Picture the version of retirement you’d actually like. Not the brochure version, yours. The work you’ve stopped doing, the things you’d finally have time for, the people you’d see more of.

Now ask whether your super can get you there.

The truth is most of us can’t say. That’s because a super balance on its own doesn’t tell you whether you’re on track for the glorious retirement you’ve imagined.  

Why the usual question doesn’t give you all the answers

Everyone goes looking for a benchmark. How much super should I have in my thirties, my forties or fifties? It’s a reasonable question.

But before you can tell whether your balance is on track, you need to know your goal.

Australians aren’t all aiming for the same retirement. The balance that’s right for one person may be nowhere near enough for another.

Our research* found that Aussies picture retirement in one of three ways:

• Modest: up to $750,000 in super (34%)
• Luxe: $751,000 to $1.25 million (31%)
• Champagne: more than $1.25 million (35%)

A modest retirement covers the essentials with room for plenty of things that Aussies enjoy – hobbies, time with family and friends, a bit of dining out and the odd overseas trip.

A luxe retirement offers more opportunity to indulge, with regular travel, dining and the chance to enjoy a few extra comforts along the way.

Champagne retirement takes it up a notch again, and can give you the financial freedom to make bigger plans and follow through on them.

A better way to think about super

For too long we’ve been told to focus on the balance, but retirement isn’t measured only by a number sitting in a super account. It’s measured by the lifestyle that number can help fund. Understanding the income your super could provide is a useful first step towards building the future you want.

Seeing your super in terms of potential future income can change the way you think about retirement. It shifts the focus from simply accumulating a balance to understanding what that balance could mean for the years ahead.

Our research* found that Australians with a plan are far more confident they’ll meet their financial needs in retirement – 52% compared with just 15% of those without one.  That's a significant difference. While individual financial circumstances matter, having a clearer sense of what's ahead and the steps you can take along the way may help build confidence about the future.

Planning for the future you want

A plan turns a retirement aspiration into action. Once you’ve identified the future you’re working towards, you can do several things to help strengthen your position over time. 

Review how your super is invested

The investment option you’re in can have a significant impact over the long term. It’s worth checking whether it still suits your goals and how long you have until retirement, and whether your fund is delivering the performance you expect. 

Check your insurance

Life changes over time, and your insurance needs may change with it. It could be worth taking a look at the cover you hold through your super to make sure it still suits your life today.

Bring multiple accounts together

If you’ve accumulated super across different jobs, you may have more than one account. Consolidating could make your super easier to manage and mean you’re paying fewer sets of fees. Before making any changes, consider whether it’s right for your circumstances and check any insurance attached to existing accounts.

Make additional contributions

Even small contributions can make a meaningful difference over time. Starting earlier gives those contributions more opportunity to grow.

The most important thing isn’t tackling everything at once. It’s having a plan that helps you understand your next step and keeps you moving toward the retirement you’ve imagined. 

Back to that picture

The retirement you imagine isn't a fantasy, it's a destination.  And like any destination, it's easier to reach when you have a plan. Understanding where you're at today can help you take the next step towards the retirement lifestyle you're aiming for.

Let’s plan your glorious retirement. Our tools and calculators can help you understand where you're at today and explore the steps you might take towards the retirement lifestyle you're aiming for. 

Need help making sense of it all?

If you’re unsure about any aspect of your super, you don’t have to work it out alone. Speak to your financial adviser or, if you don't have one, book a call with one of our financial coaches.

Available to eligible MLC members, financial coaches can help you better understand your super and the choices available to you, so you can make more informed decisions about your retirement future.

Book a financial coaching appointment today.

*Research explored the attitudes to retirement and financial confidence, based on a survey of 2,500 Australians aged 18 years and over. The survey was conducted by McCrindle Research on behalf of MLC, with questions in-field in December 2025.