29 January 2026
With parents around the country sending their children back to school this week, data from super fund HESTA indicates there's one big question on their mind: ‘when can I retire?’
Over the past two years, HESTA digital data shows member activity using its Future Planner1 retirement tool spikes by more than 40% in late January and early February, just as the school year begins and the working year gathers pace.
The numbers match with Google Trends data showing searches for ‘how much do you need to retire’ surged as the school year began (Jan 26-Feb 1) last year. It was one of four spikes for the year, with jumps also seen in the Easter holidays, around the end of financial year in June and in the September school holidays.
HESTA CEO Debby Blakey said a break from work in January could often inspire dreams of an endless Summer in retirement, and there were many simple steps Australians could take to shorten their time until a comfortable retirement.
“We regularly see a jump in planning activity around this time of year after many members have enjoyed quality time with family and friends over the festive season – be it barbeques by the beach or relaxing by the pool,” Ms Blakey said.
“As Australians look ahead to the rest of the year, many ask one simple question: when can I retire?
“The reality is there is no better time than right now to take action on your super and it’s never too late to make a difference to your financial future. There are many small actions people can take to support their journey to a dignified retirement.”
Last year, in the first fortnight of the school year, activity on the $101 billion Fund’s digital retirement planning tool was more than 40% higher than both fortnights either side, and 38% above the annual average. The only fortnight that delivered similar levels of activity came around tax time, in the final two weeks of June.
Alongside outlining actions that can support preparedness for retirement, HESTA is releasing results of a survey of members that finds one in three say they check their balance irregularly2 (once a year or less). Around 11% said they either didn’t know when they last checked their balance or hadn’t checked in more than two years, while 43% said they were more likely to check super balances in times of market turbulence.
Ms Blakey said preparing for a comfortable retirement started with understanding the basics of your account, regardless of your age.
“It starts with knowing how much super you have, how much your employer is contributing, where it’s invested and how it’s grown over the long-term,” she said.
“For Australians that check their super only during market events, it raises the risk of making snap decisions that may lock in losses and miss out on eventual market recoveries.
“For those that can afford to, putting extra aside now can make a huge difference at retirement. Our modelling shows $10 a week extra could amount to tens of thousands of dollars at retirement for someone in their forties and hundreds of thousands for someone just joining the workforce.”
Just as many Aussie families set up their umbrellas on the beach for protection from the elements, Ms Blakey added a proper super health check also included preparation to help protect loved ones.
“Understanding whether you have a suitable level of insurance can make all the difference if somethings goes wrong, while ensuring you have a binding beneficiary nomination can provide confidence your money will go where you want it to and make things simpler for your loved ones at such a difficult time,” she said.
“While super and retirement can feel daunting at times, many funds – including HESTA – offer advice at no extra charge, which can support your unique journey3.”
Key tips include:
Scope out the surf: Check and consolidate
- Find your balance
- Check your employer is contributing the right amount
- Know how and where your super is invested
- Confirm your details are up to date
- Look for lost super and consolidate multiple accounts where suitable4
Top up your esky: Consider options to boost your savings
- Consider if tax-effective salary sacrifices or additional contributions with a government top-up are an option for you
- Use your fund’s planning tool to assess if you’re on track to retire your way
Set up your shade: Protect you and your family
- Check your insurance
- Nominate your beneficiaries
More information on super summer tips can be found here.
Ends.
1 Future Planner is the $101 billion Fund’s online super tool, which projects to retirement and provides options to grow super balances.
2 Based on responses of 599 members – survey conducted in September 2025.
3 Intra-fund advice.
4 Review any other benefits, such as insurance cover that you have through your other funds
About HESTA
HESTA is one of the largest superannuation funds dedicated to Australia’s health and community services sector. An industry fund that's run only to benefit members, HESTA now has more than one million members (around 80% of whom are women) and currently manages approximately $101 billion* in assets invested around the world.
*Information is current as at the date of issue.
