The moments that count

Women are retiring with less super on average. But a few smart choices at the right moments can make a real difference. In this episode, we unpack the gender super gap and the key life stages where super can take a back seat - from starting your first job to parental leave, to unexpected life changes and planning for retirement. Host Shane Hancock and Education Manager Michelle Kelada share simple...

It’s easy to focus on how much your super earns, but the real story is how much you keep. In this episode, we unpack the number behind the numbers and why it makes a big difference in how your super grows over time.  Host Shane Hancock and Education Manager Peter Treseder explain why this is one of the most meaningful ways to understand how your fund is working for you an...

Adding extra to your super before the end of the financial year could help you save on tax, as well as boost your super balance. And there are a few ways to do so, depending on your personal circumstances. In this episode, host Shane Hancock sits down with Education Manager Michelle Kelada to discuss the different ways to add to super and the potential tax benefits of each. For more...

Global markets are currently experiencing more volatility, largely due to geopolitical developments and US trade policy. So what does this mean for your super Hear from host Shane Hancock and AustralianSuper’s Head of Asset Allocation, Alistair Barker, as they discuss how market volatility can affect your super balance, the benefits of staying invested, and why it’s important to think...

With a long career in the world of performing arts, Kathryn often faced times of financial stress with short-term contracts, unpaid gigs, and a mortgage she struggled to keep on top of. Her super wasn’t top of mind until she realised she needed to be able to support herself without relying on anyone else. Now, she’s come out the other side – enjoying her semi-retirement with a pa...

Money is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to planning for the next phase of your life. Your wellbeing is an important factor when it comes to achieving the lifestyle you want. Join host Shane Hancock and Dr Elizabeth Clancy from Transitioning Well as they discuss the current retirement landscape in Australia, common concerns, and the four fundamentals for wellbeing in retirement. To lear...

Peggy’s circumstances changed dramatically in the lead up to her semi-retirement. Caring for her elderly mother and a cycling accident left her struggling to work and unable to think about her future. She thought retirement would be boring, but a few years later, she’s busier than ever before and enjoying the next stage of her life. If you’d like to share your story about how you...

Your superannuation could be one of the biggest assets you’ll accumulate in your lifetime, so it’s a good idea not to ‘set and forget’ your account. Taking a few minutes to get on top of it now could make a big difference in the future. Join host Shane Hancock and Education Manager Peter Treseder as they cover five considerations for taking control of your super. Take your...

A motorcycle accident five years ago changed the course of Ross’ life, forcing him into semi-retirement. For over 20 years, he successfully ran his own businesses, where paying himself super was low on the list of priorities. Despite the lasting impacts of his accident, Ross’ resilience and determination are powering him towards his retirement goals. If you’d like to share your s...

Kulwant and his wife migrated to Australia in 1992 with their young and growing family. Although daunting, settling into a new city and finding a job didn’t faze him – and neither did understanding the value of growing his super account. Happily retiring three years ago, he’s now busier than ever chasing after his young grandchildren and enjoying retirement. If you’d like t...

Having the right insurance cover can give you peace of mind that you’ll have money when you need it most. Many Australians have some level of cover through their super fund. Host Shane Hancock chats to Head of Insurance Richard Land about the types of insurance available, how to work out how much cover you need, and other considerations. To use AustralianSuper’s Insurance Calculator, v...

Working at the Tax Office brought Carolyn and Jeff together – and years later, gave them the opportunity to retire together when both were offered redundancies from their executive roles. Ten years later, they’re living life to the fullest, with their super knowledge playing an important role in helping them achieve the lifestyle they always wanted. If you’d like to share your st...

Getting help and advice can help you achieve the lifestyle you want, both now and in the future. Everyone’s financial situation is different, so it can be tricky to know where to start and when to seek help. In this episode, host Shane Hancock chats to Head of Guidance and Advice Ross Ackland to break down the help and advice options available to AustralianSuper members, when to consider see...

After a decade working in corporate IT, Warwick knew his heart just wasn’t in it. He took a risk and decided to pursue his passion, becoming a self-employed professional speaker. While paying himself super wasn’t high on the priorities list, he knew the numbers were important and made sure to regularly review his super to maximise the benefits. Twenty years later, he’s ready for...

From how much super is enough to how your super is invested, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to retirement planning. In this episode, host Shane Hancock sits down with financial adviser Fern Havea to answer a range of commonly asked questions we receive from members approaching retirement. If you’d like a different question answered in the podcast about how you could make the m...

During her working life as a teacher, retirement was the last thing on Kiriaki’s mind. Her super took a backseat as she faced the financial struggles of raising her young family as a single mother while working hard to pay the mortgage and bills. Now, a few years off 60 and enjoying semi-retirement, she’s finally had time to think about what the next chapter of her life holds. If you&r...

Thinking about downsizing your home? Eligible Australian homeowners can boost their retirement savings by contributing money from the sale of their home into super. In this episode, host Shane Hancock chats with financial adviser Chelsea Fletcher about how downsizer contributions work, the eligibility criteria and some things to consider. If you’d like a different question answered in the podcast...

After a varied career in the corporate world, Warren had the opportunity to take an early retirement package from his employer. Leading up to this moment, he put serious thought into what life after work would look like for him – not wanting to find himself with nothing to do. A few years down the track, he’s busier and more active than ever, with lots to look forward to. If you’d like to share yo...

Many retired Australians qualify for some level of the Government Age Pension. If you’re one of them, you could potentially use it to top up your super to support your retirement. In this episode, host Shane Hancock chats with financial adviser Steve Lambou about what the Age Pension is, how it works, and the various eligibility requirements. If you’d like a different question answered in the podc...

Lisa has lived her dream of being a professional actor, with roles on many well-known Australian TV series. But the uncertainty of an actor’s life led Lisa into the corporate world. She also made sure her super took centre-stage, making extra contributions and salary sacrificing along the way. Today at 64, she’s happily semi-retired, which is proving to be her favourite role so far. If...

Unplanned retirement may come about due to illness, injury, family responsibilities or retrenchment. Others may have had enough of working and want to take control of their retirement journey. For a lot of people this can be overwhelming, but help is at hand. Host Shane Hancock chats to financial adviser Helen Harrison about the options and resources available to you, including accessing your supe...

Michael is 64 and has recently gone back into full time employment while his wife begins her retirement. Currently loving his work with a charity that reduces food waste, he’s previously had a long and varied career across government, logistics, small business ownership and being a stay-at-home dad. Having cashed out his super earlier in his working life he had to build his balance back up f...

Have you ever wondered how investment decisions are made? Or how investment performance can affect retirement outcomes? In this episode host Shane Hancock chats to Head of Portfolio Construction Justine O’Connell. They discuss the process of investing members’ money, different types of assets, the impact of scale and active management as well as the importance of taking a long-term vie...

Arriving in Australia 60 years ago, David walked into a job at Ford, ultimately rising to senior management before his first retirement. A second career beckoned in automotive technology research for the CSIRO, followed by another retirement stint. Finally, he embarked on a third career as an English teacher to medical professionals. David’s significant life experience has seen him living and work...

Do you know what happens to your super if you die? This is a common question from members, and while talking about death is never an easy topic, it’s an important conversation to be having. Host Shane Hancock chats to Education Manager Jaclyn Livingstone about whether super is covered by your will, the process of choosing a beneficiary and what else you should be aware of. If you’d like a differen...