How to grow your super before retirement

Nick McKenna • March 24, 2025
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A super balance of $1 million is often presented as the magic number for a comfortable retirement. But most experts say it depends on your lifestyle and retirement expectations. Variables include whether you own your own home outright, your health and dependents who need or may need your financial assistance. The size of your retirement nest egg will be determined by your individual goals and circumstances. But there are a number of practical strategies you can use to boost your super before retirement:

  • Delaying retirement : For the 2024-25 financial year, employers are required to contribute 11.5% of your salary to your super account. This is known as the superannuation guarantee (SG) contribution. Postponing retirement, to work a little longer, or continuing to work at reduced hours, can help with financial security by receiving further employer contributions to your superannuation.

  • Consider salary sacrificing : Salary sacrificing can be an effective strategy to boost your superannuation savings. It allows you to arrange with your employer to make additional before-tax contributions to your super account, which are taxed at a flat rate of 15%. These contributions are included in the concessional (before-tax) contribution cap, which is currently set at $30,000 per annum and includes employer contributions such as superannuation guarantee contributions, as well as personal contributions for which you claim a tax deduction.

  • Make after-tax contributions:  After-tax contributions can be an effective way to boost your super. These contributions are made from your after-tax income and are included in the non-concessional (after-tax) contributions cap. The current cap is $120,000 per annum. You may be able to bring forward up to three years of after-tax contributions, depending on your total super balance and age.

  • Spouse contributions:  If your spouse is a low income earner (earning up to $40,000 per year), you can make super contributions on their behalf and claim a tax offset of up to $540 per annum. This tax offset is calculated as 18% of the contributions made. To be eligible, you must be married or in a de facto relationship with your partner and both of you must be Australian residents.

  • Government co-contribution:  If you earn less than $60,400 per year and make after-tax super contributions, you may be eligible for a government co-contribution of up to $500 per year. This co-contribution is paid directly into your super account after you've lodged your tax return for the year.

Using these strategies can help you maximise your super and retire comfortably. However, as a general starting point, you can use the Money Smart calculator to work out:

  • How long your account-based pension will last?

  • How investment returns will affect your pension balance?

 

Source: Perpetual

Understanding longevity risk in retirement

By Nick McKenna • October 28, 2025
Australians are living longer than ever before due to a combination of factors including improved healthcare, better living conditions and over all better quality of life. With this longevity comes the challenge of ensuring financial security throughout a longer retirement. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows that life expectancy at birth is now 81.1 years for males and 85.1 years for females1. Despite the increases in these averages, many Australians will live well beyond these ages, making planning for your retirement income more important than ever. What is longevity risk? Longevity risk refers to the possibility of outliving your savings. Living longer allows you to enjoy the fruits of life for longer but it also means planning carefully to ensure your savings last as long as you do. For Australian retirees, this is especially important, as the Age Pension alone may not be enough to cover all living expenses over an extended period. According to the Challenger Retirement Happiness Index2, 72% of Australians aged 60+ report that the rising cost of living has adversely impacted their financial security, with 34% admitting the impact was significant. This highlights the importance of planning for longevity risk to maintain financial confidence in retirement. Building financial security for the future To ensure a comfortable and secure retirement, it’s important to take proactive steps to manage longevity risk. Here are some key considerations: 1. Understand how long your retirement savings may last Knowing how long you might live can help you plan your finances to last throughout retirement. Factors like health, lifestyle and family history can play a role in estimating life expectancy. 2. Understand your income sources Retirement income can come from a mix of sources, including the Age Pension, superannuation, personal savings and investments. For many Australians, the Age Pension alone may not be enough to cover all living expenses, especially if superannuation or other savings run out. Adding a source of regular income such as a lifetime annuity to your retirement income plan can help you manage the risk of outliving your savings. By using some of your super or other money to set up a lifetime income stream, you could create an additional layer of secure income that complements the Age Pension, if you are eligible. This approach helps to provide peace of mind by ensuring you have a regular source of income that can cover essential needs throughout your life. This can form part of a comprehensive retirement income plan. 3. Use planning tools and resources Make a budget The Age Pension is a key safety net for many Australians. Consider how it works, including eligibility and its role alongside superannuation and lifetime income streams. For personalised guidance to help you make informed decisions about your finances, consider accessing free services like the Financial Information Service (FIS) offered by Services Australia or see a Financial Adviser. The benefits of financial security Financial security can transform retirement into a time of freedom and fulfilment, allowing retirees to focus on what truly matters. With a lifetime income stream you can enjoy meaningful activities like traveling, pursuing hobbies or spending quality time with loved ones without the stress of financial uncertainty. The Challenger Retirement Happiness Index2 reveals that 41% of Australians aged 60+ see "having enough money to enjoy retirement" as essential for happiness, while 33% value knowing their money will last. This financial confidence provides the foundation for a retirement filled with confidence, happiness and peace of mind. Planning for a confident retirement A well thought out retirement plan provides the confidence to enjoy life without the constant worry of running out of money. By understanding longevity risk and taking proactive steps, you can feel more confident that your retirement income will last as long as you do. Source: Challenger
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