DDCA was thrilled to have UniSuper Ltd provide sponsorship for our 2019 Leadership Forum. We thought long and hard about who might be appropriate as sponsors (no Purdue Pharma for us thank you!)
Many of us are connected with UniSuper already but perhaps one of the driving factors in valuing this connection relates to the ‘in and out’ nature of many artists relationship with academia. Not all creative artists working in academia have full time or long-time positions – some choosing to combine their professional practice with bouts of sessional teaching. This to us underscored the importance of thinking about the longer term planning offered by industry Super funds, and the relevance of UniSuper to our event.
UniSuper not only provided financial support to the day, but also sent along a representative to learn more about what we do as a sector. TammyLee Fiorucci, Employer Partnership Manager at UniSuper Management Pty Ltd said ‘It was a privilege to represent UniSuper at the recent DDCA Leadership Forum and AGM. As the profit-for-member superannuation fund for the higher education and research community, we proudly sponsor events that bring our members together to collaborate and discuss important topics impacting the sector, in this instance focusing on the creative arts. I personally found the conference extremely insightful and thought provoking.’
UniSuper has also provide this helpful information and advice to assist creative artists working with and in academia to get to grips with their Superannuation.
Five things you can do to grow your super:
1. Make extra contributions
Making extra contributions could be a tax-effective way to boost your super before you retire.
The more you put into your super while you’re working, the more money you’ll have to live the retirement lifestyle you want. Before you make extra contributions, you need to be aware of the limits and how contributions are taxed.
Contributing to your super from your before-tax salary may reduce the income tax you pay, and give your super a boost.
You can also contribute using your after-tax salary. The government puts limits on the total amount of contributions you can make before they’re taxed at a higher rate, so make sure you think about these limits before you decide.
Remember contribution caps apply to all the contributions you make, or have been made on your behalf, in a financial year. Monitor the contributions made across all your super accounts to make sure you don’t exceed the caps. For more information, visit UniSuper’s website.
2. Get your super together
More than one super account means more fees and less super savings for you. That’s why it makes sense to keep your super together.
Combining your super is quick and easy – if you’re a UniSuper member just log in to your account to find and combine your super. You can also track down any lost or unclaimed super held by the Australian Tax Office (ATO). You don’t need your member details from the other funds; if you have your tax file number you can click and combine in minutes.
Before combining your super, check if your other funds charge fees for exiting, or if transferring may affect other benefits, like insurance cover. For more information, visit the UniSuper website.
3. Attend a seminar
Retirement planning, investing, making extra contributions, insurance—super comes with a lot to think about. So let UniSuper help. Their educational seminars can guide you through some aspects of super and pensions.
UniSuper holds seminars on more than 10 different super and pension-related topics at more than 80 venues around Australia – on and off university campuses.
All members and their partners are welcome to come along – whether or not you work at a university – just make sure you register online to secure your seat, so you don’t miss out.
4. Choose the right investment options
Choosing the right investment options can impact your final super balance. It’s an important decision and one you want to make wisely.
You’ll need to think about:
• your attitude to risk,
• how long you’ll be building your super across your working life, and
• your investment goals.
One of the benefits of being a UniSuper member is having the choice of 16 investment options. With so much choice, there’s an option that’s likely to suit your risk profile.
5. Get advice
Your retirement is too important to leave to chance. To spend the next stage of your life doing what you want, you need to plan for it now.
UniSuper’s financial advisers are dedicated to helping their members, so they’re well-placed to help you manage your retirement savings.
A UniSuper financial adviser can help you with your finances no matter your financial situation or stage of life. And, although they’re experienced when it comes to UniSuper accounts and UniSuper’s products, they’re also qualified to help you with:
• retirement planning
• non-superannuation investments
• transitioning to retirement
• investment strategies
• debt management
• redundancy advice
• wealth accumulation
• insurance, and
• estate planning considerations.
Talk to UniSuper Advice on 1800 823 842 to find out how they can help you.
This article is for general information only and must not be considered as personal financial advice.