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How much super should I be aiming to have at my age?

James Ireland • Oct 24, 2023
Bridging the Gap: Recommended Versus Actual Super Balances

Whether you're in your mid-twenties or late 50s approaching retirement, it's beneficial to understand how your superannuation balance compares to peers of your age group. Recognising what you should ideally have saved up at each life stage can serve as a benchmark, enabling you to gauge whether you're progressing adequately towards securing a financially comfortable retirement.

How much super do I need for a ‘Comfortable retirement’?

According to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia Limited (ASFA) Retirement standard explainer, for those wanting a ‘comfortable retirement', the average super balance at retirement should be around $690,000 for couples and around $595,000 for singles.


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How much is ‘enough’, is different for every individual. It's essential to recognise that each individual's financial needs and lifestyle  aspirations are unique. What constitutes a comfortable living for one person might differ vastly for another. Guidelines can provide a foundational perspective, personalising your retirement planning based on your unique circumstances and aspirations is paramount.


How much super do I currently have? 

You can see today’s super balance when you sign in to your super account. You can then compare it against the ATO 2021-2022 average super balance for your age group as seen below.
     

a table with a lot of numbers on it

Source: ATO 2021-22 Retirement Statistics (Snapshot Table 5) - Super balance by age and sex (most recent statistics available)



ASFA’s views on what your average super balance should be today


These recommended super balances have been calculated (October 2023) using ASFA’s Super Guru Super Balance Detective Calculator, averaged across different age groups. 


Certain age groups have limited data. 



a table showing the average super balance by age and gender



How do I take action if there’s a gap?


If you’re looking at your super balance and the averages above, and think your balance could do with a boost, here’s some things you could consider doing:


Regularly compare your superannuation funds performance with the market.


Regularly comparing the performance of your superannuation fund is crucial for ensuring that your retirement savings are growing effectively. Just as you would monitor any other investment, keeping a close eye on your super fund can help identify any potential issues or areas for improvement.



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Consolidate your superannuation accounts 

As people change jobs or careers over the years, they often end up with multiple superannuation accounts. Consolidating these accounts into one may not seem like a top priority, but it's a smart move that can have significant benefits such as streamlined management and performance tracking, improved investment strategy and reduced fees.

Read more into the power of consolidating your superannuation accounts. 

Start contributing early, regularly and add more super if you can

Your super earnings follow the same principle as compounding, and generally, the earlier you can put money in and the more regular your contributions, the better chance your super has to grow.

You can use MoneySmart’s Superannuation calculator to see how regular contributions over time could add up over the years and potentially help boost your super balance.

One of the key decisions individuals must make regarding their superannuation is how much and when to contribute. Explore the various superannuation contribution options you have into superannuation to help you make informed decisions about your retirement savings.

Check in with your investment options over time

Investing your super at every age of your life is important. However, it’s worth checking in with your investment strategy, as the same one may not be appropriate for every life stage.

To maximise the growth and returns on these funds, it is essential to adopt appropriate investment strategies. Understanding these strategies will empower you to make informed decisions to achieve your financial goals.

Why is there a balance gap between males and females?

When it comes to securing a comfortable retirement, women often face unique challenges that can result in lower superannuation balances compared to their male counterparts. Factors such as part-time work, career breaks, and starting a family can contribute to this gender superannuation gap. 

However, understanding these challenges and taking proactive steps can empower women to bridge the gap and build a solid financial foundation for their retirement years.



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