If you’re asking, “How much super should I have at 50?”, you’re not alone. Many Australians start seriously evaluating their retirement savings around this age and it’s a smart move. With around 10–17 years before you can access superannuation (generally from age 60), your current balance and future contributions will play a big role in shaping your retirement lifestyle.
How Much Super Should I Have? The General Rule of Thumb
According to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), a comfortable retirement requires about $595,000 for singles and $690,000 for couples in retirement savings by age 67.
By age 50, this means you should ideally be around 50–60% of the way there. That’s roughly:
- Singles: $297,500–$357,000
- Couples: $345,000–$414,000
If you’re ahead or behind these benchmarks, don’t panic there’s still time to improve your position with the right strategies.
Superannuation Targets by Age (for a Comfortable Retirement)
| Age | Recommended Super Balance |
|---|---|
| 30 | $54,000 |
| 40 | $143,000 |
| 50 | $257,000 |
| 60 | $430,000 |
| 67 | $595,000 (single) |
(Source: ASFA Retirement Standard)
If you’re ahead or behind this benchmark, don’t worry it’s never too late to improve your position.
Why Age 50 Is a Critical Planning Point
When considering how much super should I have at this age, it’s worth noting that many Australians at 50 have:
- Paid off a large part of their mortgage
- Fewer child-related expenses
- More disposable income to put towards super
- A clearer picture of their retirement lifestyle goals
This makes it the perfect time for strategic moves, such as:
- Salary sacrificing extra into super
- Consolidating multiple super accounts to reduce fees
- Reviewing your investment options for better returns
- Seeking professional financial advice
Much Super Should I Have if I’m Behind?
If your super balance is well below $257,000 at 50, you still have opportunities to catch up:
- Make additional contributions – Use salary sacrifice or after-tax (non-concessional) contributions.
- Cut unnecessary expenses – Redirect extra savings into your super.
- Review your investment mix – Avoid being too conservative; you still have time for moderate growth.
- Delay retirement slightly – Even 2–3 extra working years can significantly boost your balance.
Final Takeaway: Knowing how much super you should have at different ages is a powerful tool for planning. At 50, you have a valuable window of time to fine-tune your strategy and maximise your retirement income. The earlier you act, the better your chances of achieving a comfortable retirement.
Graphic :
This bar chart comparing super balances at 50 across three categories:
- On track (e.g., $250K–$270K)
- Behind (e.g., <$200K)
- Ahead (e.g., >$300K)
This makes it easy for readers to visually assess where they stand.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just About the Number
Yes, benchmarks matter. But your ideal super balance at 50 also depends on:
- Your desired retirement age
- Expected expenses (including home ownership status)
- Whether you plan to rely partially on the Age Pension
- Your health, lifestyle goals, and location
✅ How Wealthlab Can Help You Reach a More Abundant Retirement
Feeling uncertain about your super? You’re not alone and you’re not stuck. At Wealthlab, we help everyday Australians take control of their financial future by offering tailored strategies that work for your lifestyle and goals. Whether you’re just getting started or catching up at 50, we’ll help you build a plan that makes retirement not only possible but abundant.
Let’s turn your “Am I behind?” into “Here’s how I’ll get ahead.”
Book a consultation today and take the first step toward clarity and confidence.