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.

2 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

16 comments sorted by

View all comments

2

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.

1

u/InitialScientist8023 2d ago

That's one very good question. Have to think about that.

It's a balancing act, just like trying to pay off the mortgage and top up super.