Choosing a Superannuation Fund With the multitude of superannuation funds available, choosing a super fund can be confusing and daunting if you are not quite sure what to look for. Here are some guidelines on what you may wish to consider when choosing a superannuation fund. Special Employer or Industry Benefits You may have reason to strongly consider a particular fund if you are able to get special benefits from being a member which you would not get with any other fund. This may be applicable to you if your employer has stated that the contribution made to a particular fund will be higher than others or if you are eligible to be a member of an industry specific super fund which provides better returns and lower fees. Insurance Different funds have different policies and restrictions when it comes to the provision of insurance (generally death or disability). While the costs for insurance as part of a super fund will usually be cheaper than if purchased independently, they must also be taken into consideration in terms of the effect they will have on the total fees and charges you will incur for being a member. Consider, as well, if the fund has made the insurance component optional as you may decide that you would prefer a reduction in fees without the benefit of insurance cover. Investment Strategy Choosing the investment right strategy can make a big difference to your final pay out at retirement. Most superannuation funds will offer you a choice of investment strategies including conservative and low-risk investments, higher-risk and growth options or anything in between with varying returns. Fees and Charges The fees and charges you incur for being a member of a superannuation fund will also have a significant bearing on your retirement benefits. Basically, you'll want these fees to be as low as possible. When comparing funds, find out about all significant fees and costs associated with the fund. This can usually be done by reading the Product Disclosure Statement which should be provided to you on request. As of the 1st of July 2005, all superannuation funds are required to disclose their applicable fees in a standard format and also provide an example of the calculation of these fees in their Product Disclosure Statement. Performance A more accurate reflection of a funds performance can be obtained by comparing its performance over a longer period of time. Generally speaking, a fund's performance should be gauged over a period of at least five years. Keep in mind that past performance will still probably not be a good indicator of how the fund will perform in the future. As such, it is suggested that you would best be served by selecting a fund with low fees and an investment strategy which suits you.