If you have ever wondered whether your superannuation balance will be enough to retire comfortably, you're not alone.
For most Australians, super is the cornerstone of their retirement plan, yet it is one of the hardest numbers to pin down. Everyone's lifestyle, health, and financial situation is different. But thanks to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), we have a solid benchmark to work from.
The benchmark for a comfortable retirement
According to the latest ASFA Retirement Standard, a single person needs a budget of around $53,000 a year to live comfortably, while a couple requires about $75,000 a year.
To support that level of spending, ASFA estimates you'll need a super balance of roughly $595,000 for singles and $690,000 for couples by age 67.
That's assuming you own your home outright, have access to some age pension payments, and your super continues to earn investment returns throughout retirement.
A comfortable retirement, by ASFA's definition, allows retirees to do more than just cover the basics. It includes private health insurance, good quality food, leisure activities, and the occasional domestic or international holiday. It is the kind of lifestyle that most Australians aspire to in retirement.
What about a modest retirement?
If you're happy to live a little more simply, ASFA says you can fund a modest retirement on a far smaller balance. This is about $100,000 in super, whether you're single or part of a couple.
The level of income generated from this balance, and supported by the aged pension, is generally enough to cover essentials like groceries, utilities, insurance, and some social outings, but it doesn't leave much room for luxuries or travel.
Why your target might be different
These benchmarks are helpful, but they aren't one-size-fits-all.
If you plan to travel regularly, help family financially, or keep your current standard of living, you will likely need more than the ASFA figure.
Conversely, if you have other income sources, like rental properties, share portfolios, or part-time work, you might need less in superannuation to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
And of course, inflation and changing life expectancies mean what's "comfortable" today may look quite different in 20 years' time.
The power of staying invested
Even after you retire, your superannuation doesn't stop working for you. Most Australians convert their super into an income stream, which allows their balance to keep earning investment returns while drawing down regular payments.
This means your money can continue compounding for years, helping to stretch your savings further and potentially boost your income over time.
What if you're behind the curve?
If you're approaching retirement and your balance isn't where you'd like it to be, there's still time to act.
You could make extra concessional or non-concessional contributions, taking advantage of unused contribution caps from previous years. There's also the option to downsize your home and contribute up to $300,000 per person into superannuation.
In addition, you could review your investment mix and super fund. Even small improvements in returns can have a big impact over time.
And if you're still working, every extra dollar you put away now could help close the gap faster than you think.
Foolish takeaway
The right superannuation balance isn't a single number, it is the amount that lets you live the life you want in retirement.
For many Australians, $600,000 to $700,000 is a realistic target for a comfortable lifestyle. But even if you're not there yet, time, consistency, and smart investing can make a big difference.
The earlier you take control of your super, the more freedom you will have to retire on your own terms.
