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Money
Superannuation

Super can be the biggest asset you own, so it's important to manage it well. Our independent journalism covers retirement planning, finding the best fund, insurance in super and ethical investing.

Produced in partnership with Super Consumers Australia: independent experts who work with CHOICE to simplify the complex.

Planning ahead for retirement

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.
Super tax concessions: A simple explainer

Our guide to the recently announced changes to the way superannuation is taxed.
Is your fund best placed to help you plan for retirement?

We road test the advice from super funds.
Survey says: Conflicted financial advice still a problem

Seven in 10 respondents don't trust financial advisers who receive commissions.
Retirement planning checklist: Where to find the information you need

The government resources that can help you plan for retirement.
Why we need a one-stop shop for retirement planning

A single, impartial source for advice would help Australians.
Why the age pension is here to stay

Australians can rely on the age pension to provide retirement income.
Can a lifespan calculator help you plan your retirement?

A new tool could give you a better idea of how long you'll live.
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.
Retirement planning is too complex, CHOICE survey reveals

New research shows Australia's retirement system lacks cohesion.

Retirement targets

How much do you really need to retire?

Super Consumers Australia research has found one of the key questions Australians have about their retirement is 'how much will I need'?

After extensive consultation, we've developed some guidelines, based on the actual spending of retired Australians.

Updated retirement targets

Ethical super and investing

Greenwashing, ESG and your super

Are super funds being upfront about their green investments?
What is ethical superannuation?

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

Find the best super fund for you

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.
The government's super fund comparison tool can help you retire with more

Comparing MySuper products is now easier than ever.
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.
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.
Why an underperforming super fund could cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars

See how your super fund compares.
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?

Quick super explainers

How to find your missing super

Claiming your lost super is free – follow our simple guide.
Annuities: A simple explainer

These products can provide regular ongoing income for retirees.
Superannuation scams are costing Australians millions. Can we stop them?

Super Consumers Australia says it's time the industry had an anti-scam code.
What are account-based pensions?

Our guide to the popular option for retirees.
The six fundamentals of super: How to maximise your retirement income

Sort out your super with these simple pointers.
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.
Choice super products: What you need to know before you join

Recent statistics show many Choice super products underperform and also charge higher fees.
How to find the best superannuation provider

Super is tricky, but a little knowledge can go a long way.
First Home Super Saver Scheme: Can it help you get on the property ladder?

Careful planning and understanding the details are key.
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.
Could the COVID-19 coronavirus impact your superannuation?

'Barefoot investor' Scott Pape says there's no need to panic about your retirement savings.
How to set up a self-managed superannuation fund

Our guide to taking control of your retirement savings with a DIY super fund.
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?
Avoid scams targeting early access to super

These simple tips will help keep your retirement savings safe
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?
What are reverse mortgages and the Home Equity Access Scheme?

Releasing home equity can give you more to spend in retirement.

Making super fairer

When accessing your loved one's super after they die is a nightmare

Super Consumers Australia says a review is urgently needed.
Why fixing onboarding in super could help you retire with more

Super Consumers Australia says the process should be easier.
MYOB's new onboarding platform

Consumer advocates say the platform may lead to a return of the 'bad old days' of superannuation.
Why Claire is still fighting for her unpaid super

The health care worker is pursuing her missing super.
Death benefit nominations part 2

The problems with death benefit nominations in super, and why the system needs a review.
Death benefit nominations part 1

Experts say the process is too complex and confusing.
Ideas to reform super: Rethink rent assistance

Experts say retirees who rent need more help
Unlisted assets in super: Is your fund handling the risks?

Funds need good governance to ensure there is equity between fund members.
Will recent changes to super help first homebuyers?

Experts weigh in on the proposed reforms.
Why carers are missing out on retirement savings

A gap in Australia's super system leaves carers worse off.
Are superannuation tax concessions fair?

Experts and system reviews say current concessions aren't sustainable – and benefit some people more than others.
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.
Budget 2021: Still no super on Commonwealth-paid parental leave

Advocates say the move would help gender equity in retirement.
How an outdated rule could be holding back your retirement savings

300,000 people miss out on super due to a monthly threshold.
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.

Insurance in super

How to claim on the disability insurance in your super

A simple guide to an often confusing claims process.
'People lose their homes': The human cost of delayed insurance claims

More people are complaining about delays in super insurance claim handling.
'I got left with nothing' : Wayne's story of junk insurance

'I got left with nothing' : Wayne's story of junk insurance
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.
How to fix insurance in super

Why we need disability cover that works for everyone.
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.
Income protection insurance in super: What is it?

Despite its name, it won't always replace lost income.
Junk TPD insurance set to return in 2021

Consumer protection measures put in place during COVID-19 are about to expire.
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.
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.
Life insurers AMP and Asteron dragging their feet on claims

These insurers give Australians total permanent disability and death cover through their super funds.
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?
Insurance in super ill-suited for mental health conditions

ASIC found that ADL tests aren't delivering for mental health claimants
Junk TPD insurance set to return in 2021

Consumer protection measures put in place during COVID-19 are about to expire.
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.

Opinions and news

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.
Superannuation scams are costing Australians millions. Can we stop them?

Super Consumers Australia says it's time the industry had an anti-scam code.
Super update: The changes coming in 2023

A round-up of recent changes to super and the updates to come this year.
Finfluencers and your super

The rise of finfluencers highlights a need for accessible and reliable financial advice.
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.
Changes to super in the 2021 budget

More low-income earners will now get super.
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.
What the budget means for super members

The government announced changes to super, which come into force in July 2021
Op-ed: Time for super fund freedom

Everyone should be able to choose their own fund, says the director of Super Consumers Australia.
'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.