Your superannuation takes a journey of many years. Not unlike the long journey taken by Greek hero Odysseus your superannuation savings will face many trials and tests during its journey and even further challenges once you reach retirement.

The government’s announcement allowing Australians to participate in the “coronavirus early release of super” was met with an overwhelming response. Within 18 days 745,000 people had registered via MyGov to access their superannuation early.

The Government estimates 1.6 million people will access their super early withdrawing a staggering total of $27 billion from superannuation savings. The Australian superannuation industry believes this number will in fact be closer to $65 billion.

We would like to take this opportunity to urge caution when considering accessing your superannuation balance early. Depending on your age a withdrawal of $20,000 from your superannuation may have a devastating impact on your superannuation balance at retirement.

Based on an annual net return of approximately 5% we estimate the reduction in superannuation balance at a retirement age of 67, by withdrawing $20,000, may look something like this:

 

Current   Age	20	30	40	50	60
Reduction   in retirement balance	$ 195,000	$120,000	$75,000	$ 45,000	$28,500
Reduction in annual retirement income	$ 9,900	$ 6,050	$3,800	$2,300	$1,400

 

Investment returns may be further diminished from a smaller superannuation balance where you need to cover ongoing insurance premiums. By withdrawing the funds from superannuation you will also miss out on the significant taxation benefits of saving in the superannuation environment. Future legislative changes may also restrict your ability to ever be able to put the money back into superannuation.

Rather than withdrawing $20,000 from your superannuation, we suggest you consider alternative methods to manage your cash flow as part of the current crisis. This may include accessing your entitlement to government payments and discussing deferral of debt payments with your lenders.

In addition to this, we suggest you consider adding to your superannuation on a regular basis if your cash flow permits now or in the future. For as little as the price of a cup of coffee per day, an increase in superannuation contributions can have a significant impact on your retirement savings. This is illustrated in the case study below.

 

Case Study

Tony is currently 27 years of age and has a superannuation balance of $50,000. He is considering whether he should withdraw $20,000 from superannuation (option 1) even though he does not desperately need the cash at this time. After speaking with his financial advisor Tony considered not withdrawing the $20,000 plus contributing a further $5 per day into superannuation ($1,800 per annum) (Option 2).

The following chart shows the difference in Tony’s superannuation balance between option 1 and option 2 when he retires

By selecting Option 2 Tony will have more than $350,000 extra in his superannuation account on retirement than if he selected option 1.

The above example shows it is never too early to learn how your superannuation can work for you so that you can maintain your lifestyle in your retirement.

 

For more personalised advice and recommendations please contact our office at https://www.bishopcollins.com.au/contact-us/ or phone us on (02) 4353 2333.