How to improve your financial literacy

Super News

Understanding your super is the key to making the most of it. But you may also want advice on your entire financial situation. Where can you find accurate information and advice you can trust?

How do you know if you’re making the most of your financial situation? Most of us have a fair grasp of where we stand day-to-day. But understanding the complex rules around super is more challenging. Add in the tax implications for assets and savings outside of super and the intricate eligibility requirements for government pensions and things can get pretty complicated.

Whether you’re currently working or already retired, getting the right facts and advice at the right time can make a big difference to your future. It can help you see more clearly where you are and where you want to end up. It can give you the confidence of knowing that your plans are actually achievable. And if you’re not on track to achieve your goals, it can help you determine what to do about it.1

Before you make any important financial move, it’s a good idea to gather all the facts so you can make an informed decision. At ESSSuper, we are here to help you secure the best for your future. That’s why we put a lot of resources into making it easy for you to get the information you need. You can access information about your fund in a variety of ways.

Free seminars

If you want to be more informed about your super, you can attend one of our regular Member Seminars. These seminars are run through the year all over Victoria, so there’s sure to be one convenient for you. If you are still working, the ‘Unlock your Super’ seminar provides useful information about what you can do in the lead-up to retirement. If you’re already retired, our seminar ‘Enjoy your Super’ is designed to help you make the most of your situation. The seminars are a great opportunity to hear from experts in your fund and ask the questions you want. The 2019 Seminar Series start in February, and some sessions book out quickly, so if you’re interested be sure to book your place early. 

Member Education Consultants

If you’d prefer to speak with someone one-on-one, you can make an appointment with one of our experienced Member Education Consultants. Our Member Education Consultants can give you general advice about products and options available at ESSSuper. They understand the type of work you do and have specific expertise in your fund. They can provide general advice about even the most complex questions about your super, including:

  • understanding your fund benefits
  • explaining your resignation and retirement options
  • ways you and your partner can boost your super.

Personalised financial advice

What if you want more personalised advice about your situation? In this case, a Member Education Consultant can refer you to one of our financial planners. An ESSSuper Adviser2 can take a look at your overall financial position and help you plan the best way to achieve your financial goals. They can provide advice on a single topic, such as investment options or setting up an income stream, or they can provide you with a full financial plan that takes into account all your circumstances.

Financial planning advice can be particularly helpful when you’re:

  • facing redundancy
  • considering working part-time, transitioning to retirement, or retiring permanently
  • wanting to discuss assets and tax implications outside of super
  • considering where to invest money from an inheritance or sale of a property
  • looking for the most appropriate financial products for your needs.

Your first appointment with an ESSSuper Adviser is free and will determine what level of advice is right for you and what fees may apply. A little preparation will help you make the most of the first meeting. If you can, bring along a budget estimating your income and outgoings, an outline of your family situation, an understanding of your investor risk profile, and an idea of your retirement plans and the lifestyle you want.


1. ‘Why get financial advice?’, MoneySmart
2. ESSSuper Financial Advisers are authorised representatives of Adviser Network Pty Ltd (Adviser Network). Adviser Network holds a current Australian Financial Services Licence No. 232729 and is responsible for the financial services provided to you. ESSSuper has an arrangement with Adviser Network Pty Ltd to provide financial advice to ESSSuper members. ESSSuper pays Adviser Network a fee for this service. Neither the Board, nor the Victorian Government, guarantee or endorse any recommendations made by Adviser Network, or are responsible for the advice and actions of Adviser Network.

The information contained in this article is of a general nature only. It should not be considered as a substitute for reading ESSSuper’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) that contains detailed information about ESSSuper products, services and features. Before making a decision about an ESSSuper product, you should consider the appropriateness of the product to your personal objectives, financial situation and needs. It may also be beneficial to seek professional advice from a licensed financial planner or adviser. An ESSSuper PDS is available on our website or by calling 1300 650 161. 


Have you registered for Members Online?

Members Online allows you to gain full access to your super account securely, anytime, anywhere.

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2019 Seminar Program

ESSSuper holds a range of seminars, run by people who understand the type of work you do and who are the experts in your fund.

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Multiple super funds?

ESSSuper members have the option to consolidate other super via Members Online. Consolidate now in just a few simple steps.

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IMPORTANT


Thinking of retiring?

Book an appointment with one of our Member Education Consultants to find out if you’re doing everything you can with your super to ensure you'll have the lifestyle you want in retirement.

Book an appointment >


Do something super for your spouse.

As an ESSSuper member, your spouse or de facto partner is eligible to open an ESSSuper Accumulation Plan account.

Learn more >


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