From ‘I’ll deal with it later’ to finally sorting out my super

I can’t help but smile when I think about my first super account. It was the late 90s and I’d just landed my first retail job (the one that helped get me through uni and fund the trips I was constantly dreaming up with friends!). Like many people starting out, a super account was opened for me – it was just part of getting a job and something that happened in the background. The truth is, I didn’t even know the basics about super or why I should pay any attention to it. 

Moving on, but leaving my super behind

I didn’t stay in retail for long. With a degree under my belt, I was eager to build my skills and move into roles that aligned with my studies. When I eventually found a higher‑paying and more satisfying job in health insurance, my super stayed exactly where it was. Untouched. Unchecked. And very much ignored.

My attitude at the time was simple: ‘Well, it’s not going anywhere and I can’t spend it now… I’ll worry about that when I’m older.’

Realising ‘future me’ might appreciate a hand

Fast‑forward to my mid-40s, now working in the super industry, and I often catch myself wishing I’d taken a few small steps earlier. Not out of regret, just that familiar ‘if only I knew then what I know now’ feeling. Time is powerful when it comes to super, and back then, I had plenty of it.

Deciding it was time to get organised

Eventually, I decided it was time to stop putting it off. I knew I had super in different places, and I wanted everything in the one account so it was easier to manage and keep track of.

I didn’t know exactly how much was sitting in those old accounts (it turned out to be almost $20,000!), but I knew it made sense to bring it together.

And honestly? Consolidating my super was so much simpler than I expected.

The biggest hurdle was linking my myGov account to the ATO, which meant digging around for my Tax File Number. But once I found it, everything else took just a few clicks. No complicated forms. No long waits. Just a clean, straightforward process through my myGov account.

Feeling more in control

After consolidating my super, I experienced the benefits first-hand:

• I wasn’t paying multiple sets of fees (so I was saving money)
• I had one account to manage (yes, I started paying attention to my balance and my investment options)
• That low‑level guilt of ‘I should really sort this out one day’ disappeared.

It feels good to take a step that helps you feel more organised and more confident about your financial future. Over time, I started to notice my balance growing, and while I understood compounding in theory, it was satisfying to see that progress.

If you’ve been putting it off, you’re not alone

Many people feel unsure about where to start, or worry the process will be complicated. My experience taught me that taking the first step is often the hardest part, and it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Super is a long‑term investment in your future, and consolidating accounts is one simple way to save on time and on fees. Just keep in mind, it’s worth checking what you might be giving up, like any insurance cover or other benefits, before you consolidate accounts.

If you’d like a hand getting started, our Member Services team is here to help. You can call us or if you prefer, come and see us in person here in Adelaide – we’re always happy to sit down and talk through your options with you.

You can learn more about consolidating your super here.