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Planning for retirement can be daunting, but understanding how much superannuation you should have at different stages of your life can make it easier. Here’s a guide to help you gauge whether you’re on track with your super savings.
 

Why superannuation matters

Superannuation is a critical part of your retirement plan no matter what age you are. It can help deliver a steady income when you stop working, helping you maintain your lifestyle and cover essential expenses. The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) provides guidelines to help Australians understand how much they need for a comfortable or modest retirement.
 

How do Australians know if they’re on track? 

As of 2026, the savings benchmark linked to a comfortable retirement has been revised upward. Homeowners aged 67 are now estimated to need around $630,000 in superannuation if single, an increase from $595,000, while couples are advised to have approximately $730,000, an increase from $690,000. These changes represent the first upward adjustment to ASFA’s retirement benchmarks in recent years.

For Australians aiming to meet the ASFA Comfortable Retirement Standard of $630,000 in superannuation by retirement, there are indicative balance targets to work towards at various life stages. 

•    By age 30: At this stage, your super balance might be relatively low, but not to worry. ASFA suggests that you have about $66,500.  
•    By age 40: ASFA suggests that you should aim to have around $168,000 in your super balance.
•    By age 50: ASFA suggests that you should aim to have around $296,000 in your super balance.
•    By age 55: ASFA suggests that you should aim to have around $377,000 in your super.
•    By age 60: ASFA suggests that you should have around $469,000 in your super balance.
•    By age 65: As you get closer to retirement, the power of compounding interest works harder for your super balance. ASFA suggests you should have around $571,000 in your super balance.
 

Tools to help you stay on track

Websites like ASFA offer tools and calculators to help you estimate how much super you should have and track your progress. The Super Balance Detective tool, for example, can provide an estimate of how much you should on average, have in your super account, based on your age and income.

You can estimate how much super you will have at retirement, using Moneysmart’s superannuation calculator.

You can also check out our Growing my super insights hub on our website for information on the different types of contributions you can make to your super.

Finally, knowing how much super you should have at different stages of your life can help you plan for retirement. Regularly reviewing your super balance and making additional contributions, when possible, may help ensure you stay on track to achieve your retirement goals. Speaking with a financial adviser can also help set you up for success when it comes to reaching your retirement goals.

1Target figures are based on the ASFA Retirement Standard for 2025-26. Every individual’s needs are different. We recommend checking your specific balance and lifestyle goals within our portal.

Important information

Where the information on this website is factual information only, it does not contain any financial product advice or make any recommendations about a financial product or service being right for you. Any advice is provided by Resolution Life Australasia Limited ABN 84 079 300 379, AFSL No. 233671 (Resolution Life), is general advice and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs, as well as the product disclosure statement and policy document for the product. Any guarantee offered in the product is only provided by Resolution Life. Any Target Market Determinations for our products can be found at resolutionlife.com.au/target-market-determinations

Resolution Life does not make any representation or warranty as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of material on this website nor accepts any liability or responsibility for any acts or decisions based on such information.

Resolution Life can be contacted at resolutionlife.com.au/contact-us or by calling 133 731.