Steff: Superannuation (Tax, Super + You Comp)

Escape the super curse

super annuation

START

Introduction

In Australia, superannuation is meant to help you retire comfortably. But many people fall into what we call the Super Curse. They don't think about it early enough, or they ignore it completely, and end up paying for it later with: low savings, long hours, and a future full of stress. But there is a way out. Explore the haunted house, face the facts, and learn how super works for you. Make the right choices and escape the curse before it's yours.

Investigate your future

Inventory

01

WHAT IS SUPERANNUATION?

Money your boss puts aside for your future

A work bonus

A bank account

01

Yes! Super is money your employer has to pay on top of your wages, saved and invested for your future. It's not a bank account because you can't touch it whenever you want. It's also not a work bonus as it's locked away, growing over time just for you. Though you can't use it now, one day it could be your main income when you retire. Think of it as a forced savings plan. Ignore it now and the curse of lost super could catch you later.

02

WHEN DO YOU START GETTING SUPER?

When you're over 18, or under 18 and wokring 30+ hours/week

Only in full-time jobs

When you turn 30

02

Right! You don't have to wait until you're 30 or work full-time to get super. In Australia, you start getting super when you're 18, or if you're under 18 but working 30 hours or more a week. Even if you're a casual or part-time worker, as long as you meet these conditions, your employer must pay super for you. Every hour you work counts towards your future, so don't let it go to waste.

03

WHO PAYS YOUR SUPER?

The government

Your boss

You

03

Correct! Super isn't money taken from your pay, it's extra money your boss has to put ON TOP of what you earn. The government doesn't pay your super, except in special programs for people who need extra help. Your employer is responsible for putting money into your super fund regularly, helping you build freedom for the future.

04

WHY DO WE HAVE SUPER?

To help future you survive after retiring

So you get more pocket money

To pay for school fees

04

Yep! Super exists to support you later in life, making sure you have enough money to live comfortably after retiring. It's designed so you don't have to rely on government payments or family. By saving your super, it grows into a safety net that can help you travel, enjoy life, or cover everyday expenses when you stop working. In short, it's your future self's back up plan for down the track.

Wrong. Go back while you still can.

Find the key to continue

The Cost of Doing Nothing

Inventory

05

WHY SHOULD YOU CARE ABOUT WHICH SUPER FUND YOU'RE IN?

You can't change it anyway

It doesn't matter until you're older

Some have lower fees and grow your money better

They all do the same thing

05

That's right. Not all super funds are the same. Some charge higher fees, which can eat into your savings, while others manage your money better to help it grow faster. Choosing a good fund early means more money for you when you retire.

06

WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF YOU IGNORE YOUR SUPER AND NEVER CHECK IT?

Your super can disappear without you knowing

Nothing happens

You'll get more super automatically

Your fund sends you a warning

06

Exactly! Ignoring your super is dangerous. Your money can quietly vanish because of fees or get lost in accounts from jobs you forgot about. You won't always get warned, so if you don't keep track, you risk losing money you worked hard for.

07

WHAT IF YOU IGNORE YOUR SUPER FOR TOO LONG?

You could retire broke and stressed

It grows faster

It resets

You get it all as cash

07

Yes! If you leave your super alone for years without checking or adding to it, you could end up with less money than you deserve, meaning you might retire stressed and broke. Super grows best when you stay involved and make smart choices.

08

HOW CAN YOU GROW YOUR SUPER FASTER AND AVOID THE CURSE?

Add extra money when you can

Spend it early

Keep track and make smart choices

Ignore it until retirement

08

Correct. You can't spend your super now, but you can add extra money when you can. Pick a fund with low fees, and keep an eye on it. Start early to give your money more time to grow through interest and smart investments.

You found a hidden clue

♪♬♩

These notes hold more than music. Play them in order to unlock what's ahead. Let the light guide you forward.

09

...Keep playing

10

...One more

11

Start over...

You found a new item for your inventory

Shadows of Your Choices

Inventory

♪♬♩

Shine the torch. In super, what you don't see can cost you. Use the light to find what's been hiding from you.

12%

Enter the secret code

Code

12

WHAT'S "LOST" SUPER?

Super the government takes

Forgotten cash from old jobs

Money vanished forever

12

Right! Lost super is money from old jobs you didn't know about or forgot. It's not gone forever, but it won't help you unless you find it and combine with your current fund. This way, your super grows in one place, not in forgotten bits scattered around.

13

HOW CAN YOU FIND YOUR SUPER?

Wait for your super to find you

Log into MyGov and claim it

Ask your boss

13

The easiest way is to log into your MyGov account and check your super accounts. You can also ask your employer or check your pay slips to see if super is being paid. Staying on top of this means you won't lose any super by accident.

14

WHEN CAN YOU USE YOUR SUPER?

When you're old enough and retired

Whenever you feel like it

When you turn 18

14

You can usually access your super when you reach 'preservation age' (between 55 and 60 depending on your birth year) and retire, or when you turn 65, even if you keep working. There are some exceptions like severe financial hardship, but generally, super is locked away until you're older.

SO, WHAT SHOULD YOU DO WHEN YOU GET YOUR FIRST JOB?

15

SAVE YOURSELF

Stay on top of it and ask questions

Pick a fund and keep track of it

Check your super early

15

Right from your first job, check if your employer is paying super, choose a fund that works for you, and keep track of it. Ask questions and don't let your super sit forgotten. The earlier you start, the better your future will be.

A briefcase has appeared...

It's locked...look in the inventory for something to open it

You've beaten the game...

But life isn't a game. The curse waits for those who ignore their super. Will you protect your future?

Think you can escape the curse?

If you quit now, it'll catch up to you...

Back

Exit

Nope. Try again...

Inventory

Inventory

Inventory

Inventory

Inventory

♪♬ø

Inventory

♪♬ø

Inventory

♪♬ø

Inventory

Inventory

♪♬ø

Inventory

♪♬ø

Inventory

Inventory

Inventory

Inventory

♪♬ø

Inventory

Inventory

Inventory

Inventory

♪♬ø

Inventory

Inventory

Inventory

♪♬ø

Inventory

Inventory

♪♬ø

Inventory

Inventory

Inventory

♪♬ø

Inventory

♪♬ø

Inventory

♪♬ø

Inventory

Inventory

♪♬ø

Inventory

♪♬ø

Inventory