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Super Review: Regular Reviews Vs Set & Forget

James Ireland • Jan 18, 2024
Revitalising Your Super: A Proactive Approach to Financial Security

In the fast-paced world of personal finance, it's easy to adopt a "set and forget" mentality when it comes to managing our investments. However, one area where this approach can be particularly detrimental is with our superannuation funds. Regularly reviewing and actively managing your superannuation can yield substantial benefits that can significantly impact your financial future. In this blog, we'll delve into the reasons behind the importance of actively managing your superannuation and present a compelling case study to illustrate the potential gains.

The Set and Forget Trap
Many individuals contribute to their superannuation fund diligently throughout their working lives, only to adopt a hands-off approach once the money is invested. This "set and forget" mentality might seem convenient, but it comes with inherent risks. Superannuation funds are subject to market fluctuations, economic changes, and legislative adjustments. Ignoring these factors can lead to missed opportunities and potential financial setbacks.

The Benefits of Regular Review
Optimising Investment Strategy:
  • Regularly reviewing your superannuation allows you to assess your investment strategy and make necessary adjustments based on your financial goals and risk tolerance. Market conditions change, and what may have been a prudent investment strategy a few years ago might no longer align with your objectives.
Maximising Returns:
  • By staying informed about market trends and fund performance, you can identify opportunities to maximise returns. This might involve shifting allocations between asset classes, taking advantage of new investment products, or adjusting your portfolio to align with emerging market trends.
Cost Savings:
  • Superannuation funds come with various fees and charges. Regularly reviewing your fund allows you to assess whether these fees are reasonable and if there are more cost-effective options available. Cutting down on unnecessary fees can significantly increase your overall returns over time.
Adapting to Life Changes:
  • Life is dynamic, and your financial goals and circumstances are likely to evolve over time. Regularly reviewing your superannuation allows you to adapt to major life changes, such as marriage, the birth of a child, or changes in employment. This ensures that your investment strategy aligns with your current needs and future aspirations.

Case Study: The Smiths' Superannuation Success Story
Let's take a closer look at a hypothetical case study to illustrate the benefits of regularly reviewing a superannuation fund.

Meet the Smiths, a couple in their early 40s who diligently contributed to their superannuation funds for years but had fallen into the set and forget trap. Their fund's performance had plateaued, and they were unaware of the fees eating into their returns.

Upon deciding to review their superannuation, the Smiths discovered that their fund was heavily invested in traditional assets, such as Australian stocks and bonds. With the help of a financial advisor, they reallocated their portfolio to include a more diverse range of investments, including international equities, real estate, and alternative investments.

Over the next five years, the Smiths' superannuation fund outperformed the market, generating an annualised return of 10%, compared to the industry average of 7%. By actively managing their superannuation, they not only increased their returns but also minimised risk through diversification.

Conclusion
The Smiths' success story is just one example of how actively managing your superannuation can yield tangible benefits. Regularly reviewing your fund allows you to adapt to changing market conditions, optimise your investment strategy, and stay on track to meet your financial goals. The set and forget mentality may provide short-term convenience, but the long-term financial gains from an engaged and proactive approach to superannuation management are undeniable. Take control of your financial future – review your superannuation regularly and unlock the full potential of your investments.



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