Our Methodology
super·saver uses publicly available APRA data and ASIC-approved projection methods to calculate retirement balances, fee impacts, and contribution strategies. Here is exactly how every number is calculated.
1. Data Source
All superannuation product data is sourced from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) Quarterly Superannuation Product Statistics (QSPS). This covers all APRA-regulated superannuation products including MySuper, Choice, and Defined Benefit products.
Additional data comes from the Comprehensive Product Performance Package (CPPP), published annually in August, which provides pre-calculated fee and return metrics at standard balance levels ($10K, $25K, $50K, $100K, $250K).
APRA data is available under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0). © Australian Prudential Regulation Authority.
2. Update Frequency
APRA publishes QSPS data quarterly, approximately three months after each quarter end. Our database updates align with these publication cycles: January, April, July, and October. Performance test results are published annually in August.
3. Projection Method
Retirement balance projections use a year-by-year iterative accumulation model that complies with ASIC Regulatory Guide 276 (September 2024 edition). For each year from the current age to retirement age, the model calculates:
1. Employer SG contribution = salary × SG rate (12%)
2. Net concessional contribution = min(SG + salary sacrifice, $30,000 cap) × (1 − 15% contributions tax)
3. Investment earnings = (opening balance + half of contributions) × gross return × (1 − earnings tax)
4. Fees = opening balance × (admin fee% + investment fee%) + fixed admin fee
5. Closing balance = opening + net contributions + net earnings − fees − insurance
Mid-year contribution timing is used (contributions assumed received halfway through the year). All results are displayed in today’s dollars by deflating the nominal balance at the wage growth rate (3.7% p.a.), as mandated by ASIC Instrument 2022/603.
4. Default Assumptions (ASIC RG 276)
All default assumptions are user-adjustable in the calculator interface. Defaults are sourced from ASIC RG 276 (September 2024 edition) and the 2023 Intergenerational Report:
| Parameter | Default | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Wage inflation (deflator) | 3.7% p.a. | 2023 Intergenerational Report |
| CPI inflation | 2.5% p.a. | RBA target midpoint |
| Superannuation Guarantee | 12% | Legislated final rate (1 July 2025) |
| Retirement age | 67 | Age Pension qualification age |
| Contributions tax | 15% | Statutory rate |
| Earnings tax | 15% (effective ~12%) | Statutory; blended approximation |
| Concessional cap | $30,000 | 2025-26 financial year |
| Non-concessional cap | $120,000 | 2025-26 financial year |
| Results display | Today's dollars | Mandatory under Instrument 2022/603 |
5. Fee Calculation
Total annual fees consist of an administration fee (percentage of balance plus any fixed dollar amount) and an investment fee (percentage of balance). Both are deducted from the balance at the end of each projection year. Transaction costs are excluded from the default model but may be included when fund-specific APRA data is available.
The Fee Impact Calculator shows how the difference between two fee rates compounds over time. Both scenarios use the same contribution and return assumptions — only the fee rate differs — to isolate the impact of fees on the final balance.
6. Retirement Income Estimate
The retirement income estimate uses Schedule 7 minimum drawdown rates to model annual withdrawals from the super balance in pension phase. A simplified Age Pension assets test determines eligibility and estimated payment. The model uses a pension phase return rate (default 5% nominal) and deflates at CPI (2.5%) for real-dollar display.
This is a highly simplified estimate. Actual Age Pension eligibility depends on the income test, assets test (including non-super assets), residency requirements, and relationship status. The model does not account for transition-to-retirement strategies, account-based pension rules, or social security interactions.
7. Limitations
All projections use simplifying assumptions: constant fee rates, constant investment returns, steady wage growth, and mid-year contribution timing. Real outcomes will differ due to market volatility, fee changes, career breaks, salary fluctuations, and legislative changes.
The model does not account for: self-managed super funds (SMSFs), defined benefit schemes (other than listing them), transition-to-retirement strategies, pension phase dynamics beyond the simplified estimate, property or direct investments within super, or insurance premium drag unless the user specifies a premium amount.
APRA data has a quarterly publication lag (~3 months after quarter end). Fee and return data may be pending for some products — these are marked “Data pending APRA update” in the interface.
8. Regulatory Compliance
super·saver operates within ASIC’s factual information boundary. It does not hold an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) and does not provide personal or general financial advice.
Calculator methodology aligns with ASIC Regulatory Guide 276 (September 2024 edition) and relies on the calculator relief provided by ASIC Corporations (Superannuation Calculators and Retirement Estimates) Instrument 2022/603. All assumptions are user-adjustable. No specific financial product is promoted or recommended.
Data attribution: © Australian Prudential Regulation Authority. Default assumptions sourced from the 2023 Intergenerational Report (wage inflation) and Reserve Bank of Australia (CPI target). Superannuation Guarantee rates per the Treasury Laws Amendment (Your Future, Your Super) Act 2021.