Today’s busy lifestyle makes it easy to put super into the ‘too hard’ basket. But when you consider super’s importance to your financial future, there are 1.7 trillion reasons for taking an interest (that’s the amount Australians have invested – the world’s third-highest pool of savings).

Choose a low-fee fund
Choosing the right fund can make a significant difference upon retirement, especially due to the impact of fees. Not-for-profit funds such as EISS are run for members and generally offer lower fees than those offered by banks and financial services companies, this could mean extra money in retirement.

Many super funds charge fees of up to 1.75% per annum, which can result in thousands of dollars going into someone else’s pocket. When you compare this with the low fees charged in EISS Super of 0.63% per annum for the MySuper Balanced investment. This represents a substantial difference.

Don’t pay more than you need to
Before choosing a fund, ask these important questions to avoid paying for services you do not need resulting in higher fees:

  1. How much will I pay in fees every year?
  2. What service will I get for these fees?
And for those looking to switch super funds:

   3. If I transfer my super to another fund, will I be charged any exit fees or penalties?

Do your homework
ASIC’s MoneySmart website suggests the following areas to research when selecting a fund:

  • Fees – the lower the better; non-profit and industry super funds’ fees are typically lower
  • Investment options – should provide a range to suit your needs and the risk you are willing to accept, ranging from low-risk cash and bonds to higher-risk shares and alternative investments
  • Extra benefits – check on any extra benefits provided, which for EISS include travel, accommodation and lifestyle deals as well as voluntary insurance cover options
  • Performance – compare over a five or 10-year period, since last year’s winner may be next year’s dud
  • Insurance – check what cover is available and at what cost. Super funds can often negotiate wholesale insurance rates, reducing the cost of premiums for individual members
  • Service – check the fund’s website or contact them directly to check what services they provide to members, such as access to professional financial planning advice.
ASIC’s online calculator can calculate how much super you will have when you retire, including the effect of fees. There are also a range of super comparison websites, including Canstar Cannex, Chant West, Morningstar, SelectingSuper and Super Savvy.
Don’t forget to check for any lost super you might have from previous jobs too (try the ATO’s SuperSeeker service at https://www.ato.gov.au/calculators-and-tools/superseeker/).
With our retirement needs growing, choosing the right fund and investments can make a big difference to future lifestyle. The power is in your hands, click here for the EISS website.
Sources:
[1] $1.7 trillion figure: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/money/numbers-you-need-20141023-11a65k.html
[2] Super fees: http://www.afr.com/p/business/financial_services/no_frills_mysuper_fees_far_too_high_ZRxjrtNladzWh1U5ZN6ohK
[3] ASIC’s MoneySmart: https://www.moneysmart.gov.au/superannuation-and-retirement/how-super-works/choosing-a-super-fund

The information in this document is current as at the date of issue, is of a general nature only and has been prepared without taking account of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before you act on the information contained in this document or make an investment decision about whether to acquire an EISS product, consider its appropriateness having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs and read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement which is available at eisuper.com.au or by contacting Member Services on 1300 369 901. This document is issued by Energy Industries Superannuation Scheme Pty Limited ABN 72 077 947 285 (EISS), RSE Licensee L0001373 and AFS Licence 441877 as trustee for Energy Industries Superannuation Scheme Pool A ABN 22 277 243 559, RSE R1004861 - Pool B ABN 64 322 090 181, RSE R1004878 (the Scheme). Throughout this document EISS is referred to as ‘EISS’, ‘we’, ‘us’ or ‘our’.