How To Manage Your Super In Your 20s

In the first instalment of our Making Your Super, Super series, we explore how women in their 20s can maximise their super (and still enjoy avocado toast).

By Rosemarie Lentini

Superannuation

In the first instalment of our Making Your Super, Super series, we explore how women in their 20s can maximise their super (and still enjoy avocado toast).

By Rosemarie Lentini

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Is now really the time to talk about super? You’re 20-something. Retirement is a billion years away and your money is going towards rent, holidays, great skincare, a nice wardrobe and the odd Bumble date. Your super can wait. But, it can’t. The harsh reality is setting up your superannuation in your twenties will set you up for life. It’s a good reality, really. A great one! Despite the dismal statistics showing women will retire on roughly half the superannuation income of men, young women can do their part to tackle this – and maximise their super – early on.

According to the Association of Super Funds of Australia, women aged 20-24 have an average super balance of $5022, while women aged 25-29 have $19,107. Jessica, 26, is not the exception. She’s the rule. An implementation specialist, Jessica is on track with her super and on her way financially. She’s consolidated her super accounts into a single Hostplus fund, puts $1000 of her monthly pay into a savings account, and still has plenty of cash to spend on the weekend. “I’m pretty interested in my financial future and super, but to be honest, I don’t really know what I should be considering,” she says. You may be just like Jessica. Or she may be a step (or account consolidation) ahead of you. Whether you’re Jessica or not, we’re here to help. In our Making Your Super, Super series we are helping women in all stages of life gain confidence around their superannuation. If you’re in your dirty thirties or beyond, stay tuned because we are starting from the beginning. Here are the key foundations for women in their 20s to help their super be, well, super.

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Name: JessicaJob: Implementation specialistAge: 26Location: SydneyStatus: SingleSalary: $75,000 (excluding bonus)Weekly net pay: $1440Rent: $1080/monthInsurance: $92 (health insurance)/monthCar insurance & repayments: $600/monthGym: $86/monthMobile bill: $89/month

Household bills: $75/monthBeauty costs: $150/monthGoing out: $800/monthSavings: $500-$1000 per month (varies)Investments: ESOP (Employee Share Program)What type of superannuation account do you have and what is the investment mix? Hostplus Balanced (MySuper) – Premixed OptionAre you thinking about your financial future and your super? “I’m pretty interested in my financial future and super but to be honest, I don’t really know what I should be considering and where to find information that will assist me.”Have you had any professional financial advice? “No, but I have read some books and articles.”What do you most want to know about your superannuation? “I would like to know how to maximise my super with the least risk. I would love to understand what options are available that best suit current lifestyle, but also for the next five to 10 years if, for example, I choose to start a family.”

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Making Your Super, Super is a series helping women of all ages gain confidence and knowledge around their superannuation and financial future.

This report contains general advice. It does not take account of your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider talking to a financial planner before making a financial decision.

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