At a recent conference with international colleagues, I was explaining our superannuation system.

The contributions that are mandated for employers to contribute on behalf of their employees. The 15% tax rate on contributions and earnings. The fact that it turns to 0% in retirement.

The response I received was that ‘it sounds made up.’

If we weren’t so used to it, we would think it was too good to be true as well.

Take advantage of one of the best retirement systems in the world as early as possible and as efficiently as possible. Here are our best insights and resources for optimising your superannuation strategy.

Harness your superannuation

Super funds’ BIG problem (James Gruber): If you’re invested in an industry super funds, chances are that you’ve got a decent portion of your retirement savings in private equity. Large inflows into super funds are forcing them to invest in illiquid, unlisted assets, according to this investment industry executive. Learn more about why this may be a problem.

Never reviewed your super? Here are a few steps to get you started (Shani Jayamanne): If you’re reading this article, it’s likely that you’ve been investing for a little while. Many of us that invest have been asked at some point by friends and family how to get started, and super is a great place to make a large difference. This is a great article to send to someone looking to get started.

Super is not only for retirement (Graham Hand): Graham explores the situation that many Aussies have no intention of running down their super to $1 on the day that they die, and that it may be an integral part of estate planning. Shani Jayamanne has written on how super will be taxed when you die. On tax, Graham has also written on paying tax when you don’t have to in super.

Why you shouldn't wait until 35 to take your super seriously: A recent Rainmaker study concludes that the best time to start taking super seriously is in your mid-thirties. Shani Jayamanne doesn't agree. 

How much does it really cost to run an SMSF? (Shani Jayamanne) : The cost to run an SMSF is directly correlated to whether you should open one with the balance that you have. Before considering an SMSF, understand whether it makes sense from a cost perspective, and then from a maintenance perspective.

How an investment professional invests her super (Annika Bradley): One of the most common questions that we get is how and what do we invest in personally? Annika shares her approach and how investors should reflect on what works best for them. She has also taken a closer look at UniSuper and AustralianSuper – and how they stack up against each other.

How much do you need for a comfortable retirement? (Megal Neil): The cost of living is rising and this is no different in retirement. This article goes through the record amount that Aussie retirees need to fund a comfortable retirement – and this will be an input into retirement planning for all Australians.

Is contribution splitting a forgotten strategy ? (Meg Heffron): It's a surprise how rarely we see ‘spouse contribution splitting’ in SMSFs. This type of splitting is a special rule that effectively allows someone to ‘give’ some of their super contributions to their spouse.