Superannuation Planning: Make it your priority

“I’ve just started my first job, do I need superannuation planning?” “I’m over 30, should I have started my superannuation plan?” These are the typical types of questions we are regularly asked.

It doesn’t matter at what stage in your life you are, it really does pay to comprehend how superannuation really works. If you start early, then by the time you are retiring, your superannuation may be one of your biggest assets.

Whether you need advice for superannuation planning or you’re looking to set up a Self-Managed Super Fund we are here to help.

Superannuation and me

Superannuation is a form of saving where you put aside some money through your personal efforts or through your employer and then its invested on your behalf for retirement. Generally, it’s one of the best ways to invest your money for your retirement so that you don’t depend entirely on the social security system to fund your life.

Many people think that superannuation is a form of investment such as shares or cash. On the contrary, superannuation is your investment framework. By having super, you can hold different types of investments such as cash, property and shares. Many investments that are undertaken outside of super can also be incorporated into superannuation.

Your super grows since your money is paid at regular intervals and invested at an adjusted tax rate. Tax adjustments and all the other government benefits make superannuation a great long term investment. However, money from your superannuation account can only be of benefit after you have retired or during transition to retirement.

What are the key benefits of superannuation?

• • You grow your investments regularly (future performance of financial products or services is not guaranteed)
  • You may receive tax deductions due to your superannuation contributions
  • Your employer contributes a percentage of your total earnings to your fund
  • Generally you cannot access you investment unless you retire so there are no temptations of spending it
  • When compared to other types of investments, your contributions and earnings have lower tax
  • Even if you change jobs, you will not have to change anything about your superannuation

How can we help achieve your superannuation planning goals?

We know that superannuation planning is really complicated and confusing especially if you want to start doing it for the first time. Believe it or not, we can make this an easy process for you. Our financial advisors will take you through the process of superannuation planning.

We will:

• Review your current situation and possible outcomes
• Review superannuation planning options for you and make suggestions
• Assist you in calculating the amount of money you may require for your retirement
• Come up with a plan that will help your superannuation to grow
• Make sure that your superannuation money is working for you

How much will you need?

The amount of money you will need will depend on the income you will want when you retire, and the number of years that you will rely on your own funds. If you need more income, then you will have to save more money before you can retire. Our advisors help to work through your requirements.