If you’re wondering, “How can I increase my super before retirement?”, you’re not alone.
Many Australians reach their 50s or early 60s and realise there’s still time and plenty of opportunity to boost their super balance before they stop working.
The good news is that a few smart moves in the years leading up to retirement can make a huge difference to your lifestyle later on.
Here’s how to grow your super strategically, reduce tax, and set yourself up for a stronger retirement income.
Why It’s Worth Increasing Your Super Before Retirement
Your superannuation is likely to be your biggest financial asset in retirement, so every extra dollar you contribute now can grow through compounding returns.Even small increases can add up. For example, adding just $100 a fortnight to your super from age 50 could mean tens of thousands more by the time you reach 65.
It’s not just about having a bigger number it’s about gaining flexibility, peace of mind, and freedom to retire when you want.
1. Salary Sacrifice Contributions
One of the most effective ways to increase your super before retirement is through salary sacrificing.This means asking your employer to pay part of your pre-tax income directly into your super fund instead of giving it to you as salary.
Why it works:
- You pay 15% tax on these contributions (usually lower than your marginal income tax rate).
- Your super grows faster because more money goes in, and less goes to tax.
Example:
If you earn $90,000 a year and salary sacrifice $10,000, you could save around $2,400 in tax while adding the full $10,000 to your retirement savings.
2. Make Personal (After-Tax) Contributions
If you have spare savings or receive a bonus, you can make non-concessional contributions from your after-tax income.These are taxed at 0% when entering your fund (since you’ve already paid tax on that money).
For 2025, you can contribute up to $120,000 per year, or use the bring-forward rule to add $360,000 over three years.
This is a great way to boost your balance quickly if you’ve received an inheritance, sold an investment, or downsized your home.
3. Use Government Co-Contributions
If your income is under certain thresholds, the government may also chip in.If you make a personal (after-tax) contribution of up to $1,000, you could receive a government co-contribution of up to $500.
This is essentially free money for boosting your super an incentive designed to help low- and middle-income earners grow their savings faster.
4. Consider Spouse Contributions
If your partner earns a low income or isn’t working, you can contribute to their super and receive a tax offset.
- Contribute up to $3,000 to your spouse’s super.
- Get a tax offset of up to $540 if their income is below $37,000.
This can also help balance your super between partners, ensuring you both have strong retirement savings.
5. Take Advantage of Downsizer Contributions
If you’re 55 or older and sell your home, you may be eligible to make a downsizer contribution of up to $300,000 per person ($600,000 for couples) from the sale proceeds into your super without affecting your contribution caps.
It’s a powerful option if you’ve owned your home for more than 10 years and want to free up funds for retirement.
This not only boosts your super but can also simplify your lifestyle and reduce living costs.
6. Review Your Super Fund Performance
Another important step in increasing your super before retirement is to make sure your current fund is performing well.
Check:
- Your fund’s long-term returns (5–10 years) compared to others.
- The fees you’re paying even small differences can cost thousands over time.
- Your investment option growth options can deliver higher long-term returns if you’re still several years away from retirement.
If your fund isn’t keeping up, consider switching to a better-performing option or provider.
7. Consolidate Your Super Accounts
If you’ve worked multiple jobs, you might have more than one super fund and that means you’re paying multiple sets of fees.Use myGov to find and consolidate your accounts into one fund.
It’s a quick way to save on fees and boost your overall balance automatically.
8. Claim Tax Deductions for Personal Contributions
You can also make voluntary contributions and claim them as a tax deduction.These are called concessional contributions, and they’re taxed at just 15% inside your super.
To do this:
- Make a contribution to your fund.
- Submit a ‘Notice of Intent to Claim a Deduction’ form to your super fund.
- Claim the deduction when lodging your tax return.
This strategy is especially helpful if you have irregular income, bonuses, or capital gains you want to offset.
9. Check Your Insurance and Fees
Unnecessary insurance premiums or high admin fees can eat into your super balance.Review your statements regularly and cancel any cover you no longer need but make sure you’re still protected for essentials like income protection or TPD insurance if you’re still working.
10. Seek Professional Advice
Finally, if you’re asking, “How can I increase my super before retirement?”, the smartest move is to talk to a licensed financial adviser.
They can help you:
- Maximise tax benefits.
- Choose the right contribution strategy.
- Avoid breaching contribution caps.
- Create a personalised retirement projection.
Getting tailored advice can help you grow your super faster and retire with confidence.
FAQs:
1. What’s the best way to boost my super before retiring?
Salary sacrifice and after-tax contributions are two of the most effective strategies, especially if you’re in your 50s or early 60s.
2. Can I still contribute to super if I’m over 67?
Yes, as long as you meet the work test working at least 40 hours in 30 consecutive days during the financial year.
3. How much extra can I contribute without paying extra tax?
In 2025, you can make concessional contributions up to $30,000 per year and non-concessional contributions up to $120,000 per year.
4. Is it worth contributing more if I plan to retire soon?
Yes. Even in your final working years, extra contributions can grow quickly through compounding and reduce tax.
5. Should I switch to a growth or conservative fund before retirement?
It depends on your timeline and risk tolerance. Growth funds can earn higher returns if you have time, while conservative options protect capital for near-term access.
The Bottom Line
So, how can I increase my super before retirement?
Start now, even if retirement is only a few years away.
By combining salary sacrifice, personal contributions, fund reviews, and smart planning, you can significantly boost your balance and enjoy more freedom when you stop working.
At Wealthlab, we help Australians build strong, tax-efficient super strategies that make every dollar work harder before retirement.
Book a free consultation today to discover how to maximise your super and retire with confidence.
Learn More About Retirement & Superannuation
https://moneysmart.gov.au/grow-your-super/super-contributions
https://www.csc.gov.au/Members/News/2025-07-01-Super-changes-for-FY25-26-What-you-need-to-know