I’m 64 with just $93,000 in super. Should I add to it before retiring?

November 1, 2026 — 4:01am

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I’m 64, a self-employed freelance creative writer, own my home, and have $93,000 in super, $110,000 in my access account and $170,000 in savings. I intend to keep working, as I love my work, but I don’t expect any massive income from that – and it will also drop off as I age.  It’s been pretty difficult to get to this point, and it’s taken many sacrifices, but owning my own home is fantastic.

I will reach pension age in August 2029. To maximise my pension and associated benefits, should I make the maximum $32,500 super contribution, plus the $23,000 of available catch-up contribution, or would I be better keeping that money in the bank?

Firstly, well done on what you’ve achieved. Building this level of financial security on the variable income that often comes with freelance creative work is impressive.

The next point to........

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