Compare net returns (after fees and tax), fees, insurance, and investment options against APRA's top-quartile data for your risk profile. If your fund is outside the top half on 5-year net returns and charges more than 1.0% in total fees, it's worth a closer look. We do this comparison as part of every super review.

For most Australians earning above about $45K, yes. Salary sacrifice contributions are taxed at 15% going in (rather than your marginal rate, which is 32.5% or higher), so every $1,000 sacrificed saves you between $170 and $330 in tax today. The trade-off is you can't access the money until preservation age. If you're earning under about $45K the tax benefit evaporates and other strategies (co-contribution, non-concessional) often work better.

In most cases, yes. Multiple accounts mean multiple sets of fees and multiple insurance premiums, which can quietly drain your balance by thousands a year. Before rolling anything, you need to check whether you'd lose valuable insurance (especially TPD and income protection), defined-benefit entitlements, or employer-negotiated features. We always do that check first.

Industry funds are not-for-profit and generally low-fee. Retail funds are commercial and range from competitive to expensive. SMSFs are self-managed, giving you full control but with significant compliance work. For most Australians with balances under $500K, a well-chosen industry fund is usually the simplest and most cost-effective option.

For 2025-26, the concessional cap (pre-tax contributions, including employer SG) is $30,000 per year. The non-concessional cap (after-tax) is $120,000 per year, or $360,000 using the three-year bring-forward rule if you're under 75. Carry-forward rules let you use unused concessional caps from the last five years if your total super balance is under $500K.

TTR lets you access part of your super as a pension once you've reached preservation age (60) while still working. It's often paired with salary sacrifice to boost super while maintaining take-home pay. The benefit depends on your age, income, and balance. It's powerful for some people and pointless for others, so we model it both ways before recommending it.

Generally no, except under limited conditions: preservation age plus a condition of release (retirement, turning 65, permanent incapacity), severe financial hardship, compassionate grounds (medical, funeral), terminal medical condition, or the First Home Super Saver Scheme. Scams regularly try to convince people they can access super early through shady schemes. If someone offers you early access outside ATO-approved conditions, it's illegal.

Your super follows you through stapling. Under the stapling rules, new employers pay into your existing super fund unless you tell them otherwise. You don't have to open a new account every time you change jobs (and you shouldn't, as it creates multi-account fee drag).

If you're 55 or older and sell a home you've owned for at least 10 years, you can contribute up to $300,000 per person from the sale proceeds into super, even if you've already maxed your normal caps. It's one of the most powerful strategies for couples approaching retirement with equity in their home. Strict rules apply and the window is 90 days from settlement.

Legally no, but DIY super often misses two big things: a fund that doesn't suit your age, and the contribution or tax strategies you didn't realise were available. A one-off super review usually pays for itself within a year through better fees and tax positioning. If your situation is complex (SMSF, high income, approaching retirement, defined benefit), advice is close to essential.