Whether you are just starting to pay attention to your retirement planning or want to make sure your super is working as hard as you are, this cheat sheet helps you make some quick and meaningful headway that you can build on as you go. It walks you through the key ages that unlock your super, the contribution types that fit your situation, a handy readiness checklist, smart questions for any financial adviser, and tips for comparing super funds — so you can plan with confidence, not guesswork.
Key ages every Australian needs to know
Retirement planning involves a series of ages that each unlock different options or change how money can flow. Knowing these ages in advance helps you sequence your decisions and avoid surprises.
| Age |
What It Means |
Why It Matters |
| Preservation age (55–60 depending on birth year) |
Earliest you can access super |
Opens the door to a transition to retirement (TTR) strategy while still working, or full access if you have met a condition of release like retirement. |
| 60 |
Most super withdrawals become tax free |
A significant milestone. From here, withdrawals from a taxed super fund are generally tax free for most people. |
| 65 |
Access to super regardless of working status |
Regardless of whether you’re working or not at 65, you can access super as income or lump sums. |
| 67 |
Age Pension eligibility begins |
Subject to the income and assets means test. Even a part pension can meaningfully reduce how much you need to draw from your own savings. |
| 75 |
Most voluntary contributions stop |
After age 75, you can generally no longer make voluntary contributions to super. Your employer can still contribute, and Downsizer contributions are an exception. |
Note: Superannuation and Age Pension rules can change. Always confirm current thresholds and eligibility at https://ato.gov.au and https://servicesaustralia.gov.au.
Your quick guide to contribution types
Not every contribution type will be relevant to you right now. What works well at one stage of life may not apply at the next. Scan the following table, spot the types that look relevant to your situation, and use the information as a starting point for further research. If you are unsure which options suit your circumstances, your super fund is a good starting point, or you can speak with a financial adviser. You can also use the Super contributions optimiser at https://moneysmart.gov.au to see which options apply to your situation.
A few things to keep in mind:
- You may fit into more than one group. Read across a few and see what resonates.
- The lists are not exhaustive. The options highlighted in the table are most worth thinking about for each situation, not every possible one.
- Always confirm current rules and limits at https://ato.gov.au before making contributions.
| Your Situation |
What This Looks Like |
Contribution Types That May Apply |
| Not Earning |
|
|
| Not working |
No employment income right now |
Spouse contributions
Super splitting with spouse
Personal after-tax contributions
|
| Time out of workforce |
Caring, parental leave, study, or a career break |
Spouse contributions
Super splitting with spouse
Carry-forward (catch-up) contributions
Personal after-tax contributions
|
| Earning Income |
|
|
| Low-income earner |
Low income, working part time, or gaps in income throughout year |
Government co-contribution
Spouse contributions
Super splitting with spouse
|
| PAYG employee |
Employed and earning a regular income |
Employer contributions (SG)
Salary sacrifice
Personal after-tax contributions
Carry-forward (catch-up) contributions
|
| Returning to work |
Back in the workforce after a gap |
Employer contributions (SG)
Salary sacrifice
Personal after-tax contributions
Carry-forward (catch-up) contributions
|
| Self-employed |
Running your own business or earning money as a sole trader |
Personal deductible contributions
Personal after-tax contributions
Carry-forward (catch-up) contributions
|
| Approaching retirement/retired |
|
|
| Pre-retiree |
Maximising super in the lead up to retirement |
Salary sacrifice
Bring-forward contributions
Carry-forward (catch-up) contributions
Downsizer contributions
|
| Selling property |
Downsizing your home or selling an investment |
Downsizer contributions
Personal after-tax contributions
Personal deductible contributions
Bring-forward contributions
|
| Small business owner |
Selling a qualifying business asset |
Small business contributions
Personal deductible contributions
Personal after-tax contributions
Bring-forward contributions
|
Retirement readiness checklist
Use this checklist as a quick self-assessment to see how you’re tracking for retirement readiness.
Vision and lifestyle
- I know what retirement means for me, whether that is a hard stop, a gradual wind-down, or simply having the option to stop.
- I can describe what a normal week in retirement looks like, not just a holiday week.
- If I have a partner, we have talked about our retirement visions and know we are working towards a plan we can both fund.
Numbers and income
- I have a realistic estimate of how much my retirement will cost each year, based on my actual life, not a generic benchmark.
- I know where my retirement income will come from at each stage (super, Age Pension, and any other sources) and when each one kicks in.
- I have identified any funding gaps in timeline and have a plan for them.
Super, debt, and savings
- I understand my super fund, my investment option, my fees, and my overall superannuation setup.
- I am on track to retire debt free, or I have a clear plan for any debt I will carry into retirement.
- I have a cash buffer outside of super that will cover minor emergencies and a set period of living expenses if needed.
Planning and protection
- My insurance cover is right-sized for where I am now, not where I was 10 years ago.
- My estate planning is current: will, powers of attorney, and super beneficiary nominations.
- I have tested my retirement plan, either by living on my projected budget, trialling lifestyle changes, or stress-testing my numbers.
Questions to ask a financial adviser before you commit
Not all financial advice is equal. These questions help you find someone who is qualified, transparent, and suited to your situation. Always check any adviser's credentials on ASIC's Financial Advisers Register at https://moneysmart.gov.au before your first meeting.
| Question |
What You're Looking For |
| What will advice cost me initially and ongoing? |
A clear breakdown of fees including the initial costs and any ongoing costs. You can also ask the financial adviser how they are paid for providing advice. |
| What will the advice process look like, and what will I receive? |
You need a clear understanding of what to expect in terms of the relationship with your adviser, how you will be communicated with, how many meetings you will have, and what support you will receive. |
| Do you have experience with clients in similar situations to mine? |
You want to ensure the adviser you work with is experience in dealing with clients who are in similar positions to yourself. |
| What happens if my circumstances change? |
Understand how ongoing advice works, what triggers a review, and what may incur additional costs versus what is included in your service. |
How to compare super funds and pick the right one
Not all super funds are created equal, and the one you are in by default may not be the best one for you. Consider the following:
Comparing funds is not about chasing the highest return from last year or the lowest fees. It is about finding a fund that consistently performs well, charges fair fees, and suits where you are in life right now.
Websites worth bookmarking for retirement planning
The internet is full of super and retirement information, not all of it accurate or relevant to your situation. These are the government and regulator sites worth book marking.
