Chris

We’ve just wrapped up the most challenging Financial Year in our living memory. However, I believe such upheaval brings opportunities to learn from the past 12 months as we shape and strengthen our financial futures.

So as we move forward, the question confronting all of us is how do we make the most of the recovery?

In this edition of Achieve we look at how you can get your super in shape and working harder for you. With this in mind, there are three areas I’d like you to focus on:

  • Get your insurance cover right

    Despite the fact that almost every working Australian has a level of life insurance cover within their super, Australia has proven to be one of the most underinsured nations in the developed world*. What is your current insurance situation? Read the article to see how you can get the right level of cover through your super.


  • Understand what amount is adequate to live off in retirement

    According to national figures released by the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), a couple looking to achieve a "comfortable" lifestyle in retirement needs to spend $50,771 a year **. What contribution strategies do you have in place to ensure you have enough for your retirement? Read the feature article to find a training plan that can help you reach your retirement goals.


  • Stick to your long-term strategy and don’t let market volatility sway you

    Since the lows in mid-March, Australian and global sharemarkets have gained more than 45% and 57% respectively ***. So those patient investors who stuck to their long-term investment strategy have been rewarded.
    View the latest performance figures.


While things may still seem a bit daunting, focusing on the above will help put you in a solid position to move forward and turn to the opportunities ahead.

I hope you enjoy this issue of Achieve.

Chris Corneil





Chris Corneil
Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand
Russell Investments




* ASFA/Westpac Retirement Income Report, December 2008
**Westpac-ASFA Retirement Standard March Quarter 2009
***S&P/ASX 300 Accumulation Index ($AUD) and MSCI World Net Dividends Reinvested Accumulation Index ($USD) 9 March -31 August 2009