Geoff, age 36
Full-time: Researcher
All-the-time: Fisherman

With two boys under ten, Geoff is constantly run off his feet. To escape, every now and then he’ll take the family away camping. While the boys explore the bush, Geoff enjoys a spot of fishing. 

With a big mortgage and a young family, Geoff’s budget is a bit tight. He and his wife are always looking for ways to reduce their expenses. So when the opportunity to stop contributing to his super pops up, Geoff gives it some serious thought. But once he and his wife do the sums, Geoff decides to continue contributing at 5%. In fact, they’re now thinking that they will increase Geoff’s contributions to 10% next time he gets a pay rise.

The information in this case study is based on the assumptions we have stated below. Remember actual rates of return, inflation and wage growth may differ materially from the assumptions provided. Assumptions: Any change to the contribution rate was made on 1 July 2008. Average rate of return 7%, inflation rate 2.5%, real rate of return (adjusted for inflation) 4.5%, wage growth 4.5%. All figures are shown in today’s dollars. All contributions are made after-tax, and all benefits and pensions shown are before-tax. For more information about tax see the ‘Tax and your CSS benefit’ fact sheet at www.css.gov.au