Not fair: why women need to pay more attention to super than men

While we have taken many positive steps towards gender equality in Australia, it’s a sad truth women retire with fifty per cent less super and will live five years longer than men. How on earth does this happen?

First, there’s the gender pay gap. The average women in Australia earns 17% less than her male counterparts, and as a result receives less compulsory employer super contributions.

Second is family. Many women still take on the role of primary carer when they have kids, meaning extended time out of the workforce. Many only return to work part-time (if at all).

In the face of these challenges, we can’t stress enough how important it is to take control of your super now. Here are five simple strategies to boost your retirement savings, regardless of income.

1. Consolidate


Having multiple superannuation accounts means you’re paying multiple sets of fees. The result? Less money in retirement.

You are in total control of where your super lives, so it’s up to you to reduce these costs and consolidate your super into one account.

Register with MyGov (my.gov.au) and link your account to the ATO to get an overview of all the super accounts held in your name, including some any you may have forgotten about.

You can kick off the consolidation process from there. Alternatively, contact your main fund and ask for help moving your money across, they’ll be more than happy to assist.

2. Government contributions


If you earn less than $50,454 each year and pass the eligibility test, you can take advantage of the government’s super co-contribution.

That means, if you make an after-tax contribution to super, the government will make a co-contribution into your fund, up to a maximum of $500.

People earning less than $37,000 may also be eligible for the low-income super contribution, or LISC. This is currently equal to 15 per cent of the concessional super contributions your employer makes into your fund over a year.

And for low income earners, your spouse may also make contributions to your super account (and in certain circumstances receive a tax-offset). Visit the ATO website (ATO.gov.au) for more details and to see if you’re eligible.

3. Salary sacrifice


Salary sacrificing allows you to take some of your pre-tax earnings and funnel them directly into your super fund.

These contributions are taxed at a concessional rate, and not subject to the marginal tax rate your take-home pay would be.

Plus, any investment earnings you make inside super will be taxed favourably too, and you’ll also pay less income tax. Salary sacrificing can be an effective way to really boost your retirement savings, particularly for people approaching retirement.

4. Seek advice


Super is a complex area littered with confusing jargon, which means working out the best course of action to maximise your balance at retirement can be difficult. But don’t let confusion turn into apathy.

If you’re struggling to make sense of super, a good financial adviser will have the skills and knowledge required to boost your balance and educate you on how it works. We really believe that sometimes the best investment is good advice.

5. Focus on career


Finally, this isn’t directly related to your super fund, but it’s still important.

Research shows women are less likely to negotiate when it comes to their pay packet compared to men… or they don’t negotiate as hard.

Over the course of a career, this can really hurt your pay packet… and your super balance. So if you are working, make sure you understand your worth and don’t be afraid to negotiate fairly when the time comes.

Taking control of your super by following these five steps is another simple but positive step towards gender equality in this country.