Your annual statement isn't just a snapshot of your super over the past year - it's a chance to pause, take stock and make sure you're still on track for retirement.

While it can be tempting to file it away for later, spending a few minutes reviewing your statement now could help you feel more informed and confident about your future.

Here are five key things worth checking:

1. Check your balance and contributions

Your annual statement shows your account balance and the contributions that have been paid into your account throughout the year.

Take a moment to check that employer and any personal contributions appear as expected. While your annual statement is a snapshot in time, keeping an eye on your contributions can help you understand how you're progressing towards your retirement goals.

2. Review your investment option

Your super is invested to help grow your savings over the long term, but the investment option that's right for you can change over time.

Your statement will show where your super is currently invested. Consider whether that option still aligns with your goals, investment timeframe and comfort with market ups and downs.

Mostly invested in Cash?

Cash can help provide stability, but it's worth reviewing whether it still aligns with your goals and investment timeframe.

If you're unsure whether your current investment option is right for you, consider speaking with your adviser or exploring the support available through your fund, such as a Financial Coach.

3. Make sure your insurance still meets your needs

Many super accounts include insurance cover, such as Life, Total and Permanent Disablement (TPD) or Income Protection insurance. Your annual statement can help you understand the cover you currently have and what it may provide if the unexpected happens.

Insurance can play an important role in helping protect you and your loved ones financially. But as your circumstances change, it's worth checking whether your cover still aligns with your needs.

A new job, growing family, paying off a mortgage, or moving closer to retirement can all be good reasons to review your cover, the level of protection you have, and the cost of maintaining it.

4. Check your beneficiaries

Do you have a binding beneficiary nomination in place?

A binding beneficiary nomination tells your fund who you want your super benefit paid to if you pass away.

Life can change quickly, so it's important to review your nomination regularly and make sure it reflects your current circumstances and choice.

Events such as getting married, separating, having children or changes within your family may be reasons to review your nomination.

5. Think about your retirement goals

Retirement isn't a one-size-fits-all destination. An annual statement can be a good reminder to check in on your longer-term plans.

The lifestyle you imagine for yourself today may be different from what you pictured five or ten years ago. That's why it's important to check in on your goals from time to time.

Ask yourself:

• Has my ideal retirement changed?
• Am I saving enough for the lifestyle I want?
• Have there been changes in my circumstances that could affect my plans?

Even small steps today can help you feel more confident about your future.

Need help making sense of it all?

If you're unsure about any aspect of your super, you don't have to work it out alone. Speak to your financial adviser or, if you don't have one, book a call with one of our financial coaches.

They can help you better understand your super and the choices available to you, giving you greater confidence about your retirement future.

Book a financial coaching appointment today