The most ignored pile of money Australians own
The biggest place I see people quietly leaving money on the table isn’t shares, property or crypto.
It’s super.
Yes, it sounds boring.
Yes, you can’t touch it until you’re older (and by the way, 60 isn’t that old).
Yes, your super fund tells you they’re “taking care of it”.
But here’s the question I always ask:
If I cashed out your super today, put the cash on your dining table and said,
“Do you care where this goes?”
Would you shrug… or sit up a little straighter?
Because for most people, super is their second or third biggest asset they’ll ever own.
Bigger than savings.
Often bigger than shares.
Sometimes not far behind the family home.
Yet it’s treated like the junk drawer of finances.
This came up again recently with a client.
They were incredibly organised everywhere else: mortgage reviewed, savings automated, expenses tracked.
But their super?
“I’ve never really looked at it.”
The turning point was realising this wasn’t a small side account. It was hundreds of thousands of dollars quietly compounding… or quietly underperforming.
The issue isn’t laziness.
It’s education.
Most of us were never properly taught:
why super exists
how it actually works
or what choices we’re allowed to make
Ironically, the reason super works so well in Australia is also why people ignore it.
You can’t touch it easily.
It’s a forced savings system.
A forced discipline.
A long-term plan that runs in the background while life happens.
That’s a brilliant design.
But it also makes people say,
“I’ll worry about that later.”
Here’s where money really gets left on the table.
Not checking it.
Not understanding how it’s invested.
Not doing anything because life is busy, confusing or a bit overwhelming.
Small decisions today: fees, investments, structure, don’t look exciting in year one.
But over 5, 10, 20 or 30 years?
They can mean hundreds of thousands of dollars difference.
I often put it like this.
People happily spend $2,000 a year servicing a $50,000 car.
But hesitate to get help managing a $200,000, $400,000 or $600,000 super balance.
That’s upside-down thinking.
Retirement planning doesn’t start at 60.
It starts with your first job.
And if you don’t have the time, interest, or confidence to manage something this important, that’s not a failure, it’s a signal to get support.
We work with most major super funds in Australia and regularly help clients make sure this “forgotten asset” is actually working as hard as they are.
If you want help making sure your super isn’t quietly costing you your future options, just contact with “SUPER” or SMS to 0483 937 777 and we’ll point you in the right direction.
If you’re already a client and would like a quick super check-up, just contact with “CHECKUP” or SMS to 0483 937 777 and we’ll take care of the rest.
Your future self will be very glad you did.
Talk soon.
7Wealth Pty Ltd ABN 44609210246 is a Corporate Authorised Representatives and is authorised throughCobalt AdvisersPty Ltd ABN 64 628 654 099 who is an Australian Financial Services Licensee 512550. 7Wealth Pty Ltd is a Credit Representative ofAustralian Finance GroupLtd ABN 11 066 385 822 (AFG) Australian Credit Licence 389087.
This blog contains information that is general in nature. It does not constitute financial or taxation advice. The information does not take into account your objectives, needs and circumstances. We recommend that you obtain investment and taxation advice specific to your investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs before making any investment decision or acting on any of the information contained in this document. Subject to law, Cobalt Advisers Pty Ltd nor their directors, employees or authorised representatives, do not give any representation or warranty as to the reliability, accuracy or completeness of the information; or accepts any responsibility for any person acting, or refraining from acting, on the basis of the information contained in this document.
