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Choosing how your super’s invested

Title
Choosing how your super’s invested

Want to take a more active approach with how your super’s invested? We address how to find the right investment options for you.

Key takeaways:
  • ANZ Smart Choice Super have a default investment option, called Lifestage, available to members those who want a hands-off approach where you leave your super investments to the experts to manage for you
  • If you’re looking for more control over your investment portfolio, choosing your own investment options allows you to select assets based on your preferences.
Couple sitting on floor looking at laptop

Super is likely to be one of the largest investments you'll have over your lifetime so understanding the various investment options available, can help you make informed decisions. 

Choosing an investment strategy that works for you can also impact the growth and performance of your super which is important when it comes to your retirement income. 

In this article, we look at the different investment options available through super including some of their benefits as well as things to consider.

Lifestage investment options

Lifestage investment option is ideal for those who want a hands-off approach where you leave your super investments to the experts to manage for you.

One of the key features of Lifestage investment options is their diversified nature. These options generally invest across a mix of asset classes, including shares, property, fixed income, and cash, to spread risk and maximise returns over the long-term. 

It is tailored to your birth decade and prioritises growth assets like shares during your younger years for higher potential returns. And, as retirement nears, the mix shifts towards safer assets, helping to protect your accumulated wealth when it matters most.

Choosing your own investment options

If you’re looking for more control over your investment portfolio, choosing your own investment options enables you to select asset classes based on your preference.

One of the main advantages of this approach is the ability to customise your portfolio to reflect your individual investment objectives and principles. For instance, if you have particular interests in specific industries or regions, you can allocate more of your investments accordingly. In addition, you can consider factors like your age, how comfortable you are with risk, and your retirement goals.

Hands-on

It's important to note that choosing your own investment options requires a higher level of knowledge and expertise in financial markets. 

You'll need to actively monitor and manage your investments to ensure they remain aligned with your objectives and comfort with risk. This may involve conducting research, analysing market trends, and rebalancing your portfolio to maintain your preferred asset allocation.

May be more costly

Selecting individual investments within your super fund may involve higher costs compared to pre-mixed options, as you could be required to pay brokerage fees or other transaction costs. 

If you're unsure about the complexities of self-directed investing, seeking advice from a licensed financial adviser can help you make informed decisions.

How to choose the right investment for you

Understand how you feel about risk

It’s important to make sure your investment options align to your risk preference. For example, investing in shares would be considered a high-risk option compared to cash given the extreme volatility.  So, if potential losses in the short-term makes you feel uneasy, you may want to take a conservative approach.

Consider your investment timeframe

It’s important to determine when you plan to access your super savings as the longer your money is invested, the less impact short-term volatility will have on your retirement savings. This means if you have a long period until retirement, you may be able to take on more risk to achieve greater potential returns.

Review investment objectives

Whether you're aiming to build wealth, retirement income, or achieving specific milestones, selecting the right investment options is essential to delivering these objectives.

Speaking with a financial adviser can help you determine which investment options are most likely to deliver your objectives.

Bottom line: by educating yourself about the various investment options available, and seeking professional advice when needed, you can make more informed decisions that could have a significant impact on your future.

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Message or call the ANZ Smart Choice Super team on 13 12 87 weekdays 8.30am to 6.30pm (AEST).

 

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This information has been prepared by OnePath Custodians Pty Limited (ABN 12 008 508 496, AFSL 238346) (OPC) as Trustee of Retirement Portfolio Service (ABN 61 808 189 263). ANZ Smart Choice Super suite of products which includes ANZ Smart Choice Super and PensionANZ Smart Choice Super for employers and their employees and ANZ Smart Choice Super for QBE Management Services Pty Ltd and their employees. ANZ Smart Choice Super is part of the Retirement Portfolio Service. OPC is part of the Insignia Financial group of companies comprising Insignia Financial Ltd ABN 49 100 103 722 and its related bodies corporate (Insignia Financial Group)

This information is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation and needs. Before acting on any of this information, you should consider its appropriateness, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. You should consider obtaining financial advice before making any decisions based on this information. It is recommended that you consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) before you make any decisions about your superannuation or insurance. You can obtain the latest copy of the PDS (or other disclosure documents) and TMD by calling 13 12 87 or by searching for the applicable product on our website at anz.com

Any general tax information provided is intended as a guide only and is based on our general understanding of taxation laws. It is not intended to be a substitute for specialised taxation advice or an assessment of your liabilities, obligations or claim entitlements that arise, or could arise, under taxation law, and we recommend you consult with a registered tax agent.

Opinions constitute our judgement at the time of issue and are subject to change. Neither OPC nor any member of the Insignia Financial Group, nor ANZ, accept responsibility for any loss or liability incurred by you in respect of any error, omission or misrepresentation in the information in this communication.

The Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ABN 11 005 357 522) (ANZ) brand is a trademark of ANZ and is used by OPC under licence from ANZ. ANZ and the Insignia Financial Group are not related bodies corporate. ANZ does not stand behind or guarantee these products.

© Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ) 2021 ABN 11 005 357 522. ANZ's colour blue is a trademark of ANZ.

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