Asking for a friend: How much does everyone really have in super?
Ever feel like all the finance info online is either super generic (hello, USA stats!) or just not relevant to you? Same here. That’s why we created Asking for a Friend—a fun, anonymous way for us to collect and share real-life data from our community. The goal? To help you understand your finances better, see how you stack up, and maybe even get inspired to level up your money game.
We kicked things off with superannuation. We asked our community to spill the tea on their super balances, and the results are in! Here’s what the data looks like:
So, what does this all mean?
Here’s a quick breakdown of how super balances evolve across age groups:
20-24 Age Group: The Girls are Getting Started
Average Super: $26,000 | Median Super: $22,000
Most of us are just getting into the swing of things here—new jobs, new paychecks, and starting those super contributions. This is your warm-up phase, perfect for getting into good habits like consolidating accounts and checking those sneaky fees.
25-28 Age Group: She’s Gaining Momentum
Average Super: $43,000 | Median Super: $34,000
Balances start to climb as your career settles in, but notice the gap between the average and median? It’s a sign that a few high balances are pulling up the average. If you’re around $34k, you’re absolutely on track—keep it up!
29-32 Age Group: Got Serious Progress
Average Super: $94,000 | Median Super: $88,500
By now, consistent contributions are paying off. This is a fab time to check how your fund’s performing—are your returns strong? And, if not, it’s never too late to shake things up.
33-37 Age Group: She’s Hitting Milestones
Average Super: $107,000 | Median Super: $106,000
Balances are solidly into six figures here, but life can start competing with super—think mortgages, kids, or big expenses. A little love (read: small voluntary contributions) goes a long way to keep your balance thriving.
38-41 Age Group: Building Quickly now!!
Average Super: $173,500 | Median Super: $155,000
This is when many of us hit our peak earning years, and it shows in those super balances. Now’s the time to check: is your fund too conservative? A bit of risk might help your money grow faster for retirement.
42-46 Age Group: Widening the Gap
Average Super: $230,000 | Median Super: $200,000
The difference between the average and median reflects how life paths can really diverge—career breaks, promotions, or extra contributions all play a role. Don’t stress if you’re on the lower side; there’s always time to adjust and catch up.
What can we learn from this?
It’s More Than Numbers—it’s Your Super Story
This data isn’t just about stats; it’s a reminder of how your financial journey evolves and why starting early is everything. Here’s the important bits:
✨ Compounding Is Your Bestie
In your 20s, growth feels slow, but that’s just the warm-up. Over time, those small contributions snowball into something big. Tiny moves today can turn into serious wins later.
📊 Average vs. Median—What’s the Deal?
Averages can get skewed by outliers (like someone with a $500K balance throwing off the numbers). The median gives a better sense of what’s normal, so you’re not left feeling like you’re behind. It’s the relatable bestie of statistics.
💸 Consistency Is Key Whether it’s your employer’s super contributions or a cheeky voluntary top-up, the magic is in keeping at it. Regular contributions keep your balance growing and your future glowing.
Superannuation (or retirement savings, for our international girlies) might not be glamorous, but it’s a massive part of your financial future. Here are three must-dos:
Check your fees! High fees can eat away at your balance, so make sure your super fund is competitive.
Consolidate your accounts. If you’ve worked multiple jobs, you might have more than one super account—combine them to save on fees.
Boost your balance. Even tiny voluntary contributions add up over time, and future you will thank you!
Remember: small changes today lead to big results tomorrow. 💪 If you want more inspo, check out our podcast for all the tips. And remember—you’re not behind; you’re right where you need to be. 💖
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