Your super will likely be one of the largest assets you ever own — and unlike your salary, it compounds tax-effectively for decades. A handful of deliberate moves in your 30s, 40s and 50s can add hundreds of thousands of dollars by retirement. Here are the levers that actually matter, from biggest to smallest.
1. Make sure you’re in the right investment option
This is the most overlooked lever of all. Most people sit in their fund’s default option and never chose it. Over 30+ years, the difference between a growth mix and an overly conservative one can be enormous. Your option should match your age and risk tolerance — a 30-year-old and a 60-year-old shouldn’t be invested the same way. Compare how funds and options stack up.
2. Stop paying for two (or three) funds
Multiple accounts mean multiple sets of fees and often duplicate insurance quietly eroding your balance. Consolidating your super into one well-chosen fund is a five-minute job that can save thousands over time — just check your insurance before you close anything.
3. Salary sacrifice
Contributing extra from your pre-tax salary is taxed at just 15% going into super, instead of your marginal rate (up to 47%). For most middle and higher earners it’s the single most powerful legal tax play available. The concessional cap is $32,500 for 2026-27.
4. Use carry-forward and after-tax contributions
If your balance is under $500,000 you may be able to catch up on unused concessional caps from up to five previous years. You can also make after-tax (non-concessional) contributions of up to $130,000 a year (or $390,000 using the bring-forward rule).
5. Don’t leave a partner behind
If one partner has taken time out of work, spouse contributions and contribution splitting can even up two balances and unlock tax offsets and government co-contributions.
6. Check your fees — relentlessly
Fees are deducted before they ever hit your statement, buried in MERs and investment costs. A 1% difference in fees, compounded over a career, can cost six figures. This is the quiet killer of super balances.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to grow my super?
The biggest levers are usually being in the right investment option for your age, consolidating to avoid duplicate fees and insurance, and salary sacrificing pre-tax income (taxed at just 15%). Fees and your investment mix matter more than most people realise.
How much extra can I contribute to super?
For 2026-27 you can make up to $32,500 in concessional (pre-tax) contributions and up to $130,000 in non-concessional (after-tax) contributions, or $390,000 over three years using the bring-forward rule if eligible.
Is it too late to grow my super in my 50s?
No. Your 50s are often when the biggest catch-up opportunities apply - carry-forward concessional contributions, downsizer contributions and salary sacrificing while on a higher income can all add up quickly before retirement.
Not sure which fund is right for you?
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