Take control of your super this International Women’s Day

8 March 2024
Female in grey top sitting at table
Take control of your super this International Women’s Day

In celebration of International Women's Day, we want to commemorate the achievements of the amazing women who have worked or are currently working for the South Australian Government. You have all played an important role in the betterment of our state, and we cannot thank you enough.

We also want to use it as an opportunity to raise awareness about the fact that women in Australia retire with up to 23.4% less super than men1. This happens because they often need to take more time off from work to raise children or care for family members, impacting their income, career progression, and super.

This puts women at a disadvantage when it comes to their retirement savings, but the impact can be lessened by acting now and checking in on your super and educating yourself to make informed decisions.

Grow your super.svgMake extra contributions

Employer contributions are not the only way to build your super. You may also be able to make voluntary before-tax contributions via salary sacrifice or after-tax contributions directly from your bank account to help it grow.

Knowing which one is right for you, or whether you should make extra contributions at all, depends on your circumstances. Find out more here.

100X100_large_Consolidate-16.svgConsolidate your super

Having more than one super account means you may be paying more fees and have a harder time managing your super. But did you know you may be able to consolidate your super into one account by rolling over the funds and pay less fees? Find out more here.

Before consolidating your super, check with your other super fund or funds to see if consolidating your super could impact any of the benefits you have, like insurance cover. We also recommend seeking financial advice from a professional beforehand to make sure it is in your best interests.

Investments.svgUnderstand your investment options

Most members, have access to different investment options, with different objectives, time horizons, and levels of risk. You have the option to pick and choose between them or invest in any combination of them.

Do you know which option your super is invested in, or whether it is the right option for you? Learn more about the different investment options and how they are performing, or see what type of investor you are by accessing our Risk Profiler.


Insurance.svgCheck your insurance

Life is unpredictable. Your health, wellbeing, and ability to work can change overnight. But while it is impossible to predict the unpredictable, you can be as prepared as possible by reviewing your insurance cover.

A good place to start is to check your annual statement to find out what insurance cover you have, and by using our Income Protection Quote Calculator or Death and TPD Quote Calculator to find out how much cover you may need.


Education.svgLearn about super

Super can be confusing, but a little education can go a long way.

We offer a range of free webinars, seminars, and boardroom sessions including one called Super Money Makeover for Women that is designed to help you understand more about the challenges women face with super and run you through some basics on investment, insurance, contributions, and more.


Seek financial advice .svgGet expert advice

Before making any decisions about your super you should consider speaking to a licenced financial planner. You can choose your own financial planner or take advantage of the financial planning services available through Industry Fund Services (IFS)2. You can also contact the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) and access their “Find a Planner” service to locate an FAAA member near you.

If you would like to make an appointment with an IFS planner or find out more about the financial planning services available to Super SA members, please call our friendly Advice Administration team on 1300 162 348. We are open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am until 5:00 pm (local time), excluding public holidays.

You can also complete the form here to request a call-back.


Register online.svgStay updated on the Member Portal

Your Member Portal is your one-stop shop for keeping tabs on your super, updating your details, and more. It is in your best interests to check regularly and make it a part of your routine if you have not already. Register here.

Please note that you might need your Client ID, which may be found on any communication or correspondence you have received from us, or by contacting Member Services on (08) 8214 7800.

 

Following a few simple steps, can make a big difference for your future and the retirement you deserve.

 
1 Figure calculated using data from Australian Taxation Office (ATO) (2021), Taxation Statistics 2018-19: Snapshot Table 5: Chart 12: Median super account balance by age and sex, 2018-19 financial year, viewed 22 February 2022, https://data.gov.au/data/dataset/taxation-statistics-2018-19/resource/2a3f33da-0165-48aa-9716-f68ba4ad24ad.
2 Fees apply. Super SA has engaged Industry Fund Services (IFS) (ABN 54 007 016 195 AFSL No. 232514) to facilitate the provision of limited scope and comprehensive financial advice to members of the superannuation schemes administered by Super SA. Advice is provided by financial planners who are Representatives of IFS. Fees may apply. Further information about the services can be found in the relevant IFS Financial Services Guide, a copy of which is available from your IFS financial planner or by calling Super SA on 1300 162 348. IFS is responsible for any advice given by its Representatives. Super SA and the State Government do not recommend, endorse or accept responsibility for products or services or products provided or recommended by third party organisations, including IFS and do not accept liability for any claims, losses, damages, costs or expenses whatsoever caused by the products and services or products provided or recommended by IFS (or any other third-party organisation).

Super SA is not required to hold an Australian Financial Services License to provide general advice about its products. The information in this document is of a general nature only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making any decisions about the schemes administered by Super SA, you should consider the appropriateness of this information in the context of your own objectives, financial situation and needs, read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) available here and seek financial advice from a licensed financial adviser in relation to your own circumstances. Super SA and the State Government disclaim all liability for all claims, losses, damages, costs or expenses whatsoever (including consequential or incidental loss or damage), which arise as a result of or in connection with any use of, or reliance upon, any information in this document.