Investing isn’t all market spikes and short-term wins that you see on social media. There are several different ways to invest smarter, and longer-term.
Let's break down what investing actually is, why super is genuinely one of the smartest ways to do it, and how you can make the most of what you've already got.
Investing means putting your money into something where it can grow over time, rather than sitting in a bank account where inflation can reduce its value. Depending on your risk appetite, your returns can be high in the short term, but the key is growth over time.
There's heaps of different ways to invest. Here are the most common ones you'll hear about:
While these options might sound familiar, your super already invests in many asset types on your behalf, helping it grow over time without needing to manage everything yourself.
Good to know: Risk and return are linked. No investment is completely risk-free, but generally the higher the potential return, the higher the risk.1
What it means in real life: If you're 20 years old and earning $55,000, your employer will contribute around $6,600 into your super this year alone. Left to grow over 45 years, that kind of compound growth becomes genuinely life changing.2
You've probably seen ads for share trading apps, crypto platforms, or managed funds. So why is super actually a smart choice, especially when you're starting out?
For most, super isn't just invested in one type of asset. It could be spread across Australian and international shares, property, infrastructure (like land registries and wind farms), fixed income, and more. This is called diversification, and means a dip in one area doesn't necessarily tank the whole thing. It's the investing equivalent of not putting all your eggs in one basket.
You can explore our investment options to see exactly where your money is invested, and change at any time.
‘Compounding’ is basically earning returns on your returns which helps improve outcomes overtime. The earlier you start, the more time this has to work in your favour. A dollar invested at 20 will work much harder for you than a dollar invested at 40.
Super is one of the most tax-effective investment structures available in Australia. Employer contributions and salary sacrifice contributions are generally taxed at just 15%, which is much lower than most people's income tax rate. And investment earnings inside super are also taxed at 15% (or even lower in some cases).
You don’t have to know what a price earnings ratio is or waste your weekends watching markets. We’ve got a team of investment experts actively managing your portfolio and making decisions to help grow your savings over the long term.
You don't need to become a finance expert overnight. But there are a few simple things worth doing now that your future self will thank you for.
Yes. Most super funds, including Aware Super, offer a range of investment options to suit different goals and stages of life. You can invest in one or mix options. You can explore these options online.
Your super stays with your fund, not your employer. Under Australia's stapling rules, your existing super account follows you to your new job unless you actively choose a different fund. This means your account and investment history stay intact.
Generally no, as super is designed as a long-term retirement investment. But there are specific circumstances where early access may apply, such as severe financial hardship or a terminal medical condition. The ATO has a full breakdown of early access conditions.
There's no ‘right’ answer, but the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) publishes benchmark figures. For a 25-year-old, even a small balance is a great start. What matters most is that it keeps growing. Use our super planner to see how you're tracking or learn more about others your age.
*Source (Feb. 2026): Reuniting Australians with their lost superannuation | Treasury Ministers
1 Past performance is not an indicator of future performance.
2 This example is for illustrative purposes only. It relies on various assumptions. If actual circumstances differ from these assumptions, actual results will be different.
[C1] Before consolidating, consider if this is right for you, including the loss of any insurance cover from your other funds, the impact on your investments, and potential tax implications and read the PDS and TMD at aware.com.au/pds. You may wish to speak with a qualified financial planner before making this decision.
[S1] Before contributing, consider the current annual contribution limits. Exceeding these limits may reduce any tax benefits you could receive. Visit Grow your super for more information.
