Compare your super
Everyone’s super journey is unique. Compare your super balance with others like you using our Super Balance Comparison Tool for instant insights.
This tool should only be used for educational purposes. The use of the tool does not involve the provision of advice or a recommendation from Colonial First State.
It is important that you consider your individual objectives, financial situation and needs before making an investment decision.
Meet Thomas, 39
Thomas earns a $90,000 annual salary and has $5,000 to invest. He's considering whether to invest it inside or outside super.
If Thomas invests the $5,000 outside super, his investment would grow to $9,400 (after tax) by the time he retires at age 65. Instead, Thomas decides to make a personal tax-deductible contribution of around $7,400 to super. This only impacts his after tax money by $5,000 due to the tax deduction.
As Thomas' investment is in superannuation, it is generally inaccessible until retirement. However, thanks to the power of concessional taxation and compound returns, he could have an extra $13,400 in super when he retires.
Meet Anna, 50
Anna earns $95,800 per year and has just received an inheritance of $300,000. She wants to use it to maximise her super balance (currently $600,000) for when she retires at age 65.
Firstly, Anna makes a tax-deductible contribution of $18,500 which uses her remaining concessional contributions cap after allowing for her employer’s compulsory contributions. This only reduces her after tax inheritance money by $12,500 (taking into account the tax deduction).
She then makes an after tax contribution of $287,500 using the ‘bring-forward’ rule.
By making these contributions, Anna’s super balance at age 65 would be $466,182 higher than if no additional contributions were made. This is substantially more than if Anna had invested her inheritance outside super ($422,000 at age 65).
Meet Chris, 55
Chris earns $80,000 pa salary with a current super balance of $300,000. He has around $80 of spare net income and wants to focus on maximising his super in the lead up to retirement at age 67.
Chris asks his employer to make salary sacrifice contributions of around $118 per fortnight (this will only reduce his take home pay by $80 per fortnight as these contributions are made before income tax is applied). After contributions tax of 15%, there will be around $100 added to his super investment each fortnight. If Chris keeps this strategy up for 12 years until his retirement at age 67, he could have close to $38,500 more in super than if he didn’t make any extra contributions. Due to the power of concessional taxation and compound returns, this is substantially more than the net income he’s given up during this time.
Meet Paul, 60
Paul is aged 60 earning $100,000 pa salary, with a current super balance of $400,000. He has around $80 of spare net income and wants to focus on maximising his super in the lead up to his retirement at age 65.
Paul asks his employer to make salary sacrifice contributions of around $118 per fortnight (this will only reduce his take home pay by $80 per fortnight as these contributions are made before income tax is applied). After contributions tax of 15%, there will be around $100 added to his super investment each fortnight.
If Paul keeps this strategy up for 5 years until his retirement at age 65, he could have around $15,900 more in super than if he didn’t make any extra contributions. Due to the power of concessional taxation and compound returns, this is substantially more than the net income he’s given up during this time.
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Frequently asked questions
The amount of super you need to support your retirement will depend on what kind of lifestyle you're hoping to enjoy, and how much income you'll be earning in addition to your super savings.
Your super balance will fluctuate due to contributions, investment returns, insurance premiums and fees. It’s a good idea to check your balance regularly so you can keep track of how it’s going.
Topping up your super with an extra contribution – even if it’s only a small amount – can make a big difference over time. The beauty of making super contributions is the potential to pay less tax, while growing your super balance faster thanks to the power of compounding. Just keep in mind that there are limits to the amount you can contribute to super each year.
Important information
Assumptions for:
Thomas' case study: Marginal tax rate is 32% including Medicare levy. Superannuation earns 3.5% pa income (taxed at 15%) and 3.0% pa capital gain (taxed at 10%). Non-super investment earns 3.5% pa income (taxed at marginal rate) and 3.0% pa capital gain (50% of gain taxed at marginal rate in final year when investments sold). Contribution / investment is assumed to be made mid-way through the first year. Amounts shown are calculated in today’s dollars discounted for inflation of 2.5% pa.
Anna's case study: Marginal tax rate is 32% including Medicare levy. Superannuation earns 3.5% pa income (taxed at 15%) and 3.0% pa capital gain (taxed at 10%). Non-super investment earns 3.5% pa income (taxed at marginal rate) and 3.0% pa capital gain (50% of gain taxed at marginal rate in final year when investments sold). Contributions / investments assumed to be made mid-way through the first year. Amounts shown are calculated in today’s dollars discounted for inflation of 2.5% pa.
Chris and Paul's case study: Results in today's dollars. Projection done using ASIC Moneysmart Superannuation Calculator and using all default assumptions and a balanced investment option. Marginal tax rate is 32% including Medicare levy.
Avanteos Investments Limited ABN 20 096 259 979, AFSL 245531 is the trustee of the Colonial First State FirstChoice Superannuation Trust ABN 26 458 298 557 and issuer of FirstChoice range of super and pension products.
This document may include general advice but does not consider your individual objectives, financial situation, needs or tax circumstances. You can find the Target Market Determinations (TMD) for our financial products at www.cfs.com.au/tmd, which include a description of who a financial product might suit. You should read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Financial Services Guide (FSG) carefully, assess whether the information is appropriate for you, and consider talking to a financial adviser before making an investment decision. You can get the PDS and FSG at www.cfs.com.au or by calling us on 13 13 36. This information is based on current requirements and laws as at the date of publication. Published as at 20 October 2025.