Get your super on track

Getting on top of your super can help you take control of your financial future, even if money is tight right now.

It’s easy to start your super health and financial wellbeing check. If you are a QSuper account holder, simply log in to Member Online, or download the QSuper app. You can see how much super you have in your account and a record of transactions.

You might want to check how your super is tracking for your retirement. You can use our Super Projection Calculator.

7 steps you could take to make sure your super is on track

1. Combine your super

Combining, or consolidating, your super into one account now may mean you have more super later. One super account means one set of fees.

Before you combine super accounts, make sure you’re aware of any differences between them, including the differences in fees and costs, risks and benefits.

You should take note of the insurance cover you have and any other features that are important to you. You should consider if the timing is right and if you will lose access to benefits such as insurance or pension options, or if there are any tax implications if you consolidate your super.

2. Look for lost super

If you’ve ever changed jobs, moved house or changed your name, chances are you might have some lost super. If you combine your super into one account, it means you always know where your super is.

To search for your lost super, you can go to Member Online.

Through Member Online, you can search for a full list of any super accounts you have with other super funds and any ATO-held super that may belong to you. There are no paper forms to sign or mail in.

3. Salary sacrifice to super

Salary sacrificing into your super means putting some of your salary into your super account before you pay tax on it.

It may benefit you as your super fund will tax these contributions at 15%, which is the same as your employer's contributions. (Although certain, higher incomes are taxed at 30%). For most people this will be lower than your marginal tax rate and means you benefit because you pay less tax while boosting your retirement savings.

In a further benefit to you, the sacrificed component of your total salary package is not counted as assessable income for tax purposes. This means that it is not subject to pay as you go (PAYG) withholding tax.

Check with your employer about salary sacrifice.

4. Put money into your super

Even small amounts from your after-tax pay each week or month may make a big difference to your savings, and you may be eligible for a tax deduction.

A voluntary after-tax super contribution is money you choose to pay into your super fund from your after-tax income or savings and is different from salary sacrificing which happens before your income is taxed.

5. Review your investments

Choosing the right investment option for you can make a big difference to your retirement lifestyle.

Your investment choices will probably change over time. What’s right for you at age 25 may not be right for you as you get closer to retirement when you may want a more stable option to give you certainty over your future finances.

You might want to consider the mix of each asset class that best suits your circumstances.

Learn more about your investment options.

6. Insurance

We provide insurance for when life doesn’t go to plan. If you’re eligible, you’ll automatically receive default cover with your QSuper Accumulation account.

The types of cover you can automatically receive are Death cover and Total and Permanent Disability cover. Depending on your employment situation, you may receive Income Protection cover.

Everyone's insurance needs are different. But your insurance cover doesn’t have to be complicated. Try our insurance needs calculator to make sure you have insurance cover that suits you.

7. What happens to your super when you die

When you die, your super doesn't automatically form part of your estate. So, it's important you let us know who you would like to receive your super when you die.

Choosing who you'd like your super to go to when you pass away can give you peace of mind that your family will have a financially secure future.

Find out more about binding death benefit nominations.

You might like some help

When it comes to choosing the best super investment strategy for your needs, getting some professional guidance can help.

Online Advice¹ – Log in to Member Online for our online advice service about your super.

Phone Advice¹ – Call 1300 360 750 for over-the-phone advice about your investment strategy.

Your Adviser – We can work with your adviser. If you don’t have one, we may refer you to an accredited external financial adviser.²

1. You can find out more about financial advice options at qsuper.qld.gov.au/advice or by calling us on 1300 360 750. Employees in the Australian Retirement Trust group provide advice to members and employers as representatives of QInvest Limited (ABN 35 063 511 580, AFSL 238274) that is wholly owned by the Trustee as an asset of Australian Retirement Trust. QInvest Limited is a separate legal entity responsible for the financial services it provides. Eligibility conditions apply. Refer to the Financial Services Guide at qsuper.qld.gov.au/guides for more information.
2. The Trustee has established a panel of accredited external financial advisers who are not employees of the Australian Retirement Trust group. The Trustee is not responsible for the advice provided by these advisers and does not receive or pay any referral fees. These advisers will explain to you how their advice fees are determined.