Do You Really Need a Financial Advisor to Manage Your Super?

Superannuation is one of the biggest investments most Australians will ever have. It is also the biggest asset that most people tend to “set and forget”.

It can seem overwhelming to consider it when you look at the multiple investment options, the need for insurance, different fees and what extra contributions you may be able to make to stay within the caps and so on.

It can be easy to feel unsure whether you’re doing the right thing. That’s where a super financial advisor can help — but do you actually need one?

Let’s break it down.

Understanding Your Super

Your super is your money, set aside to support you in retirement. This is the important part – it’s there for retirement which can be many years, if not decades away, but we shouldn’t neglect it.

Super funds will give you many options for how it’s invested — such as aged based (lifecycle) options that change as you get older, or you can decide between options such as growth, balanced or conservative or pick specific underlying investment options. They will also offer flexibility and information regarding contributions and insurance. APRA advised that in 2023 there were 1,161 superannuation funds to choose from. That’s a significant amount of research to do.

If you’re confident comparing fund performance, understanding risk, and keeping up with changes in super rules, you might be able to manage it yourself. But if you’re not, a financial advisor can add real value.

When a Financial Advisor Can Help

A good financial advisor doesn’t just “manage” your super, they help you make informed decisions that align with your long-term goals. You might consider professional advice if you:

• Have multiple super accounts and want to consolidate them effectively.
• Aren’t sure about your investment mix or whether it suits your stage of life.
• Want to boost your retirement savings with strategies like salary sacrificing or after-tax contributions.
• Need help with insurance, such as life, TPD or income protection cover.
• In the lead up to your retirement and want to make the most of your super through tax-efficient drawdown strategies.
• Have a self-managed super fund (SMSF) and need guidance on compliance and investment choices.
• If you want to retire early before you can access super, a financial advisor can help set that up.

Better Financial Strategies Can Mean Better Outcomes

A financial advisor can help you structure your super so it works efficiently for your goals. This might include:

• Choosing the right investment option for your age and risk tolerance
• Adjusting your mix over time as markets or your circumstances change
• Setting up tax-effective contributions (like salary sacrifice or after-tax contributions)
• Reviewing insurance inside your super, so it’s the right level and not eating into returns unnecessarily
• Updating you on changes to legislation that may affect your particular circumstances
• Having an advisor also helps you stick to your plan — especially during market ups and downs

These strategies can all help your balance grow faster and often without you needing to contribute more money.

The Bottom Line

You don’t have to use a financial advisor to manage your super, but the right advice can help you grow your savings faster, pay less tax, and retire with confidence.

A good financial advisor can help you make smarter decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and put your super to work, so yes, your balance can also be higher over time.

It’s not just about chasing returns — it’s about building a clear, personalised strategy that keeps your retirement goals on track.

If you’d like to feel more confident about how your super’s tracking or just want to make sure, you’re on the right path for retirement, it might be time for a chat. Reach out today to book a no-obligation discussion and see how a tailored strategy can make your super work harder for you.