Island 5 of 6
Retirement Investing
Let compound growth and tax advantages build wealth quietly in the background.
What this island is about
Retirement Investing is about growing wealth quietly over decades through your retirement account. In Australia this is called superannuation - employers are required to contribute a percentage of your earnings into a super fund, which then invests that money across shares, property, bonds and other assets on your behalf. Because it's invested over decades, small differences in fees, returns and contributions compound into enormous differences by retirement.
Where to start
- 1
Find your super
Log in to myGov and check how many super accounts you have. Consolidating multiple accounts can save thousands in duplicate fees over time.
- 2
Check your fees and investment option
Compare your fund's fees to a low-cost index option. A difference of 1% per year can cost you tens of thousands over a working life.
- 3
Consider a small extra contribution
Even $20 per week of pre-tax contributions can make a meaningful difference over decades. Start small and increase as your income grows.
Campfire Conversation
The book gave you their story. These questions continue it.
- When did you first understand what superannuation was?
- Have you ever checked how much you're paying in super fees?
- Did you make any extra contributions, or was it always just the employer amount?
- What's one thing you wish you'd done differently with super?
- When you think about retirement, what matters more than the money?
Download the Retirement Investing checklist
A printable one-page checklist with the five first steps for this island. Save it, share it, or take it to your next family conversation.
- 1Check your current balance and fees across all super accounts
- 2Compare your fund's long-term performance and investment option
- 3Decide if salary sacrifice or personal contributions suit you
- 4Estimate how much you'll need for the lifestyle you want
- 5Set a calendar reminder to review your strategy once a year
The book that turns lessons into a legacy
The Archipelago teaches the thinking. The Six Islands book is where a parent writes the story behind the money: the mistakes, the wins, and what they want their child to remember.