Women and Money | Oracle Advisory Group

As the world celebrates International Women’s Day and all that women have achieved, it’s a good opportunity to take stock. Women have undoubtedly come a long way in terms of workplace participation, equal pay, and financial independence, but there is still some way to go.

These days, women make up almost half the workforce although 43 per cent work part-time. Women also make up over half of university enrolments (58.4%), but on graduation they earn $5,000 less than similarly qualified men.

By the time retirement comes around, women face a triple whammy. Not only are women likely to earn less than men and take time out of the workforce to care for children, but they can also expect to live longer than men, so their retirement savings need to stretch further.the first time the car is both held and used is on or after 1 July 2022.

Watch the gap

It is astounding that in 2023, the gender pay gap still exists in Australian and compared to other countries we are showing poor results. The projections show that its likely to take another 26 years to close the gender pay gap – a very disappointing statistic to swallow.

The Albanese Labour Government recently announced they will be delivering on an election commitment to help close the gender pay gap at work. The bill is aiming to fast-track the progress and the proposed changes will be a key steppingstone to achieving company transparency and accountability.

The bill will publish gender pay gaps of employers with 100 or more workers – a key reform to drive transparency and action towards closing the gender pay gap. Reporting will begin in 2024, using data already provided by employers. Companies’ gender pay gaps are to be published on the Workplace Gender Equality Agency website, for all to see – so be sure to watch that space and check where your employer sits.

Pay transparency provides knowledge and proof for workers to spot when pay discrimination is occurring. When you can see that you’re not being paid fairly, having that data freely available means that you and your colleagues can back yourselves when negotiating for pay rises and fair wages.

The Statistics

The average superannuation balance for a woman at the time of retirement is 52.8% less than for a man. Women also make up 55.6% of people receiving the pension. One in four women retire with no super at all and more than 80 per cent retire with inadequate savings to fund a comfortable lifestyle.

According to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), single retirees need an annual income of $43,787 to live comfortably, while couples need $61,786. This is considerably more than the Age Pension, which currently pays around $24,000 a year for singles and $36,000 for couples.

This gap is particularly significant for single women who don’t have the added safety net of a partner’s super. On average women live longer than men so they have to stretch a smaller amount of super longer.

So how can women close the gap?

Practice money mindfulness

The single most important thing women, or men for that matter, can do to improve their financial wellbeing is to pay attention. Look online or for books about personal finance, investing and super. Also understand what your employer should be contributing to your super and how your money is invested.

People who have limited experience with investing often feel too embarrassed to ask questions, but there is no such thing as a stupid question. So, talk to us about strategies such as the following to help you get ahead.

Start building your nest egg early

Even small amounts saved early in your working life can make a big difference in the long run, thanks to the magic of compound interest. When your budget allows or you receive a windfall, put some savings to work in super.

This is even more important if you are planning to take time out of the workforce to have children, study, or travel. While you are working full time and have disposable income, consider making voluntary tax-deductible contributions up to $27,500 a year (including your employer’s Super Guarantee payments). You can also make after-tax contributions of up to $110,000 a year.

Individuals returning to the workforce after a break may also be able to make catch-up super contributions. If eligible, you could carry forward unused amounts of your annual $25,000 tax-deductible limit for up to five years.

A sacrifice that pays

If your salary and financial goals permit, you could talk to your employer about directing some of your pre-tax salary into super. These ‘salary sacrifice’ contributions are taxed at the concessional superannuation rate of 15% instead of your marginal tax rate (30 per cent if you earn more than $250,000).

Earnings on your savings inside super are taxed at 15% but remember to keep an eye on your $25,000 contribution cap which includes your employer’s Super Guarantee payments.

Work as a team

If you are on a low income or not working, perhaps your partner could give your super a boost. If your income is $37,000 or less, your other half may be eligible to contribute up to $3,000 to your super and receive an 18 per cent tax offset of up to $540. The offset gradually reduces and phases out completely once your income reaches $40,000.

Choose your super with care

It’s generally preferable to have just one super fund because multiple accounts can be difficult to keep track of and cost you unnecessary fees. Therefore, consider consolidating your super accounts after researching the market to see which fund, and which investment mix, best suits your needs.

Don’t hesitate and get in contact with our team of professional women, they seek to help all women in need today and to stop the financial inequality for those just starting out.

We work closely with women by providing financial education and guidance to assist women to gain financial independence.

Important information – Oracle Advisory Group makes no representation or warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of any statement in it including, without limitation, any forecasts. The information in this document is general information only and is not based on the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular investor. An investor should, before making any investment decisions, consider the appropriateness of the information in this document, and seek their own professional advice. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The information provided in the document is current as the time of publication.

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