Combining Superannuation Accounts
Throughout your working life it is unlikely that you will remain with the one employer until retirement. Consequently, as you change employment, it is likely you will accumulate several superannuation funds. Having a number of superannuation funds may result in:
additional fees
difficulty keeping track of your funds
maintaining a suitable investment strategy
This may not be the best scenario for your retirement savings. Consolidation (aggregation) is the combining of two or more superannuation funds into one fund
What are the benefits of combining super accounts?
Save on fees:
The more superannuation funds you have your retirement savings in, the more you may be paying in administration fees. By consolidating your superannuation into one account, you could reduce the cost of saving for your retirement as you may:
Reduce the need to pay multiple administration and/or member fees, and/or
Qualify for fee rebates due to an increased account balance.
Ease of management
Having all your superannuation savings in one account reduces your paperwork and makes it easier to keep track of where your superannuation is invested and how it is performing.
Whether you should consolidate your superannuation depends largely on your financial goals and objectives and your financial adviser can provide guidance on this matter.
What are the disadvantages of combining super accounts?
Before you consolidate your various superannuation funds together, check first whether there are any fees for closing a super account, known as a withdrawal, transfer, exit or termination fees. For some older types of super funds these fees can be very high. In addition you should confirm if there are any benefits that you may lose such as insurance cover.
Have you lost track of your various super accounts?
SuperSeeker is a tool available through the Australian Tax Office website (www.ato.gov.au/superseeker) that will look for your lost super in real time and instantly provide you with possible matches available. It is free to use and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
To use SuperSeeker you will need your tax file number (TFN), name and date of birth, and two other documents as proof of identity. Data is updated regularly so it is recommended that you conduct a search for your lost super periodically.
For a confidential discussion about your superannuation, please contact us on 03 9935-5244 to make an appointment at our offices in Little Collins Street, Melbourne CBD
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