Home topics news News Superannuation/SMSF News Is superannuation really that super? Dale Gillham June 12, 2009 With the changes announced by the government’s recent budget in regard to superannuation , many investors are now looking to top up their super fund prior to the end of the financial year. But I would question whether this is really a wise move. For over 20 years, superannuation has been promoted by governments and the financial services industry as one of the best investment vehicles we can use to prepare for retirement. While it does have some merit, I have never been a big advocate of having my money tied up in an investment vehicle that is so restrictive and constantly changing. When I was in my 20’s I couldn’t be certain about what the superannuation landscape would be like in 20 years, and now 20 years later I could never have imagined what has occurred. Given the constant changes, you have to wonder whether we should be putting so much emphasis on this investment vehicle. Obviously the tax benefits of superannuation make it attractive. But with the constant changes implemented by each respective government, retirees or those nearing retirement have less certainty and indeed security; therefore I believe there is a growing argument for investing less in superannuation. While an investor may pay more tax on investments outside of their super, it does provide more flexibility and the opportunity to achieve greater profits with certain investment options that are prohibited by super