Superannuation members have diverted their attention to rebuilding their balances from COVID-19 related issues, according to AMP.
AMP’s data on its financial adviser clients found that during the month of May, queries on voluntary concessional and non-concessional super contributions were the most common topic dealt with by advisers. This was compared to April when advice on early access to super was most in demand.
Calls about COVID-19 stood at 9% in May, well down from the 24% in April.
AMP said the top client issues dealt with by advisers in May 2020 were:
AMP technical strategy manager, John Perri, said: “Not everyone has the funds to contribute more to super at the moment, but it’s encouraging to see more Australians turning their minds to rebuilding their superannuation and retirement balances.
“Recently introduced changes, such as the relaxation of the rules on concessional contributions, are encouraging people to make additional contributions where they can.”
The ATO has revealed nearly $19 billion in lost and unclaimed super, urging over 7 million Australians to reclaim their savings.
The industry super fund has launched a new digital experience designed to make retirement preparation simpler and more personalised for its members.
A hold in the cash rate during the upcoming November monetary policy meeting appears to now be a certainty off the back of skyrocketing inflation during the September quarter.
The peak superannuation body has announced the appointment of Peter Chun, CEO of UniSuper, to its board of directors.