Superannuation

[VanessaTony 3,567]

No unfortunately we all have to use the same one :-(

I'm relatively sure that's illegal actually, you are allowed to use whatever super fund you want. This link here: http://qsuper.qld.gov.au/document/FS06.pdf talks about leaving employment, and also discusses how you can transfer to any "qualifying super fund". All that means is an actual regisered superfund, not a bank account you set up to act like Super.

In the event you want to stick with QSuper, this here: http://qsuper.qld.gov.au/members/super/contributions/voluntary.aspx talks about the "voluntary payments" and you can indeed alter the voluntary payments. If you look at the form they link (here: http://qsuper.qld.gov.au/document/FO25.pdf) they actually mention that you should talk to your employer to change the super voluntary contribution amount. It also says: "Voluntary contributions, as the name suggests, are completely optional. There is no minimum.".

List of Super funds: www.selectingsuper.com.au/Provider_profiles.html

Here is the ATO info about choosing a fund: http://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/content.aspx?doc=/content/00105466.htm You can see that they mention that SOME employers pick the fund depending on State award or something, I would say this is you BUT it can't hurt to ask them if you can change your super fund, and if you can't, you can change it once you leave.

Hope that helps!! (at the very least you CAN change your voluntary payments.. make sure you show them the links above).

Edited October 8, 2011 by Vanessa&Tony

[Travis and Meghan 24]

I just have to say Vanessa, i really admire your ability to always research things so well, lol

[VanessaTony 3,567]

I just have to say Vanessa, i really admire your ability to always research things so well, lol

Lol thanks Some people say I ruin things (like researching urban legend jokes to see if they're real, or FB chain statuses) but I just like to know things. For instance, yesterday I was reading up on water softeners. I wasn't sure ours was working, didn't want to pay for a plumber if it was, so I found a manual online, I watched YouTube vids so I know how it's supposed to work, used the manual and YouTube knowledge to run tests (turn dials, move things) and now I can tell you it's working almost perfectly. I had to set the timer for my last test (automatic regeneration) so only time will tell on that one Great sense of accomplishment

I really wanna learn spanish though.. we have Rosetta Totale on my husbands computer, just need to get it on mine.

[Pamala Bull 4]

i was trying to get my super as i am permantly leaving the country so i called my super ( rest) and they told me this under legilation law or some ####### i cannot untill im 55 years old so it will just sit there and have fees put on to it until then, Evan if i become a US citizen i cannot withdrawl the money, its really stupid i mean that money would come in handy i have about 8,000 and been working since i was 17 now 23 and i could use that money to put a deposit on a house in USA. I guess i can understand why they will not let us withdrawl it cause we could come back and worth but i mean its gonna sit there for another 22 years!!! i see no point. And fiancial hardship you have to proove alot! to get that . ITs not so easy. My friend got half of his super cause he was unemployed for more than 6 months. So im not sure if that would come into it if i was unempoloyed IN USA for over 6 months.. Especilally in MICHIGAN when the unemployement rate is so high !

How would we prove hardship living in a different country???

Why did they have to change the law last year.. ?? i know people were taking advatage of it but really i aint coming back to AUS to work i will be coming back to visit family

[Travis and Meghan 24]

Lol thanks Some people say I ruin things (like researching urban legend jokes to see if they're real, or FB chain statuses) but I just like to know things. For instance, yesterday I was reading up on water softeners. I wasn't sure ours was working, didn't want to pay for a plumber if it was, so I found a manual online, I watched YouTube vids so I know how it's supposed to work, used the manual and YouTube knowledge to run tests (turn dials, move things) and now I can tell you it's working almost perfectly. I had to set the timer for my last test (automatic regeneration) so only time will tell on that one Great sense of accomplishment

I really wanna learn spanish though.. we have Rosetta Totale on my husbands computer, just need to get it on mine.

hahaha, oh wow, that's pretty damn impressive!

[Dave and Shannon 9]

im not too worried about my super... i looked into also and im earning more interest then getting charged fees so im happy its their.. but im also planning on moving back to aus in 5 or so years anyways so hopefully i can keep adding it in some how im with LGsuper...