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When we look at what SASS members are choosing to do with their benefit on retirement there are some clear trends. Nearly 80% per cent of members opting to stay invested with a super fund rather than take a lump sum. In this article we explore why super is potentially a good fit for SASS members in retirement.

Super gives you more options to flex your investment muscles

For generations, Australians have thought of property investment as the go-to strategy for securing their financial future. The idea of buying a rental property, living off the income, and eventually selling for a profit seems straightforward.

Like all investments, the reality is more complex. Once you leave SASS, you are essentially taking full control of your investment strategy. Typically, investing in property limits you to one or a few properties, resulting in a concentrated investment in a single asset class. In comparison, investing through super gives you investment options across various asset classes, such as shares, property, and fixed income. Plus, your investment strategy is managed for you by retirement experts who understand how to manage retirement risks and generate a stable income.

The table below provides a comparison, highlighting the key differences and potential benefits of each approach.

Scroll table horizontally on mobile

Key consideration Property Investment Investing through super for retirement
Initial Investment Investment amount determined by the market (purchase price, stamp duty etc) You choose how much super to convert
to an account-based pension
Taxation Capital gains tax on sale, rental income tax Tax-friendly environment, with zero tax on investment earnings in retirement (up to a balance cap) and on withdrawals after age 60
Diversification Limited to property market Broad diversification across asset classes
Liquidity Lower (selling property takes time) Higher (easier access to funds)
Ongoing Costs Maintenance, insurance, property management fees Low fees, no maintenance costs
Income Stream Rental income, potential capital gains Regular, tax-effective income payments through account-based pension
Risk Management Dependent on individual investor Professional risk management strategies
Investment Expertise Requires self-education or reliance on external advisors Managed by professional investment managers
Borrowing Ability to leverage investments with loans No borrowing for investment purposes
Time Commitment Active management required Passive investment option

Investing in property with Aware Super

When you invest with Aware Super you can benefit from direct property investment without having to become a property manager yourself.

Watch this short video to find out more.

Invest with the retirement experts

As a SASS member, at retirement you have the opportunity to transfer some, or all, of your benefit to another super fund and into a retirement income stream account, also known as an account-based pension. This account provides regular income payments during your retirement years, and just like with investments outside of super, you get to choose how your money is invested.

At Aware Super, we understand that investing your retirement savings can be a daunting task, which is why we have a team of retirement experts who can help you navigate the complex world of retirement investing. If you don't make an investment choice when you open a retirement account with us, we'll invest your super in our Conservative Balanced Option.

Our Conservative Balanced Option has been designed with the needs of retirees in mind. It aims to take a balanced approach towards delivering long-term returns . About 50% of our retired members choose to invest their super in this option, which reflects the confidence they have in our investment approach.

Aware Super has a large and well-resourced team of over 100 investment professionals managing the risks and opportunities in the market. In fact, we are one of the largest providers of dedicated retirement investments in Australia. We’re also one of the longest standing retirement investors. Our investment approach aims to deliver outcomes to help our members retire with more. We aim to invest in a mix of good quality assets. This helps you to grow and protect your super savings.

Like all big financial decisions, choosing what to do with your super makes sense when you can think about it in the context of your lifestyle and plans for retirement. If you need help deciding what to do with your SASS benefit, an Aware Super financial planner can review your personal circumstances, talk you through each option and ultimately help you make a more informed decision.

Attend a webinar

Join our experienced superannuation experts as they break down superannuation and finances into easy-to-understand topics through live webinars.

Book an appointment

At Aware Super, we are experienced in your State Super scheme and know the ins and outs of planning for a successful retirement. 

To help you make better decisions for your retirement, book today for a no cost, obligation free appointment with an Aware Super financial planner.

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The information contained in this article is given in good faith and has been derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. No warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of this information is given and no responsibility is accepted by Aware Super Pty Ltd or its employees for any loss or damage arising from reliance on the information provided.

Personal advice requires the provider to act in the client’s best interests and take into account the client’s circumstances. These rules do not apply to general advice. This communication contains general advice only and no personal advice. We have not taken into consideration any of your objectives, financial situation or needs or any information we hold about you when providing this general advice. Further this communication does not contain, and should not be read as containing, any recommendations to you in relation to your product. Before taking any action, you should consider whether the general advice contained in this communication is appropriate to you having regard to your circumstances and needs, and seek appropriate professional advice if you think you need it. Contact us to make an appointment to see one of our representatives. You should also read our Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) before making a decision about Aware Super. These documents are available on our website at Product Disclosure Statements (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) | Aware Super or call us and we’ll send you a copy. Issued by Aware Super Pty Ltd ABN 11 118 202 672, AFSL 293340, the trustee of Aware Super ABN 53 226 460 365. Financial planning services are provided by our wholly owned financial planning business Aware Financial Services Australia Limited, ABN 86 003 742 756, AFSL No. 238430. You should read their Financial Services Guide before making a decision. View the general advice warning and conditions of use for this website.