Healthy tips for growing your super

With a small increase, you probably won't miss the money now but over time the contribution could make a significant difference to your future.

If you've moved between jobs or worked casually, you may have small pockets of super in various funds. It's worth taking the time to contact all your super funds, consolidate your super and save. Our easy rollover form will help you get started.

Are you among the 50% of Australians who have unclaimed super waiting for them? A quick search on www.unclaimedsuper.com.au is a painless way to add to your fund.

Lower or middle-income wage earners can take advantage of the super co-contribution payment by making eligible contributions to their super fund. The government then matches up to $1,000 of your personal super contributions.

With this strategy, you choose to 'sacrifice' part of your pre-tax salary for super contributions. There are two main benefits of this option: (i) you are effectively reducing your assessable income, which means you could end up paying less personal tax (ii) you're putting more into your super fund. To find out if you can take advantage of this strategy, speak to your payroll or HR department.

Just like getting fit, eating better or going organic, you can add to your super at any time to enjoy the benefits. Try making a lump sum contribution when you have a little extra, like at bonus time, or if you sell your home or inherit some money. Any contribution you can make – whether it's regular or random – will help you build a healthy super habit.

A word of advice: no matter what step you take, it's always a good idea to get some advice from the experts. For more information about growing your super, visit our Learning Centre or speak to your financial adviser.