Step 1: Review your insurance
Insurance through your super offers peace of mind, as it provides financial support in case you die or have to stop work, temporarily or permanently. It’s also often a lot cheaper than if you were to get it on your own.
Step 2: Give yourself a bonus
Salary sacrifice could save you tax and it will help you save enough money for your future. If you set aside $100 from your take home pay, you’ll get $1361 in your super. That can add up over the long term and could mean an extra $249,500 in your super when you retire.
Step 3: Make sure your super goes to the right people
You need to let us know who to give your super to, in case something was to happen. We call this ‘nominating your beneficiaries’ and it’s an important part of getting your super organised.
Step 4: Review your investment options
Your super is one of the largest investments you’ll ever make, so it’s important to know how your money is invested. With Mercer SmartPath (the default investment option for most members), the thinking is done for you by adapting your investments to suit your life stage – balancing age and risk.
Step 5: Provide your tax file number
Make sure we have your tax file number. This can help you avoid paying extra tax on your super. So instead of paying 47% tax, you’ll be taxed 15% instead.2 You can see if we have a TFN on file for you by visiting the Personal Details page on Member Online.
Step 6: Combine your super
We can help you locate any other super you might have and combine into a single super account.
1 Calculation assumptions. Rate of return 6.6%pa over 20 years. Contributions of $160 from gross pay made on a weekly basis throughout the period, starting at age 45 and finishing at 65. Tax calculations based on a taxable income of $100,000. Assumed adjusted taxable income between $37,000 and $180,000, such that only 15% tax paid on contributions and no rebate applies. Actual dollar values used with no adjustment for inflation. Difference in returns (which may be positive or negative) and fees will alter the outcome. Contribution caps have been assumed not to be exceeded. Rates current at 14 May 2021. The example shown may not apply to your own situation, so we recommend you consider your options carefully and seek financial advice about salary sacrifice. Salary sacrifice arrangements are subject to employer approval. Past performance should not be relied upon as an indicator of future performance.
2 If the total of your surcharge income and concessional contributions is more than $250,000 per year, any concessional contributions over this threshold will be taxed at 30%. This extra 15% tax is often referred to as 'Division 293 Tax'. Find out more at ato.gov.au/rates/key-superannuation-rates-and-thresholds or by seeking your own tax advice.
Disclaimer: Issued by Mercer Superannuation (Australia) Limited ABN 79 004 717 533, Australian Financial Services Licence # 235906, the trustee of the Mercer Super Trust ABN 19 905 422 981 ('Mercer Super'). Any advice provided is of a general nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any advice, please consider the Product Disclosure Statement available at mercersuper.com.au. The product Target Market Determination can be found at mercersuper.com.au/tmd.
The material contained in this document is based on information received in good faith from sources within the market and on our understanding of legislation which we believe to be accurate. Neither Mercer nor any of its related parties accepts any responsibility for any inaccuracy.
This information is based on the interpretation of current tax laws which may change. You should obtain your own tax advice.
Mercer financial advisers are authorised representatives of Mercer Financial Advice (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 76 153 168 293, Australian Financial Services Licence #411766. The value of an investment in the Mercer Super Trust may rise and fall from time to time.
The investment performance, earnings or return of capital invested are not guaranteed. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. 'MERCER’ is an Australian registered trademark of Mercer (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 32 005 315 917.