5 factors to consider if you switch super funds before the end of 2025
With the end of the year approaching, it's time to check whether you're on Santa's Naughty or Nice list for your superannuation!
Sponsored by Vanguard. To learn more about switching super funds and Vanguard's How Australia Retires report, visit the Vanguard website today.
With the holidays just around the corner, the new year is fast approaching!
So it might be time to consider where your superannuation currently is versus where you might like it to be in 2026 and beyond.
After all, Santa's watching and he wants you to have a good retirement!
So if you want to stay off the Naughty list for this year, it's worth reading on.
Today, we're taking a look at some of the key things to consider if you decide to make the switch to a new fund before the end of the year.
1. Lifecycle product
People often think of superannuation as akin to a savings account.
But truthfully, it's an investment and should be viewed as such.
Of course, not everyone has the inclination or skillset to proactively invest.
Accordingly, some super funds offer a Lifecycle super option which can auto-adjust your investment asset mix over time.
Vanguard Super is one super fund that offers this type of service to members.
Vanguard Super's MySuper Lifecycle product automatically adjusts your investment mix over time, based on your age.
So when you're younger, it features a greater emphasis on growth assets.
This gradually scales back as you age and get closer to retirement.
Vanguard Super's MySuper Lifecycle is designed to be relatively low-maintenance and to cater to members who prefer a more hands-off approach.
It is important to remember that past performance isn't necessarily indicative of future performance. All investments carry risk, including the risk of negative returns. You should always do your own research and consider if this product is right for you.
You should also always read the product disclosure statement (PDS) and target market determination (TMD) before signing up for any superannuation product.
2. Varied investment options
Of course, some people want more direct control over their super investments, but don't necessarily want the responsibility that a full-fledged self-managed super fund (SMSF) requires.
Some super funds allow you to mix and match a range of investment options to suit your preferences.
With Vanguard Super, you can choose from both diversified and single-sector options.
Diversified investments are pre-made portfolios that incorporate a broad mix of asset classes.
Single-sector investments focus on a specific area - for example, Australian shares. You can see a rundown of Vanguard Super's investment options in the table below.
| Investment option | Risk level | Target asset allocation |
|---|---|---|
| Lifecycle | High until age 63 Medium-high for 64 and older | Varies based on age |
| High Growth | High | Growth: 90% Defensive: 10% |
| Ethically Conscious Growth | High | Growth: 70% Defensive: 30% |
| Growth | High | Growth: 70% Defensive: 30% |
| Balanced | Medium - High | Growth: 50% Defensive: 50% |
| Conservative | Medium | Growth: 30% Defensive: 70% |
| International shares | Very high | Growth: 100% |
| Australian shares | Very high | Growth: 100% |
| International shares (hedged) | High | Growth: 100% |
| Australian fixed interest | High | Defensive: 100% |
| Global fixed interest (hedged) | Medium - High | Defensive: 100% |
| Cash | Low | Defensive: 100% |
3. Performance and low fees
Performance is also a key consideration for choosing a super fund.
Vanguard is a relatively new entrant to the Australian super fund market. However, Vanguard as a whole has 50 years of investing experience.
Vanguard Super's MySuper Lifecycle investment option delivered a 14.51% annualised return since its October 2022 launch through to 31 October 2025, for members aged 47 and under.1
At the time of writing, Finder's research has noted that Vanguard Super has offers lower-than-average fees in comparison to the rest of the Australian market.2
4. Insurance options
One driver for switching super funds is insurance.
Many funds have specific types of insurance included as a default when you become a member.
For example, when you become a Vanguard Super member, you automatically receive Total and Permanent Disablement (TPD) and Death Cover (eligibility conditions apply).
Additionally, you're able to apply for Income Protection cover at any time, subject to completing a health assessment.
The premium rates are competitive as Vanguard Super does not charge any additional fees or add any margins to your insurance premiums.
5. Online access
In this day and age, it's not enough to just rely on quarterly or yearly paper statements from your super fund!
Instead, you should be able to access your super 24/7 online.
This can allow you to check your balance easily. Plus, you can make informed decisions about your current investments, adjust your insurance, or even make extra contributions.
For example, Vanguard offers a mobile app. So you're able to check in on your super whenever you want, from your phone.
Learn more about Vanguard today
Sponsored by Vanguard. To learn more about switching super funds and Vanguard's How Australia Retires report, visit the Vanguard website today.
More information about Vanguard
1. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Performance annualised from 5 October 2022 through 31 October 2025. Performance returns are calculated using the sell price, which is net of investment fees and tax. Other charges, fees and costs may apply. Please refer to Vanguard's Super Product Disclosure Statement for more information. Performance since launch may not be an indicator of performance over longer periods.
2. Vanguard analysis using SuperRatings Fee Report, shows Vanguard MySuper Lifecycle as one of the lowest fee MySuper products as at 30 June 2025. All MySuper products that are part of the SuperRatings universe are included in the analysis. The benchmarked fees and costs reference ongoing annual fees and costs disclosed in the PDS. If you invest in an investment option other than Lifecycle, the yearly fee may differ. Other fees and costs may apply, please refer to the PDS for more information.
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