Nearly half of super fund members check their balance regularly but many would prefer to do any number of seemingly less enjoyable activities — even visit the dentist.
A Sunsuper survey of 1500 Australians found that although 46 per cent of Australians actively monitor their super multiple times a year, it was viewed as a chore, with 16 per cent saying they would rather give up TV for a week, 13 per cent preferring to visit the dentist and 7 per cent would rather a visit from their in-laws — while 6 per cent would prefer to holiday on a deserted island without any food.
Sunsuper customer service general manager Steve Travis said it was surprising how far members would go to put off managing their superannuation.
"It's alarming the lengths that many Australians will go to to delay looking at their super, especially when you consider that acting early can result in a much bigger pot of money and a more comfortable lifestyle in retirement," said Travis.
"Although superannuation isn't always top of mind, people should remember it's their money — and keeping on top of their super really isn't that hard."
Jim Chalmers has defended changes to the Future Fund’s mandate, referring to himself as a “big supporter” of the sovereign wealth fund, amid fierce opposition from the Coalition, which has pledged to reverse any changes if it wins next year’s election.
In a new review of the country’s largest fund, a research house says it’s well placed to deliver attractive returns despite challenges.
Chant West analysis suggests super could be well placed to deliver a double-digit result by the end of the calendar year.
Specific valuation decisions made by the $88 billion fund at the beginning of the pandemic were “not adequate for the deteriorating market conditions”, according to the prudential regulator.