the storm.

Op-ed: Financial advice review can save Australians from conflict-fuelled nightmare The interests of consumers need to be front and centre.

Superannuation death benefit nominations Experts say the process is too complex and confusing.

Finfluencers and your super The rise of finfluencers highlights a need for accessible and reliable financial advice.

Sort your super – how the super fund comparison tool can help Super Consumers Australia says the resource should be expanded to include more super products.

Choice super products: What you need to know before you join Recent statistics show many Choice super products underperform and also charge higher fees.

Rent Assistance and retirees Is an increase in Rent Assistance the answer for retirees who don't own their homes?

What to do if your employer doesn't pay your super Almost all employees aged 18 and over are entitled to superannuation. Here's what to do if you're not receiving it.

Why we need a one-stop shop for retirement planning A single, impartial source for advice would help Australians.

What is the downsizer contribution and how does it work? This little-known government incentive could boost your retirement income. Here's what you need to know.

First Home Super Saver Scheme: Can it help you get on the property ladder? Careful planning and understanding the details are key.

Retirement planning checklist: Where to find the information you need The government resources that can help you plan for retirement.

Time for a review of insurance in super Super Consumers Australia is calling on the government to follow through on the Productivity Commission's recommendation.

Ideas to reform super part one: Rethink rent assistance Experts say retirees who rent need more help

Can a lifespan calculator help you plan your retirement? A new tool could give you a better idea of how long you'll live.

Why the age pension is here to stay Australians can rely on the age pension to provide retirement income.

How unfair trading laws could boost your retirement fund Super Consumers Australia says it's vital that new unfair trading laws also apply to financial services, including superannuation.

How is your super fund spending your money? Super Consumers Australia is calling for funds to provide more useful data.

Junk insurance in super is on the way out, but there's more work to do Some super funds continue to include restrictive terms.

Junk insurance in super: 'I struggle week to week' Chronic illness means that Rachel can't ever work again, but a fine-print term saw her claim rejected.

Will recent changes to super help first homebuyers? Experts weigh in on the proposed reforms.

How much money do you need to retire? We're aiming to find out Current accepted retirement targets are unrealistic for many. Our research will help develop new targets.

'Stapling' in super could save Australians a lot of money You'll soon keep your original super fund as a default when changing jobs, cutting down on unnecessary fees.

The government's super fund comparison tool can help you retire with more Comparing MySuper products is now easier than ever.

Can underperforming super funds turn their fortunes around? Some could cut fees and boost performance.

Changes to super in the 2021 budget More low-income earners will now get super.

Budget 2021: Still no super on Commonwealth-paid parental leave Advocates say the move would help gender equity in retirement.

Why carers are missing out on retirement savings A gap in Australia's super system leaves carers worse off.

Government's new economic security measures for women Reforms make splitting super in divorce fairer, but victim-survivors of domestic violence won't get early access to super.

Your super and passive vs active management More super funds are likely to change the way they manage investments. What does this mean for your retirement savings?

Opinion: Super funds should have to prove they're working for you A Bill currently before Parliament will require super funds to show they are acting in members' best interests.

Unlisted assets in super: Is your fund handling the risks? Funds need good governance to ensure there is equity between fund members.

How an outdated rule could be holding back your retirement savings 300,000 people miss out on super due to a monthly threshold.

Should superannuation be used for housing? We take a closer look at the recent proposals.

What are reverse mortgages and the Home Equity Access Scheme? Releasing home equity can give you more to spend in retirement.

What's the best thing to do with your super in retirement? Using your savings more efficiently can give you a better lifestyle at the end of your working life.

A super fund merger could shave almost $15,000 off your fees A new yearly test could see fewer funds, more in your nest egg.

Junk TPD insurance set to return in 2021 Consumer protection measures put in place during COVID-19 are about to expire.

How to compare super funds Five simple tips to keep in mind when shopping for a super fund.

Can MySuper dashboards help you find the best super fund? Experts say these information portals aren't encouraging fund switching.

Ethical super: Will your nest egg be better off? In part five of our series on ethical super, we take a look at the performance of ethical funds and options.

What the budget means for super members The government announced changes to super, which come into force in July 2021

Are insurers profiting from JobKeeper payments to claimants? Does the stimulus payment count as income for those making an income protection claim through their super?

Ethical super: Where is your money invested? In part four of our series on ethical super, we dig into how ethical funds and options invest.

Op-ed: Time for super fund freedom Everyone should be able to choose their own fund, says the director of Super Consumers Australia.

Income protection insurance in super: What is it? Despite its name, it won't always replace lost income.

Insurance in super ill-suited for mental health conditions ASIC found that ADL tests aren't delivering for mental health claimants

The pros and cons of making contributions to your super Super contributions can boost your savings, but how do they compare to other investments and what are the tax implications?

Avoid scams targeting early access to super These simple tips will help keep your retirement savings safe

Industry offers temporary fix for junk TPD insurance in superannuation The cover is much harder to claim if you're unemployed, casual or part-time, because of the 'activities of daily living' test.

Should you access your super early? Here's what to consider People financially affected by the coronavirus pandemic can access some of their super, but what will it cost long-term?

COVID-19 and your super: what should retirees do? Peak body urges retirees to seek advice before making changes.

Could the COVID-19 coronavirus impact your superannuation? 'Barefoot investor' Scott Pape says there's no need to panic about your retirement savings.

Retirement planning is too complex, CHOICE survey reveals New research shows Australia's retirement system lacks cohesion.

Can you exclude fossil fuels from your superannuation? We look at whether you can rid your super of fossil fuels, and how a renewable energy portfolio might affect your nest egg.

Three reasons the TPD insurance in your super might be junk People working casually, part-time or in 'hazardous' jobs may be paying for junk total and permanent disability insurance.

Junk total and permanent disability insurance in super still a problem, says ASIC The 'assisted daily living' test means casual workers may be paying for worthless TPD cover.

Why ethical super funds can hide where they put your money In part three of our series on ethical super, changes to disclosure laws are delayed again.

4 strategies for ethical super investing In part two of our series on ethical super, we look at the different ways an ethical super fund may find its investments.

Group life insurers are pushing claimants to the brink The agony of waiting: Many Australians are still stuck in insurance processing hell.

What is ethical superannuation? In part one of our series on ethical super, we take a deep dive into this fast-growing sector.

AMP Shonky award: Craig felt let down by "awful" customer service The Queensland carpenter is part of a class action against AMP

Super Consumers Australia gets lift off New partnership will create a much-needed independent body for super – and a powerful new voice for Australian consumers

Why an underperforming super fund could cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars See how your super fund compares.

Unlucky lottery: how Australia's default MySuper system costs us billions Australians are still being defaulted into poor MySuper products, despite criticism of the system.

Life insurers AMP and Asteron dragging their feet on claims These insurers give Australians total permanent disability and death cover through their super funds.

The insurance premiums in your super may be going up The cost of your life insurance may have increased with the new financial year. But is your super fund telling you the full story?

3 changes to your superannuation you need to know about The government’s Protecting Your Super package comes into effect on 1 July.

Ethical super funds Ethical superannuation funds have become a sound choice for both the ethically and financially minded.

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