There are a few things to organise before you start your first job, and one of them is super. In this guide we'll take you through what you need to know about superannuation including how to pick a fund, how to set it up, what to know about the fees you'll be charged and other important information to know before you start your first job.
What is Superannuation?
Superannuation, often referred to as "super," is a mandatory savings plan for Australian workers. It serves as a financial safety net for retirement, even though retirement might seem like a distant future for young people just starting their careers.
Your superannuation is a fund where a portion of your earnings is saved for your retirement, and it's managed on your behalf. In essence, it's a way to ensure that you have financial security and peace of mind when you eventually retire.
As a matter of fact, according to Finder data, almost 7 in 10 Australians have a super fund. This shows the importance of having an allotted super fund.
Why should you pick a super fund?
In Australia, choosing or not choosing a super fund is a significant financial decision. Most people are eligible for super, and their employers are required to contribute a minimum amount into a super fund.
You have the option to choose which super fund your employer pays your contributions to. If you don't choose, your employer will pay into either your existing super fund (stapled super fund) or their default super fund.
Choosing your super fund provides benefits like:
Greater control
Potential for better returns
Lower fees
The ability to tailor insurance and investments.
Allows alignment with your ethical values.
In contrast, the default fund may not suit your goals or values. Therefore, this decision is essential for securing your retirement savings.
Finder survey: How familiar are Australians with the different types of super funds available?
Response
I know some
60.24%
I know very little
29.23%
I know a lot
10.53%
Source: Finder survey by Pure Profile of 1016 Australians, December 2023
Who is eligible to get paid super?
Superannuation guarantee contributions are obligatory for nearly all Australian workers, regardless of their employment status.
You are eligible to receive super contributions, if you are:
working full-time, part-time, or even casually
under 18 years old but work 30+ hours per week
receiving a super pension or annuity while actively working, including employees on a transition to retirement arrangement
Temporary residents, such as backpackers, also qualify, as do company directors and family members working in a family business.
In essence, the vast majority of employees are entitled to super contributions, making it an essential component of your financial well-being.
What is super guarantee?
The super guarantee is the minimum percentage of your annual earnings that your employer is required to contribute to your super fund. Currently set at 11%, this percentage ensures that a portion of your income is set aside for your retirement savings. It's important to note that this figure will gradually increase over the next few years until it reaches 12% in 2025, providing even more financial security for your retirement.
Your employer is responsible for managing these superannuation contributions on your behalf, paying them into your chosen fund each quarter. The super guarantee is a valuable part of your financial future, helping you build a nest egg for your retirement years.
How to compare the best super fund for young people
When you're just starting your journey in the workforce, securing your financial future may not be top of mind. However, choosing the right superannuation fund is a crucial step towards ensuring a comfortable retirement.
Let's walk you through the process of comparing super funds tailored to young individuals.
Fees: Look for funds that have lower fees. Ideally 1% is something to consider.
Performance: Examine the historical performance of the funds. Evaluate their returns over the past 1, 3, 5, and 10 years. Keep in mind that past performance doesn't guarantee future results, but it can provide insights into how well a fund has been managed.
Customer service and accessibility: Assess the level of customer service and accessibility provided by the super funds. Consider factors like online account management, customer support, and user-friendly interfaces.
Company reputation: Look at customer reviews and forums to find out other people's experiences with a super fund to get an idea of their reputation. Awards such as the Finder Awards can be a great place to get an idea of this, too.
Consider personal goals: Your choice should align with your long-term financial goals. If you plan to retire early or have specific financial or sustainability objectives, choose a fund that supports those goals.
Compare super fund rankings: Utilising resources like Finder, you can access detailed information and rankings of the best performing super funds, including their fees, performance, and features.
Unless indicated otherwise, the information in the table is based on data provided by SuperRatings Pty Limited ABN 95 100 192 283, Australian Financial Services Licence 311880.
*Past performance data and fee data is for the period ending Jan 2024
Alex finds a super fund
For instance, consider this example to understand it better — Alex, a 35-year-old marketing manager, had been diligently contributing to his superannuation fund over the years. He already had a balance of $30,000 in his super fund, but he noticed that the fund was charging high fees of 2.8%.
After conducting some research and considering his long-term financial goals, Alex decided to make a smart move. He switched to a different superannuation fund with significantly lower fees, at just 1.2%.
By making this strategic change, Alex is on track to boost his retirement savings substantially. At the age of 65, he will have an estimated $65,000 more in his super fund. Instead of ending up with $275,000, his super account balance is projected to grow to a more comfortable $340,000.
This decision to switch to a low-fee super fund has set Alex on a path to a financially secure retirement, ensuring he can enjoy his golden years with peace of mind and a more substantial nest egg.
Tips: To evaluate the best super fund for the under 18 age group, focus on three key factors:
Low fees: Annual fees below 1.5% of your balance are generally considered to be on the low side.
High returns: Look for high long-term performance returns over the past 7-10 years (10-year average returns over 7-8% p.a. are quite strong).
If you need a bit more help, our best super fund picks could be a good place to start.
What should I do if my employer has not paid super?
Recent research by Industry Super Australia has uncovered a concerning trend: Australian workers have missed out on a staggering $33 billion in unpaid superannuation over the past seven years. This equates to an annual loss of $4.7 billion in superannuation payments.
One key reason for this underpayment issue is the misalignment between superannuation payment frequencies and wage payment schedules. The law requires super contributions to be made at least quarterly, but most employees are paid on a more frequent basis (weekly, fortnightly, or monthly).
This mismatch makes it challenging for workers to detect underpayments, leading to a pressing call for government intervention to mandate super payments at the same frequency as wages. This change would ensure that workers receive their entitled superannuation contributions promptly and without complications.
Therefore it becomes even more important to check on your super contributions. If you are concerned you are not receiving your correct super payments or just want to make sure you're receiving what is owed to you, you check your payments by logging onto the ATO's online portal.
Frequently asked questions
What should I know about tax before starting work?
All working Australians are required to lodge a tax return with the Australian Tax Office (ATO) each year. Read the guide on how to lodge yours, plus more resources to help you complete your tax return.
How can I grow my super fund balance?
To grow your superannuation (super) fund balance, young individuals can take several steps. Regular contributions, whether through employer contributions, personal contributions, or salary sacrifice, provide a solid foundation. Exploring government co-contributions and consolidating multiple super funds to reduce fees are also smart moves. Reviewing and adjusting investment options for growth, minimising fees, and ensuring appropriate insurance coverage are key factors.
Additionally, maximising employer contributions, making extra contributions when possible, and periodic reviews of fund performance keep the super balance on track. Planning for the long term and seeking professional advice when needed are crucial for securing a robust super fund balance for retirement.
How can you make the most out of your bank account?
To make the most of your bank account, especially as you embark on yourcareer and save for goals like travel, a car, or trips, it's essential to select the right account that aligns with these objectives. Budgeting, automating savings, and leveraging technology are key strategies for effective financial management.
Choosing accounts with low fees, competitive interest rates, and travel-related benefits can further enhance the banking experience. Building an emergency fund and managing credit card balances responsibly are also vital steps. Regularly reviewing account options and switching if needed ensures that your bank account is a valuable tool in achieving your financial aspirations.
Alison Banney is the money editorial manager at Finder. She covers all areas of personal finance, and her areas of expertise are superannuation, banking and saving. She has written about finance for 10 years, having previously worked at Westpac and written for several other major banks and super funds.
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