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If you’ve hit your 40s, 50s, or even early 60s and are worried that your superannuation<\/a> balance isn’t where it should be, you are not alone.<\/p>\n Many Australians find themselves in the same position, juggling mortgages, family expenses, and day-to-day costs that take priority over long-term saving. But here’s the good news: it’s not too late to catch up on your retirement savings.<\/p>\n With some smart planning and consistent action, you can still make a huge difference to your financial future.<\/p>\n Know your target <\/p>\n Before you can catch up, you need to know what you’re aiming for.<\/p>\n According to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), a single person needs about $595,000 in super<\/a> to fund a comfortable retirement, while a couple needs around $690,000 combined.<\/p>\n If you’re currently well below those figures, don’t panic. Everyone’s situation is different, and super is just one part of the puzzle. Your home, investments, and even part-time work can all play a role in supporting your lifestyle.<\/p>\n Supercharge your contributions <\/p>\n One of the fastest ways to catch up is by making extra contributions into your super.<\/p>\n You can do this through concessional contributions, which are before-tax contributions (like salary sacrifice) capped at $30,000 per year. These can also lower your taxable income.<\/p>\n In addition, there are non-concessional contributions, which are after-tax payments up to $120,000 per year (or $360,000 using the three-year bring-forward rule).<\/p>\n