And older Australians agree. In a 2024 survey¹ of over 3,000 people aged 50 and over:

• 79% said super was ‘very important’ to their retirement planning
• 15% said it was ‘somewhat important’
• Only 6% said it wasn’t important at all

That means nearly 94% see super as a key part of their retirement strategy. It’s a system that’s clearly doing what it was designed to do—help Australians retire with confidence.

 

Why super matters

Compulsory contributions work

One of the strengths of Australia’s super system is that it’s automatic. You don’t have to think about it—your employer makes regular contributions on your behalf. And it works. In fact, more than 76% of people surveyed said they wouldn’t have saved as much without compulsory super. These contributions—known as the super guarantee —help build up your retirement savings steadily throughout your working life. Even if you’re not actively managing your finances, your super is quietly growing in the background, creating a solid financial foundation for the future.

Super gives you more than just money

Flexibility in retirement

More than half of respondents (53%) accessed lump sums from their super for:

• Vehicles (37%)
• Travel and leisure (33%)
• Home modifications (30%)

 

Peace of mind

• 37% intend to keep most or all of their super
• Another 37% plan to retain part of it
• Only 10% intend to spend it all

 

What this means for you

Your super is more than a balance—it’s a tool for:

• Security: Cover your unexpected costs
• Freedom: Flexibility to enjoy retirement
• Legacy: Support for loved ones or estate planning

 

Tips for making the most of your super

 

1. Know your retirement goals

Whether you're planning to ease into retirement or stop work completely, it's important to understand how your super fits into your lifestyle and income needs. Consider how long you want your savings to last and what kind of retirement you envisage.

• Explore retirement planning 
• Try our Retirement readiness checklist 

 

2. Stay connected

Log in to your account regularly to check your balance, review your investment options, and update your details. We offer tools and calculators to help you make informed decisions, and you can access expert advice to guide your strategy.

• Use our calculators 
• Get advice and support

 

3. Plan ahead for big expenses

Super can be a valuable resource for covering major costs like home improvements, travel, or healthcare. Think about how lump sum withdrawals might affect your long-term financial security and explore ways to balance flexibility with sustainability.

• Learn about accessing your super and the retirement income options we offer.

 

We're here for you

Our team is here to help you feel confident about your super–now and into retirement. Whether you’re after simple tools, personalised advice, or just want to understand your options better, we’re here to support you every step of the way. 

Talk to us today and make the most of your super with support from our team.