How to make your super work harder for you

ARTICLE

30 July 2026

5 min read

By Laura Northwood, Senior Financial Planner

Superannuation is one of your biggest financial assets. Yet it’s often one of the most overlooked.

That might be because retirement feels a long way off, especially if you’re years or even decades away from accessing your super. Or perhaps it feels complicated, with changing rules, investment options, and unfamiliar jargon making it easy to put in the “too hard basket”.

The good news is that making your super work harder doesn’t have to be complicated. A few simple checks and decisions can help ensure your super is aligned with your goals and working effectively for your future.

1. Review how your super is invested

One of the most important factors affecting your long-term super outcome is how your money is invested.

Many people join a super fund when they first start working and never revisit their investment option. However, an investment strategy that suited you in your 20s may not be the right fit years later.

Being invested too conservatively may limit your long-term growth potential, while taking on more risk than you’re comfortable with could expose you to greater market volatility than expected.

That’s why it’s important to understand your investment option, your risk tolerance, and your investment timeframe. Regularly reviewing these factors can help ensure your super remains aligned with your goals.

2. Keep an eye on fees and insurance

Small costs can make a bigger difference than many people realise.

Fees and insurance premiums are generally deducted directly from your super account, which means they can gradually reduce your retirement savings over time if they’re not reviewed regularly.

That doesn’t necessarily mean the cheapest option is always the best. Instead, it’s worth understanding what you’re paying for and whether the value you’re receiving aligns with your needs.

3. Consider whether extra contributions make sense

Making additional contributions is one way to potentially grow your retirement savings.

There can be benefits, including building your super balance and, in some cases, accessing tax advantages. However, it’s important to remember that super is designed for retirement, so money contributed today is generally not accessible until you meet a condition of release.

Because of this, extra contributions should be considered alongside other financial priorities such as:

Paying down a mortgage
Managing high-interest debt
Building an emergency fund
Supporting a family
Saving for major life goals

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. The right approach depends on your financial goals, circumstances, and priorities.

4. Review your super when life changes

Your super shouldn’t be something you set and forget. Major life events often bring changes to your financial circumstances, making them a good time to review your super arrangements.

Consider checking your super when you:

Start your first job
Change employers
Receive a significant pay increase
Get married or divorced
Have children
Approach retirement
Retire

Regular reviews can help ensure your super continues to support your changing goals and needs.

5. Focus on the long term

One of the biggest misconceptions about super is that a temporary drop in your balance means money has been permanently lost.

In reality, super balances can rise and fall as investment markets move. While this can be concerning, short-term fluctuations don’t necessarily determine your long-term outcome.

It’s also important to avoid chasing short-term performance. Choosing a fund simply because it was the best performer last year may not improve your long-term results.

Instead, focus on the factors you can control, including:

Reviewing your investment settings
Understanding your fees
Consolidating multiple accounts where appropriate
Checking your insurance cover
Making contributions that align with your goals
Reviewing your super regularly

Where to start today

If you’re unsure where to begin, start by getting to know your existing super account.

Many super funds offer educational resources, webinars, and guidance to help members better understand their options. Even a basic review of your investment option, fees, and insurance arrangements can provide valuable insights.

If you’d like more personalised support, an AIA Financial Wellbeing Planner can help you understand how super fits within your broader financial goals, explain your investment options, and identify suitable opportunities.

The most important thing is simply getting started. After all, the super you build today could help provide more choices, flexibility, and confidence for your future.

Laura Northwood

Laura Northwood is a Senior Financial Planner with more than a decade of experience helping individuals and families achieve their financial goals. She enjoys working closely with clients to understand their unique circumstances and develop personalised strategies for their financial future. Laura is committed to providing clear, practical advice that empowers clients to make confident financial decisions and build long-term financial wellbeing.

Disclaimer:
Copyright © 2026 AIA Financial Services Pty Limited (ABN 68 008 540 252, AFSL 231109), trading as AIA Financial Wellbeing. All rights reserved. This information is current at the date of this publication and is subject to change. This provides general information only, without taking into account factors like the objectives, financial situation, needs or personal circumstances of any individual and is not intended to be financial, legal, tax, health, medical, nutritional or other advice. Before acting on the information in this publication, individuals should consider its appropriateness having regard to such factors.