Why is superannuation so important?

To understand this, we need to know what superannuation is.

These examples might help you understand the workings and benefits of superannuation.

Put simply, superannuation in Australia is a vehicle that allows us to save for retirement in a tax effective manner.

Contributions are made into your superannuation account (or accounts). Each superannuation account has a unique SPIN. These contributions are invested into assets that you are comfortable with and then your balance is drawn down upon once you cease work or are nearing retirement.

Refer here for a more in depth understanding of superannuation.

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So, why is it important that we have such a structure in place? Who does it benefit? And what’s the catch?
 

The Importance of Superannuation

 
Above all, superannuation is important because it creates an incentive for individuals to accumulate wealth that is intended to support them, or at least assist in supporting them, throughout retirement.

What are the incentives of superannuation?

There are a number of incentives relating to superannuation, including:

1. Ability to reduce personal income tax by making deductible contributions to superannuation

2. Ensure all earnings received from assets are taxed at a maximum of 15% (compared to up to 45% plus levies in your individual name)

3. A means of forced savings for your eventual retirement

4. A place to house and invest compulsory employer contributions

5. Ability to draw tax free income in retirement

Why has the Government created the superannuation vehicle?

Well let’s face it, as a population we are poor savers. Usually, saving for retirement isn’t on the top of our priority list. In fact, most people don’t think about how they will fund their retirement until about ten years out, despite the fact that individuals can contribute to their superannuation fund much sooner.

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Thankfully there are some great strategies that can be used to ramp up retirement savings for those who have left things too late. Check it out here.

So, in order to get us saving and helping the economy, the Government has provided a number of incentives and support for us to put money aside. If it weren’t for these incentives, it is highly likely that a significantly higher proportion of the country would find themselves fully supported by the Government Age Pension. This would put a massive strain on the Government Budget and overall economy (more-so than it already is). The rates for the Age Pension are already low and I can assure you they would be much lower if we didn’t have superannuation savings.

This is why superannuation is important. With more and more people reaching the average retirement age, it essential that we stop relying on social security benefits and begin self-funding our glory years instead.

Click here to read how superannuation works in 4 easy steps.

What’s the catch of investing in superannuation?

Whilst there are many tax benefits associated with investing in superannuation, there are also some important things you need to be aware of. For example, contributions made to superannuation can only be accessed once a condition of release has been met. You are also limited to the types of assets that you can invest in – depending on superannuation legislation and the approved investments of your Fund. If you have a Self Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF), you also need to ensure that all investments abide by the Investment Strategy.

You may be unable to contribute to superannuation if you are over age 65 without meeting the Superannuation Work Test. Learn more.

Why-Is-Superannuation-Important
 

Why is Superannuation Important?

 
While superannuation may not be directly important to you as an individual (despite providing many tax benefits), it is extremely important for our economy as a whole to reduce the pressures of Government funded pensions.

Chris Strano

Hi, I hope you enjoyed reading this article. If you want my team and I to help with your retirement planning, click here. If you prefer a DIY approach, then check out the SuperGuy HUB. Thanks for stopping by - Chris.

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