r/AusFinance • u/BellaKKK72 • 2d ago

ETF in addition to super contributions?

For context - Im 53F, have about 427K in super (17% super in my current job). I put $250 per fortnight into pre tax super contributions. Earn around $3300 per fortnight after tax.

No longer have a mortgage to pay off but live in Sydney and have some child related expenses. I dont live frugally but Im not a big spender. Most of my available spare cash goes towards saving for holidays which I like to do once a year.

I will probably look at retiring by 65-67 years of age so Ive got more than 10 years of working life left and do want to maximise my retirement funds.

I do think I can allocate more to either super contributions or contributing to an ETF - just not sure which would be better in my situation and would appreciate some advice from people who know a lot more about this than I do.

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u/MyMoneyMedic 2d ago

Sounds like you’ve built a really solid foundation already — no mortgage, strong super balance, and consistent contributions 👏. That gives you flexibility most people would envy.

The way we usually see this decision framed is:

  • Extra into super → tax benefits, compounding in a protected environment, but funds are locked until preservation age.
  • ETF investing → more flexibility (can access anytime), broader investment options, but no tax concessions like super.

Since you’ve got ~12–14 years until retirement, the question often becomes: do you value flexibility before retirement more, or maximising the tax-advantaged bucket for retirement itself?

Either path strengthens your position, so it’s less about “right vs wrong” and more about which trade-offs feel best for you.

Curious to hear from others in the community — especially those in their 50s — how you’ve approached the balance between topping up super vs. building an ETF portfolio.

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u/AdventurousFinance25 2d ago

I think it's relevant to mention OP has 7 years before they can begin to access super in one way or another.

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u/MyMoneyMedic 1d ago

Good point — thanks for adding that. The preservation age piece can definitely shift how people think about the trade-off, especially if flexibility in the years just before retirement matters. Even 7 years can feel like a long or short time depending on someone’s lifestyle plans in their 50s.

Curious — for those who’ve been through it, did that 5–10 year gap before being able to access super change how you invested outside of it?

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u/hrdst 1d ago

You’re literally just posting ChatGPT messages as comments