Highlights
- There are changes in super contributions beginning July 1 this year.
- Be mindful of your super by checking your employer contributes and making sure your salary excludes it.
- You can top up your super.
'May PERAan' is SBS Filipino's new podcast series which features financial experts seeking to answer the most common questions about money and finances.
"40 is the new 20! You're looking at 20-30 years of working life; so yes, you can catch up," finance expert Michelle Baltazar shares, adding, "What's important is to have the right attitude and to upgrade your skills so you have more opportunity for career growth."
What is superannuation?
According to Michelle, superannuation began in the 1900s as a political policy to help people retire. By 1991, the policy became law, with every employer obligated to contribute 3% of the equivalent of their staff's salary to their super.
"Here we are in 2021 and super is at 9.5% which is good because people have a larger amount in their retirement savings," she shares.
How will super change beginning July 1?
Beginning July 1, 9.5% will increase by 0.5%.
"Every year for the next five years, super will increase by 0.5% until contributions made by employers reach 12%.
"My hot tip is to make sure that if you're negotiating your salary, check if it includes or excludes super. No laws are breached if super is included in your salary, so u have to look at your contract closely."
How can I increase the amount in my super?
"Aside from making sure your boss contributes to your super every month, you can do your own top ups. Make it a habit since unlike your bank savings, you can't withdraw from it until you're 65," she advises.
Michelle says that if you make the maximum contribution to super, your tax goes down to 7%.
"Make sure you have a plan. Super will help with your retirement. Stay positive!"
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Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. For specific financial advice, you should consider seeking independent legal, financial, taxation or other advice to check how the information here relates to your unique circumstances.
