Superannuation at Every Stage: 3 Strategies to Maximise Your Fund at Any Age
- WT Capital
- Jun 24
- 3 min read
Whether you're in your 30s or fast approaching retirement, there’s one thing all Australians have in common: superannuation will play a critical role in your financial future.
But simply contributing to super isn’t enough.
To make the most of your fund — particularly if you manage your own Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) — you need to be strategic, tax-smart and forward-looking. The good news? There are proven ways to optimise your super at every life stage.
Here are three high-impact strategies to help you build a better retirement — starting today.
1. Get Super Contributions Working Early (and Often)
The earlier you contribute, the more powerful your super becomes. Thanks to compounding returns, a $10,000 contribution made in your 30s could be worth over $50,000 by retirement (assuming 7% p.a. return and 30+ years of growth).
That’s why your 30s and 40s are the time to:
Maximise concessional contributions (up to $27,500/year pre-tax)
Consider non-concessional contributions if cash allows
Explore carry-forward contribution rules if your total super is under $500,000
Start thinking about asset allocation inside your SMSF — not all returns are created equal
Every dollar you contribute in your 30s or 40s could work for you for decades — tax-advantaged and compounding inside super
If you’re self-employed or running a business, don't forget: you have to proactively make contributions. Your future self will thank you.
2. Take Control in Your 40s and 50s — Diversify and Strategise
By your mid-40s, most Australians are earning more and potentially managing family expenses or a mortgage. It’s also the point where retirement planning gets real.
This is a prime time to:
Consolidate super accounts to reduce duplicate fees
Review investment strategy to reflect your goals and time horizon
Rebalance your portfolio — many Australians are overweight Aussie shares or cash
Consider SMSF property investment for tax-effective capital growth and rental income
Self Managed Super Funds offer the flexibility to diversify beyond traditional shares and ETFs — including direct property. This is where many WT Capital clients gain long-term leverage and asset control.
Case in point: An SMSF with $250,000 in capital may be eligible to purchase a $600,000+ residential property via a limited recourse borrowing arrangement (LRBA), combining superannuation growth with real asset exposure.
3. Approaching Retirement? Plan Your Drawdown and Minimise Tax
In your 60s and beyond, your focus shifts from accumulation to preservation and drawdown. That doesn’t mean abandoning growth — it means being strategic with how and when you access funds.
Key strategies include:
Starting a transition-to-retirement (TTR) strategy from age 59
Switching to account-based pensions (0% tax on earnings in pension phase)
Selling down or re-leasing SMSF property investments to fund retirement income
Reviewing your death benefit nominations and estate planning documents
A well-structured SMSF can deliver tax-free income in retirement and provide intergenerational wealth transfer — but only with the right structure in place.
If you're still working part-time or running a business, you may also be eligible to keep contributing to super while drawing a pension, enabling flexible income and tax minimisation.
Final Thoughts
No matter your age, maximising your super comes down to proactive management — and SMSFs offer the ultimate control.
But with control comes responsibility. Reviewing your fund's strategy, contributions, asset mix and compliance every year ensures you're not just building retirement savings — you're building retirement confidence.
Thinking About Property in Your Super?
At WT Capital, we help Australians invest in quality residential property through their SMSF — with tailored support every step of the way.
Whether you're just getting started or preparing for retirement, we’ll help you structure your fund for growth, tax efficiency and long-term security.
