Baby Boomers and Gen X Australians both consider superannuation and property as the top investment options for lifetime wealth-building, according to a survey by financial advisory company Findex.
The survey showed that 40% of Baby Boomers and 29% of Gen X rated superannuation as their no. 1 investment option.
Property also scored highly, with 37% of Boomers and 28% of Gen Xers rating it their preferred investment asset class.
Varying approaches to retirement savings
While both age cohorts valued superannuation highly, Findex investment relations head Matthew Swieconek said they typically took different approaches to growing their retirement savings.
Swieconek said Baby Boomers often had a more passive approach.
Having benefited from a strong jobs market and the longest access to compulsory superannuation contributions, they "may prioritise capital preservation and income generation in their investment choices", Swieconek said.
Generation X might feel less confident about their retirement security whilst juggling higher living costs, stagnant long-term wages growth and large mortgage repayments due to higher interest rates.
"They may be more risk-averse and seek a balance between growth and stability in their super investments," he said.
Let's talk superannuation
The Baby Boomers were born between 1946 and 1965, and Gen X was born between 1966 and 1980.
Superannuation was introduced in Australia in 1992. Most superannuation funds are primarily invested in ASX shares and international equities.
Younger Australians may choose to invest in more aggressive 'growth' super funds to maximise their earnings. With a longer runway to retirement, they can tolerate higher risk for higher rewards.
In 2023, Chant West figures showed the standard growth superannuation fund (61% to 80% growth assets like ASX shares), returned a median 9.9%. 'High growth' funds (81% to 95% growth assets) returned 11.4%.
Baby Boomers may switch from growth to 'balanced' or 'conservative' funds to preserve more of their capital. According to Chant West, the standard 'balanced' superannuation fund (41% to 60% growth assets) returned 8.1% in 2023, and conservative funds returned 6.2%.
Key actions to ensure a secure retirement
Findex recommends the following key investment actions for Baby Boomers and Gen X Australians to take now to ensure an excellent retirement down the track.
Baby Boomers
Findex recommends the following five actions for Baby Boomers to retire well:
- Pre-retirement super boost: Maximize your superannuation balance before retirement by utilising catch-up contributions and considering strategies like downsizing contributions.
- Legislative changes: Stay informed about changes in superannuation and retirement income policy to adjust your strategy accordingly.
- Retirement income planning: Engage with a financial advisor to develop a sustainable retirement income strategy, considering the transition to retirement pensions or annuities.
- Prepare the next generation: Consider introducing your kids to a trusted financial advisor to help make financial advice more affordable and accessible for them.
- Legacy planning: Focus on estate planning and how your superannuation benefits will be managed and distributed.
Gen X
Findex recommends the following actions for Gen Xers to retire well:
- Maximising superannuation contributions: Enhancing both concessional and non-concessional super contributions can be a great way to build retirement savings toward the peak earning years.
- Review your super investments: Seek advice to refine your superannuation strategy, focusing on investment selection within super, tax planning, and retirement income streams.
- Healthcare and insurance: Review your insurance needs within superannuation to ensure adequate coverage, as health concerns may become more prominent.
- Consider borrowing to invest: Known as gearing, borrowing money to invest can help boost your portfolio. However, due to its high-risk nature, talk to a financial advisor to ensure this is right for you.
- Estate planning: Start planning for your wealth transfer to ensure your super and other assets are distributed according to your wishes.
