How to Check Performance Day and Track Your Super Growth in 2025

By Molly Benjamin, Founder of Ladies Finance Club

Listen to the full podcast here.

In this episode of Get Rich, host Molly Benjamin sits down with superannuation expert Gemma Mitchell and Ladies Finance Club member Alana Prick to unpack everything you need to know about tracking your super performance in 2025. If your super fund has been on autopilot since your first job, it’s time to check in.

Understanding the Different Types of Super Funds

There are four main types of super funds: MySuper, retail super funds, industry super funds, and self-managed super funds (SMSFs). While MySuper, industry, and retail funds are regulated by APRA, SMSFs are governed by the ATO. Most Australians will find a standard fund suits their needs. SMSFs offer more control and complexity but come with added fees and admin.

Gemma points out that SMSFs are no longer necessary for basic customisation. Many large super funds now offer greater investment flexibility without the SMSF admin burden.

How to Evaluate Super Fund Performance

Comparing performance across super funds can be tricky because not all funds invest the same way. For example, a balanced fund won’t perform like a high-growth fund. To accurately compare, make sure you're looking at funds with similar investment allocations.

The best way to compare super fund performance is through reports published by sites like Finder, Choice, or industry fund tools. Look for long-term performance results (7–10 years) to ensure you're seeing returns across different market cycles.

What Investment Options Mean for Your Retirement Planning

Most super funds offer a menu of investment options such as conservative, balanced, and high-growth. The right choice depends on your time horizon and risk appetite. Generally, younger members with a long time until retirement can afford to take more investment risk.

Gemma highlights that retirement doesn’t mean you need to go fully conservative. Since you’re likely to draw down on super over decades, it can still make sense to keep part of your portfolio in growth assets to extend the life of your savings.

When and How to Track Your Super’s Performance

A common misconception is that June is the best month to review your super. Actually, September is ideal. By then, you’ve received your annual statement, APRA has published super fund performance data, and comparison tools are updated.

To find your super’s performance:

• Visit your fund’s website to check one, three, and five-year returns for your investment option
• Call your super fund’s customer service team if you need help—they’re there to assist you
• Check your statements for net return information (after fees)

Super Fees: How Much Is Too Much?

Super fees typically fall into two main categories: administration fees and investment fees. Admin fees are generally small and often a flat yearly amount, while investment fees vary depending on how your money is managed.

Index funds (passive investing) usually have lower fees compared to actively managed investments. According to Gemma, fees under 0.8% are generally considered reasonable, but always look at the net return to see if higher fees are worth it.

Watch out for unnecessary insurance fees or duplicate admin fees if you have multiple super accounts.

Should You Get Financial Advice for Your Super?

If you’re approaching retirement and can't afford a financial adviser, reach out to your super fund. Most industry funds offer intra fund advice or tools to help guide your decisions.

Still feeling overwhelmed? Schedule two super check-ins each year:

• June 1st: Assess if you want to make additional contributions
• Late September: Review fund performance and fees

Retirement Strategies: Preparing Your Super for the Long Term

When you do retire, you won’t necessarily withdraw all your super at once. Most people receive regular payments (like a pension) and may take lump sums for big purchases. Your investment strategy should still consider long-term growth.

Planning now can help avoid running out of money later. Whether you’re relying on industry funds, SMSFs, or blending both, being proactive ensures your retirement strategy is sustainable.

According to the Association of Superannuation Funds Australia, only 30% of Australians are on track for a comfortable retirement. By 2050, that number is expected to rise to 50%. The best time to start planning is now.

Understanding your superannuation, how your super fund performs, the fees you’re paying, and the investment options available, can significantly impact your retirement outcomes. With the right financial advice, smart budgeting, and regular check-ins, your super can be a powerful asset.

Tune in to this episode to get expert insights and actionable tips for building your retirement savings in 2025 and beyond.

Want more? Listen to the full episode of Get Rich and join the Ladies Finance Club community to keep growing your financial confidence.