Super And The Gender Gap

Research shows that women tend to retire with less super than men. In fact, 1 in 4 women retire with no super*.

There are several factors that contribute to this. Women are more likely to take more time out of paid work to have families, they’re more likely to work part-time and, generally, they’re paid less. Women also live longer than men^, which means it’s even more important that they have enough super to last their retirement.

The events of the pandemic will further accelerate this inequality, especially for young women who’ve accessed their super early and as a result, miss out on decades of compound interest on their retirement savings.

So, what can you do to reduce the gap?

First and foremost, make sure your employer is paying your super. The amount your employer pays is usually at least 10% of your regular pay.

You can also:

• Combine all your super together into one account

It’ll be easier to manage, and you could save on paying multiple admin fees. Find out how you can consolidate your super at cbussuper.com.au/super/consolidate-or-find-my-super

• Find your lost super

If you’ve had multiple funds and your details have changed, your old super fund may have lost touch with you and transferred your super to the ATO. This money is called ‘lost super’, but it’s super you can still claim. Use the link above and we’ll show you how.

• Top up your super by putting in extra yourself

You can do this by paying more from your before-tax salary (salary sacrificing) or from your after-tax salary. An after-tax super contribution may see you eligible for the Government’s contribution of up to $500. It may seem like a small amount now, but it can make a big difference later.

• Check your insurance

Most Cbus eligible members will receive some insurance cover for death and total and permanent disablement upon joining. Check if you have insurance cover elsewhere and consider transferring your other insurance into one account for easier management.

A not so super fact

IN 2016/17, THE AVERAGE SUPER BALANCE AT RETIREMENT

$336,369*

RETIREMENT AMOUNT FOR MEN

$277,880*

RETIREMENT AMOUNT FOR WOMEN

------------------------------

• Ask your partner or spouse to make a spouse contribution

They’ll receive a tax offset of up to $540 if you earn less than $40,000 for the financial year. Visit cbussuper.com.au/ super/making-super-contributions for more information and to understand how the offset works.

There’s a lot you can do to boost your super and improve the quality of your retirement. And if you need help, just give us a call on 1300 361 784.

This update was brought to you by Cbus, the industry super fund for building, construction and allied industries. n

* Workplace Gender Equality Agency, Women’s economic security in retirement Insight Paper, February 2020, https://www.wgea.gov.au/sites/default/files/ documents/Women%27s_economic_security_in_retirement.pdf

^ Australian Bureau of Statistics, Life expectancy continues to increase in Australia Media Release, 4 November 2020, https://www.abs.gov.au/media-centre/mediareleases/life-expectancy-continues-increase-australia

This information is about Cbus. It doesn’t take into account your specific needs, so you should look at your business needs, objectives and requirements before making any financial decisions. Read the relevant Cbus Product Disclosure Statement to decide whether Cbus is right for you. Call 1300 361 784 or visit www.cbussuper.com.au for a copy.

Cbus’ Trustee: United Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 006 261 623 AFSL 233792 Cbus ABN 75 493 363 262