5 key things to check after receiving your annual statement

September 2026

Your annual statement isn't just a snapshot of your super over the past year—it's a chance to pause, take stock and make sure you're still on track for that glorious retirement.

While it can be tempting to file it away for later, spending a few minutes reviewing your statement now could help you feel more informed and confident about your future.

Here are five key things worth checking:

1. Check your balance and recent transactionst

Your annual statement shows your account balance and the contributions, if any, that have been paid into your account throughout the year.

Take a moment to check that employer and any personal contributions appear as expected. While your annual statement is a snapshot in time, keeping an eye on your contributions can help you understand how you're progressing towards your retirement goals.

2. Review your investment option

Your super is invested to help grow your savings over the long term, but the investment option that's right for you can change over time.

Your statement will show where your super is currently invested. Consider whether that option still aligns with your goals, investment timeframe and comfort with market ups and downs.

If you're unsure whether your current investment option is right for you, consider speaking with your financial adviser or exploring the guidance and support available through your fund, such as a financial coach. 

3. Make sure your insurance still meets your needs

Many super accounts include insurance cover.  Your annual statement can help you understand the cover you currently have and what it may provide if the unexpected happens.

Insurance can play an important role in helping protect you and your loved ones financially. But as your circumstances change, it's worth checking whether your cover still aligns with your needs.

 A new job, growing family, paying off a mortgage, or moving closer to retirement can all be good reasons to review your insurance cover, if you have it, and check whether it still aligns with your needs. It's also important to understand the cost of your cover and how insurance premiums may affect your super balance over time.

4. Check your beneficiaries 

Do you have a binding beneficiary nomination in place?

A valid binding beneficiary nomination tells your fund who you want your super benefit paid to when you pass away.

Life can change quickly, so it's important to review your nomination regularly and make sure it reflects your current circumstances and choice.

Events such as getting married, separating, having children or changes within your family may be reasons to review your nomination.

5. Think about your retirement goals

Retirement isn't a one-size-fits-all destination. An annual statement can be a good reminder to check in on your longer-term plans.

The lifestyle you imagine for yourself today may be different from what you pictured five or ten years ago. That's why it's important to check in on your goals from time to time.

Ask yourself:

• Has my ideal retirement changed?
• Am I saving enough for the lifestyle I want?
• Have there been changes in my circumstances that could affect my plans?

Even small steps today can help you feel more confident about your future.

How is your super tracking?

Your annual statement shows where you are today, but it's also worth considering where you're headed.

For eligible Plum Super members, the Personal Super Calculator can help you estimate your projected retirement balance and explore how different scenarios, such as making additional contributions or retiring at a different age, could affect your outcome.

It's a simple way to sense-check whether you're on track for the retirement lifestyle you want.

Try the Personal Super Calculator.

Need help making sense of it all?

If you're unsure about any aspect of your super, you don't have to work it out alone. Speak to your financial adviser or, if you don't have one, book a call with one of our financial coaches.

They can help you better understand your super and the choices available to you, giving you greater confidence about your retirement future.

Book a financial coaching appointment today

* If you log into your super account and cannot find the Personal Super Calculator it might be because you're not eligible to access this service. The eligibility conditions can be found under FAQs at https://www.plum.com.au/personal-super-calculator