Many Aussies are now more likely to be making concessional super contributions, equivalent to pocketing an extra $296 per quarter according to AMP.
An analysis of AMP's nearly one million superannuation members revealed a 28% spike in super contributions when compared to pre-pandemic levels.
This is equivalent to an extra $296 being contributed per quarter over the three months to September 2021 when compared to the same period in 2019.
AMP's research also revealed that if these contributions were maintained over a 40-year period, it would equal an extra $75,000 in retirement savings.
Of AMP's members, 27% said they are now more likely to make extra contributions to their super than they were prior to COVID.
Members who made withdrawals under the government's Early Release of Super (EROS) scheme are 14% more likely to make voluntary super contributions than they were before COVID.
Particularly, retail workers are restoring their EROS funds faster than any industry according to AMP's findings.
With this in mind, AMP reported that EROS participants are still lagging behind the wider population's contribution rates by 15%.
Women are leading the charge as concessional contributions from women are rising 6% faster than men after findings revealed the EROS widened the gender super gap.
AMP’s Head of Technical Strategy for Superannuation John Perri said that COVID has been a financial set-back for millions, particularly the financially vulnerable, which is why many withdrew from their super funds.
"What is pleasing is that following the initial COVID period we have now seen higher-levels of engagement with super and members that participated in EROS seeking to restore their balances," Mr Perri said.
"More Australians are accessing education resources and making active choices with their super through voluntary contributions when they’re able to."
AMP's online education content received 840,000 visits over the three months to September 2021 - a four-fold increase when compared to the same period in 2019.
"We know the sooner members engage with and understand the benefits of our world-class super system, the better chance they have of taking full advantage and improving their quality of life in later years," Mr Perri said.
"And hopefully, as the circumstances for those who’ve withdrawn super improve, they’ll be more aware of the importance of rebuilding their super and the ways they can do this."
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FEATUREDSELF MANAGED SUPER FUND LOAN | SMSF 80
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SMSF 80
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Ocean SMSF (No Offset) (Metro) (Principal and Interest) (LVR < 60%)
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Ocean SMSF (No Offset) (Metro) (Principal and Interest) (LVR < 60%)
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Variable | More details | ||||||||||||
SMSF 70 (Refinance)
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SMSF 70 (Refinance)
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Variable | More details | ||||||||||||
Liberty SuperCredit SMSF (LVR < 60%)
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Liberty SuperCredit SMSF (LVR < 60%)
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Variable | More details | ||||||||||||
SMSF Residential
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SMSF Residential
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Variable | More details | ||||||||||||
SMSF 70 (Purchase) (New Customer)
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SMSF 70 (Purchase) (New Customer)
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Base criteria of: a $400,000 loan amount, variable, fixed, principal and interest (P&I) home loans with an LVR (loan-to-value) ratio of at least 80%. However, the ‘Compare Home Loans’ table allows for calculations to be made on variables as selected and input by the user. All products will list the LVR with the product and rate which are clearly published on the Product Provider’s web site. Monthly repayments, once the base criteria are altered by the user, will be based on the selected products’ advertised rates and determined by the loan amount, repayment type, loan term and LVR as input by the user/you. *The Comparison rate is based on a $150,000 loan over 25 years. Warning: this comparison rate is true only for this example and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Rates correct as of June 25, 2022. View disclaimer.
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