Careers pause, shift and evolve – especially for women. But even with nonlinear working paths, there are simple steps you can take to keep your super moving forward.
Women’s working lives aren’t always linear. You might step in and out of work. Change hours. Put caring for others first. Or take a completely different path than you expected. But every stage, choice and contribution still counts.
On average, women retire with less super, not because of poor decisions but because women’s working lives often look different. And because super grows over time, small differences early on can create bigger gaps later.
That’s why taking steps at every stage matters. Your glorious retirement isn’t built in one moment – it’s built over a lifetime.
Simple, practical steps you can take – wherever you are in life
Whether you’re just starting out, juggling work and care, rebuilding after time away or thinking about what’s next, these five simple moves can help you feel more in control of your super, now and into the future.
- Know where your super is
Lost or multiple accounts can quietly chip away at your balance.
It’s easy to lose track of super if you’ve had multiple employers or taken time away from paid work. Consolidating your super by bringing it together in one place can be one of the most effective ways to grow your super.
There can be situations where keeping more than one account makes sense, for example, if an existing account holds insurance you want to keep. For most people, consolidating reduces unnecessary fees and makes it easier to stay on top of your money.
- Understand how it’s invested
How your super is invested plays a big role in how it grows over time.
Most funds offer different investment options, from conservative to high growth. There’s no single right choice – what matters is finding an option that suits your goals, timeframe and comfort with market movements. And as your life stage changes, whether that’s growing your family or approaching retirement, what’s right for you may change too.
Super is a long-term investment, so the approach you take may be different from how you’d invest money for shorter-term goals. Check which investment option you’re in and consider reviewing it from time to time to make sure it is right for you.
- Look for opportunities to grow your super
Every contribution counts.
When your circumstances allow – whether that’s returning to work, increasing hours or feeling more financially settled, there may be opportunities to add a little extra to your super, such as making voluntary contributions or salary sacrificing from your pay. Your spouse could explore spouse contribution options and may be entitled to a tax offset.
Some people may also be eligible for government top ups or a personal tax deduction, making your retirement savings stretch even further. When it feels right for you, explore the different ways you could add to your super.
- Get support when you need it
You don’t have to have it all figured out to take the next step.
Whether you’re building confidence or navigating a change, the right tools and guidance can help you understand your options, at your own pace. For more personalised support, financial coaching can also help you build confidence and make sense of what’s right for you.
- Protection for life’s big moments
It’s worth checking your insurance before major life changes.
Many of us don’t realise our life insurance, income protection and total and permanent disability (TPD) cover often sit inside our super. Parental leave or moving to part-time work can unintentionally affect cover. Taking a moment to review your insurance before a career break and updating your beneficiaries as your life changes, can help ensure you’re properly protected when it matters most.
Life moments matter
Super isn’t shaped by age alone. Life events, planned or unexpected can change your financial position and the decisions you need to make along the way.
Wherever you are right now, staying connected to your super can help you move forward with more confidence.
There’s certainly no single “right” path when it comes to work, money or retirement. But staying informed, curious and connected at every stage can add up to something powerful.
Source: MLC