Nicole Heales

  • Why Nicole?
  • How I help you
    • Take Control
    • Insurance
    • Superannuation
    • Debt Reduction and Mortgages
    • Wealth Creation
    • Retirement
  • Success stories
  • Education
    • Podcasts
    • Ebooks
    • Explainer Videos
  • News
  • Contact

Early access not so super for women

The COVID-19 crisis has seen many Australians taking steps to stay afloat with their finances. With women more likely than men to withdraw super to make up the shortfall in their income, what does this mean for their long-term financial wellbeing?

Here are 5 reasons as to why a super withdrawal during this time could leave women financially vulnerable:

1. Mind the gap

Recent figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), found the average superannuation balance for women aged 25 to 34 was $33,200, aged 35 to 44 is $69,300, and aged 45 to 54 estimated at $129,100. A withdrawal of $20,000 could potentially mean a reduction from $33,200 to $13,200, which is a 60% reduction in her superannuation balance. Given that women retire with an average of 40 per cent less superannuation then men, this withdrawal leaves a sinkhole in her retirement savings and further widens the gap.

Industry Super Australia (ISA) calculated that the financial gap from now to retirement equated to $120,000 for a 25-year-old woman who accessed $20,000 of her super, while a 30-year-old would stand to lose out on $100,000, and a 40-year old $63,000. When compared to the average balance of a 65 year old female’s superannuation at $245,100, you realise the extent of the damage.

2. Playing catch up

You may be thinking, ‘I’ll play catch up and make up the amount down the track’. We recognize that for some, covering the rent or loan repayments now takes priority over their future retirement. However, to recoup the equivalent of $10,000 back into superannuation requires an annual salary of $123,839 paying 9.5 per cent per annum in superannuation guarantee contributions. According to the ABS, the average weekly earnings for a female is $1,508.50 (or $78,442 per annum), which falls short of the six figure income required to replenish the shortfall.

3. Broken working patterns

Perhaps the thought of working extra hours has crossed your mind. Here is a sobering thought. A report from the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) on Women’s Economic Security in Retirement found that women are more likely than men to be working longer in a part-time capacity. This figure rises to 61% for women who care for family, stay-at-home mums, take a career break to study or are unable to find suitable full-time employment. The report goes on to say that the broken working patterns adversely affect a woman’s security in retirement.

4. Locking in losses

Chances are, your super is invested in a ‘balanced’ option. The average balanced portfolio has lost 10-12 per cent in the last month, underpinned by sharp falls in equity markets. A withdrawal now could potentially mean that you are withdrawing an amount of $20,000 that would otherwise be valued at $22,727, crystalizing a loss of $2,727, that should have been working for you within your superannuation.

5. Loss of insurance cover

A sizeable withdrawal of $20,000 from your super, combined with regular fund fees and insurance premiums, added to a break in working patterns, could push your account balance below $6,000, leaving you vulnerable to automatic cancellation of insurances within super. According to a report by Lifewise, with 95 per cent of Australians underinsured, you’d want to be sure to hang on to this valuable safety net.

Before you take a step that may have a long term impact, book a time to chat here and let’s discuss what’s best for you.

Source: Money and Life

Coronavirus COVID-19, Financial Planning, Insurance, Superannuation

Can’t find what you need?

Newsletter

Subscribe to my newsletter and get regular updates on ways to make the most of your finances.

sign me up

INDUSTRY AWARDS

  • Winner – Most Influential Financial Planner 2019
  • Power50 – 50 Most Influential Advisers in Australia 2019, 2018 and 2017
  • Finalist – Female Excellence in Advice 2018 and 2017
  • Finalist – Industry Thought Leader of the Year 2018
  • Finalist – Holistic Adviser of the year 2018
  • Winner – Most Inspirational Woman in Financial Planning 2017
  • Finalist – Financial Adviser of the Year 2017 and 2016

OUR LOCATION

Level 14, 461 Bourke St Melbourne VIC 3000
Postal: P.O. Box 361, Balaclava VIC 3183
Mobile: 0417 167 024

Let’s Connect!

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube

What’s news for you

  • 2021 – A list of lists regarding the macro investment outlook
  • Creative holiday ideas to inspire you 
  • Five ways to shop a little smarter this Christmas  
  • The right times for financial advice  
  • Review of 2020, outlook for 2021 – from Pandemic to Recovery
  • ESG: Putting it all together and making decisions
  • Nine keys to successful investing
  • Responsible and ethical investing

Adviser Profile | Financial Services Guide
Privacy Policy | Disclaimer

Nicole Heales is an Authorised Representative of Capstone Financial Planning Pty Ltd ABN 24 093 733 969. AFSL 223135 (Authorised Representative Number 312479).

Copyright © 2021 Designed by GWD - Developed by Weblicious Solutions