Super advice for couples

Your super is one of the most important long-term investments you will make. While your strategy should be finely tuned to your personal income and retirement needs, those in long-term relationships should take a joint look at things as well.

Some couples are very in tune with their goals and priorities, others not so. In some relationships there may be someone who takes the lead with finances, while their partner is not so financially inclined. As super is probably one of the biggest assets you’ll ever have, it’s important to do all you can to help your respective nest eggs grow. When it comes to couples in either married or de-facto partnerships, there are a number of arrangements that can be made to maximise the value of your super. The same goes for if and when you decide to have children, or if one of you decide to take a break from work.

Financial advice can give you both the confidence that your future plans are achievable.
 

Tip: Rest members have access to an in-house advisory team, made of salaried staff who receive no commission for their advice.

A financial advisor can help you both:

• Set and achieve your financial goals together
• Track your financial progress
• Make the most of your money
• Get any government assistance you’re entitled to
• Update your plan, tailoring it to your changing needs
• Ensure you have enough insurance to provide for each other and your family
• Protect your assets
• Maximise your super savings at retirement
• Avoid expensive mistakes
• Boost your knowledge and confidence with money

Before you talk to a financial adviser

Before you decide to talk with a financial advisor, you should sit together and discuss what you want to get out of the experience. What are your individual goals and joint goals? What are the short, medium, or long-term objectives? Are there any differences in opinion you need clarification on?

You should also gather all key financial information relating to you both. This will help give the financial adviser a better idea of your current situation.

What happens after you see your adviser

Receiving advice is just the first step to improving your super, not the last. Listen to the advice, learn what you need to, and discuss its recommendations together before you act on it.