Super
Once a new job might have meant changing super funds. Often that resulted in people having several super funds that then had to be consolidated into a single fund. But things are changing.
When you begin a new job you should be offered a standard choice form within 28 days. If you want your employer to contribute to a new fund, you provide those details on the form.
Up until October 31 last year if you didn’t fill in the form your employer would make contributions on your behalf to its ‘default fund’. From November 1, 2021 that may no longer be the case. Your super fund is deemed ‘stapled’ to you when you change jobs or even industries.
If you don’t fill in the choice form your employer will check with the ATO whether you have an existing super account. If you do, and it can accept contributions for you, your employer will contribute to that fund.
If you don’t have an existing fund or it can’t accept contributions for you, your employer will contribute to its default fund. There may still be reasons you would like your employer to contribute to a different fund. For instance, another fund may have a wider range of investment options, extra insurance benefits, or a better performance track record.
Starting a new job can be a good time to begin making voluntary contributions or salary sacrificing into your super fund. Or if you’re already contributing or salary sacrificing a pay rise may make it possible to increase them.
Insurances
If you are changing super funds it is important to think about any insurance cover provided by the fund. If a super fund hasn’t received any contributions for 16 months then your insurance may be cancelled.
If you want your insurance to continue in an existing super fund where you haven’t received any contributions then you need to contact your fund and opt-in or make a contribution.
Spending plan
If a new job or promotion means you’re rising up the pay scales, it’s a great time to revisit your spending plan. It can be easy to lose any financial gains by changing up your lifestyle.
Setting fresh intentions about how to use the extra dollars could be better for your long-term financial outlook. Think saving, investing, tax effectiveness.
You may also accept a reduced pay to switch careers, take a job with better development prospects, or to shift to part-time work to support family responsibilities or study.
If that’s your situation it’s important to ask how to best use the dollars at your disposal. How can you make the most of what you have both now and for the future?
If you have any questions please reach out to me.