I’m 42. Should I really be putting all my money into my super?

June 23, 2026 — 9:13am

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I’ve read in several places that with the changes to negative gearing, family trusts, and CGT, superannuation should be the focal point for wealth creation going forward. But I’m 42. It’s a long time until I can get at my super. So, is this advice really right for me?

Probably not. Superannuation will certainly be important to you, but the compulsory employer contribution of 12 per cent should do the heavy lifting. As you have identified, money put into super becomes inaccessible until at least 60 years of age.

Money you add to super now won’t help if you lose your job, separate from your partner, have family that get into difficulty, or just want to enjoy life before retirement. Investing in a diversified portfolio in your personal names remains relevant to address all of these potentialities. The tax changes don’t alter that.

I need to undertake about $40,000 of urgent work to my home........

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