Women’s working lives aren’t always linear. You might step in and out of work. Change hours. Put caring for others first. Or take a completely different path than you expected. But every stage, choice and contribution still counts.
On average, women retire with less super, not because of poor decisions, but because women’s working lives often look different. And because super grows over time, small differences early on can create bigger gaps later.
That’s why taking steps at every stage matters. Your glorious retirement isn’t built in one moment — it’s built over a lifetime.
Whether you’re just starting out, juggling work and care, rebuilding after time away, or thinking about what’s next, these five simple moves can help you feel more in control of your super - now and into the future.
It’s easy to lose track of super if you’ve had multiple employers or taken time away from paid work. Consolidating your super by bringing it together in one place can be one of the most effective ways to grow your super.
There can be situations where keeping more than one account makes sense — for example, if an existing account holds insurance you want to keep — but for most people, consolidating reduces unnecessary fees and makes it easier to stay on top of your money.
Most funds offer different investment options, from conservative to high growth. There’s no single right choice — what matters is finding an option that suits your goals, timeframe and comfort with market movements. And as your life stage changes, whether that’s growing your family or approaching retirement, what’s right for you may change too.
Super is a long-term investment, so the approach you take may be different from how you'd invest money for shorter-term goals. Check which investment option you’re in and consider reviewing it from time to time to make sure it is right for you.
When your circumstances allow – whether that’s returning to work, increasing hours, or feeling more financially settled - there may be opportunities to add a little extra to your super, such as making voluntary contributions or salary sacrificing from your pay. Your spouse could explore spouse contribution options and may be entitled to a tax offset.
Some people may also be eligible for government top ups, or a personal tax deduction, making your retirement savings stretch even further. If and when it feels right for you, explore the different ways you could add to your super.
Whether you’re building confidence or navigating a change, the right tools and guidance can help you understand your options, at your own pace. For more personalised support, financial coaching can also help you build confidence and make sense of what’s right for you.
Many of us don’t realise our life insurance, income protection and TPD cover often sit inside our super. Parental leave or moving to part-time work can unintentionally affect cover. Taking a moment to review your insurance before a career break, and updating your beneficiaries as your life changes, can help ensure you’re properly protected when it matters most.
Super isn’t shaped by age alone. Life events, planned or unexpected, can change your financial position and the decisions you need to make along the way.
Wherever you are right now, staying connected to your super can help you move forward with more confidence.
There’s certainly no single “right” path when it comes to work, money or retirement. But staying informed, curious and connected - at every stage - can add up to something powerful.
Because your glorious retirement is a Lifetime in the Making.
Getting expert advice is all part of being with MLC - our team of Financial Coaches provide general advice related to your super, at no extra cost.
If you are an MLC member, book your appointment with a Financial Coach today.
Crunch the numbers to see if your retirement is on track to achieve your goals.
This article has been prepared by NULIS Nominees (Australia) Limited ABN 80 008 515 633 AFSL 236465 (NULIS) as trustee of the MLC Super Fund ABN 70 732 426 024 (Fund). NULIS is part of the Insignia Financial group of companies comprising Insignia Financial Ltd ABN 49 100 103 722 and its related bodies corporate (‘Insignia Financial Group’). This information may constitute general advice. The information in this article is general in nature and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions based on this information. It is recommended that you consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) before you make any decisions about your superannuation. You can obtain the latest copy of the PDS (or other disclosure documents) and TMD by calling us on 132 652 or by searching for the applicable product at mlc.com.au. You should not rely on this article to determine your personal tax obligations. Please consult a registered tax agent for this purpose. Opinions constitute our judgement at the time of issue. The case study examples (if any) provided in this article have been included for illustrative purposes only and should not be relied upon for decision making. Subject to terms implied by law and which cannot be excluded, neither NULIS nor any member of the Insignia Financial Group accept responsibility for any loss or liability incurred by you in respect of any error, omission or misrepresentation in the information in this communication.
The Financial Coaches provide financial advice under the Australian Financial Services licence (AFSL) of Actuate Alliance Services Pty Ltd ABN 40 083 233 925 AFSL 240 959 (Actuate). NULIS has appointed Actuate to provide general advice services to members of the Fund. Actuate is part of the Insignia Financial Group. No other entity within Insignia Financial Group, including NULIS or any other entity within the Insignia Financial Group that is a trustee for a regulated superannuation fund, is liable for or responsible for any work, action or advice provided by Actuate. For important information about Actuate’s services which you should know before making a booking, please refer to Actuate’s Website Disclosure Information.
