The short answer? You absolutely can.
The long one? “Financial advice” can mean a few different things when it comes to your super.
Maybe you’re wondering whether to switch investment options, consolidate old super accounts, make extra contributions or participate in the First Home Super Saver (FHSS) scheme. Or perhaps retirement is on the horizon and you’re trying to work out how your super fits alongside your other savings and investments.
The kind of help you need depends on the question you’re trying to answer. Some support is purely educational. Other advice is personalised to your circumstances. Knowing the difference can help you get the guidance you need, without paying for advice that’s broader than necessary.
The four types of super advice
| Type | Best for | What it won’t cover |
| General information | Learning how super works | Recommendations based on your personal circumstances |
| Intra-fund advice | Decisions about your current super fund | Your wider financial situation |
| Single-issue advice | Help with one important financial decision | A complete financial plan |
| Comprehensive financial advice | Looking at your finances as a whole | Usually more than you need for a simple question |
1. General information
If you’re new to super (or simply brushing up on super basics), general information is often the best place to start. It explains how things work without recommending what you should do. That might include:
- How super contributions work
- The different super investment options available
- Insurance through super
- How retirement income works
General information can help you understand your choices, but it won’t tell you which option is right for you.
For example, you might read about the difference between a Growth and Balanced investment option. The information can explain the pros and cons of each, but it won’t recommend one based on your age, goals or appetite for risk. Think of it as building your financial knowledge before making a decision.
2. Intra-fund advice
If your question is specifically about your current super account, your fund may be able to help.
This is known as intra-fund advice. Unlike general information, it’s personal advice, meaning it takes your circumstances into account. That said, it’s limited to matters relating to your membership with that super fund.
An adviser from your fund might help you:
- Choose between the fund’s investment options
- Review your insurance cover
- Decide whether changing your contribution strategy makes sense
- Understand the retirement products offered by the fund
What they generally won’t do is look at your broader financial situation. Things like your mortgage, investments outside super, cash flow, tax planning or estate planning usually sit outside the scope of intra-fund advice.
For plenty of people, that’s enough. If your question is only about your existing super account, there’s often no need to pay for broader financial advice.
3. Single-issue financial advice
Sometimes one financial decision can have bigger consequences than it first appears.
Maybe you’re thinking about:
- Consolidating multiple super accounts
- Starting salary sacrifice contributions
- Planning to buy a home and considering the FHSS scheme
- Deciding when to access your super in retirement
- Reviewing your insurance arrangements
Each of these decisions can affect your retirement savings, tax position or insurance cover. That’s where single-issue advice can be valuable. Rather than reviewing every aspect of your finances, an adviser focuses on helping you make one specific decision.
It’s often a good middle ground if your question is more personal than your super fund can answer, but you don’t need a comprehensive financial plan.
4. Comprehensive financial advice
Sometimes your super is only one piece of a much bigger puzzle. You might be planning for retirement with your partner, deciding how to invest outside super, managing debt or working out the most tax-effective way to build wealth over the long term. In these situations, looking at one decision in isolation doesn’t always make sense.
Comprehensive financial advice considers how everything fits together, including:
- Your super
- Investments
- Savings goals
- Property ownership
- Retirement income
- Tax strategies
- Cash flow
- Insurance
- Estate planning
Because it’s the broadest form of advice, it’s usually the most expensive. But if your financial decisions are interconnected, it can provide a roadmap that’s difficult to achieve by looking at each issue separately.
Where can you get financial advice about your super?
If you’re looking for help with your super, there are a few places you can start.
Many super funds offer educational resources for members, including articles, webinars and in-person or online seminars. These sessions typically provide general information about topics like investing through super, making additional contributions and preparing for retirement. They’re designed to help you understand your options, rather than recommend what’s right for your individual circumstances.
If your situation is more complex, your super fund may also be able to connect you with a licensed financial adviser. This may be an adviser employed by the fund or someone from an external advice partner. They can provide more tailored advice that considers your broader financial circumstances, although there could be additional costs involved.
You can also choose your own licensed financial adviser independently, rather than going through your super fund. If you do, it’s worth checking ASIC’s Financial Advisers Register to confirm they’re licensed or authorised to provide financial advice. Australia has strict rules around who can dispense financial advice, and the register allows you to check a provider’s experience, qualifications and areas of expertise, including super.
How much does super advice cost?
The cost depends on the type of advice you’re after.
General information is usually free.
Some super funds include intra-fund advice as part of your membership, although it’s worth checking exactly what’s covered. While you may not pay a separate fee, the service is often funded through the fees paid by members.
If you need personalised advice beyond that, you’ll typically pay either:
- A one-off fee for advice on a specific issue, or
- An ongoing fee if you’re receiving regular financial advice
The more complex your situation, the more time an adviser is likely to spend preparing recommendations, and the more advice is likely to cost.
Can financial advice fees come out of your super?
Sometimes. If the advice relates to your super and meets the relevant legal requirements, it may be possible to have the fee deducted directly from your super account.
Before agreeing to this, it’s worth asking:
- Can this fee legally be paid from my super?
- What advice does the fee cover?
- Does any part of the advice relate to matters outside my super?
Understanding exactly what you’re paying for can help you decide whether it’s the right option.
How do you know which type of advice you need?
A few simple questions can help narrow it down. Ask yourself:
- Am I trying to understand how super works or decide what’s right for me specifically?
- Is my question only about my current super fund?
- Does this decision affect other parts of my finances?
- Would getting it wrong have long-term consequences?
- Am I looking for help with one decision or an ongoing financial plan?
The answers will usually point you towards the level of advice that’s most appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
Is advice from my super fund free?
Not always. Some funds include certain advice services as part of your membership, while others charge separately. It’s worth checking what’s included before booking an appointment.
Do I need comprehensive financial advice?
It really depends on your situation, but often you don’t. If you have one specific question – such as choosing an investment option or deciding whether to consolidate your super – you may only need general information, intra-fund advice or single-issue advice.
How do I know if a financial adviser is legitimate?
ASIC’s Financial Advisers Register lets you check whether an adviser is licensed or authorised to provide financial advice, as well as where they work and the areas they’re qualified to advise on.
This article is general information only and doesn’t consider your personal circumstances. It isn’t financial or tax advice — for guidance on your own situation, speak with a licensed financial adviser or registered tax agent.
