How it all started

Words by Christina Hobbs, Verve Super co-founder

In 2018, Zoe, Alex, and I came together because we knew that it was time to build something bold and audacious: the first Australian superannuation fund to be founded by women, led by women, and tailored for women.

We felt an urgency to bring Verve to life because we were sick of the status quo: we had a 35% super gap between men and women, elderly Australian women retiring into poverty, and Big Banks and super funds plagued by scandals.

We wanted ethical, trustworthy, and supportive financial services for women, now. And we wanted the opportunity for women to control capital to invest in the more compassionate, sustainable, and healthy future we all want, now.

We wanted seats for women at the table. Our table.

Verve was founded with the knowledge that it’s not enough for individual women to succeed, but rather we must work together to redefine what economic success looks like, to ensure it’s sustainable, inclusive, and equitable for all.

Today Verve is a flourishing community of thousands of women joined by men and non-binary folk who identify with our mission. And now it’s the ideas and enthusiasm of our members that set the direction of where we go next.

So come join us.

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We’re backed by ethical finance heavyweights

Verve Super is partnered with an experienced ethical fund manager – Future Super Investment Services. Backed by their four decades of investment experience – managing over $1 billion in ethical financial assets. They’re focused on growing your financial wealth without compromising your values. Ever.

What our members say about Verve Super

★★★★★

"Being a part of this community is a vote for the world I want to live in. I'm so glad it exists."

by Carmen

★★★★★

"Never cared about super until I found Verve. Love what these women are all about. I know my money is invested in-line with my values."

by Gayertree

★★★★★

"I'd been putting off sorting my super for ages. Once I sat down to join Verve, it was so easy! It only took a few minutes to join and I got everything sorted."

by Anna

★★★★★

"I feel for the first time that I know what my money goals are and I can see the path to get there."

by Julie

Got questions?

Big questions, or small, we’ve got you covered. Get in touch via hello@vervesuper.com.au Prefer to chat? Call us on 1300 799 482

Can I choose my super fund?

Generally, your employer must make regular compulsory contributions to your superannuation fund, known as Superannuation Guarantee (SG) contributions. Most people can choose the super fund for these contributions; it’s called having a “Choice of Fund”.

If you haven’t exercised choice in the past, it’s possible that you might have had a new super account created for you each time you’ve joined a new employer, even if you already had an existing super account.

To stop the creation of multiple super accounts, the Government has introduced a system whereby your existing super fund (usually the fund with your most recent active super account) is ‘stapled’ to you when you change jobs. This means that when you start a new job, your employer will pay SG contributions to the same fund you had at your last job, unless you take action to make a change. Your employer will obtain information about your existing super fund from the ATO.

If you have never had a super account before you can choose one and provide your employer with the fund’s details in writing, this is called “exercising choice”. Otherwise, your employer will create an account for you with their default fund.

To request your employer to start paying SG contributions into your Verve Super account, you can simply provide the Choice of Super Fund form to your employer. We will give you this form when you set up your account. If you later change employers, your account with Verve Super should be your stapled account, however if you want to ensure your new employer contributes to your Verve Super account, you can simply email the form to your employer, reprint the form available online, or call us and we will send you a copy.

It’s important you take an interest in your super and help it grow into a healthy retirement nest egg. Further information on choice and stapling is available on the ATO’s website.

A small number of Australians who are under Enterprise Agreements are not eligible to choose their super fund. To find out if this is your situation, speak to your employer. Employers may agree to pay superannuation into your Verve Super account even if they don’t generally allow choice.

Is super an investment?

Yes, superannuation is an investment. The money in your super account is invested on your behalf, so it is important to make sure the way it is invested aligns with your values and long-term goals.

Some things to consider are: Does your super fund invest in things that go against your values? Is your fund transparent about what they are investing in? Is the risk profile suitable for your needs? Is your super fund achieving competitive long-term returns? Remember super is a long-term investment. The money in your account may be invested for 30 years or more.

What is superannuation?

Superannuation is a compulsory scheme, designed and regulated by the government to help you save for retirement.

Unlike a regular savings account, your superannuation is only accessible when you reach your preservation age and permanently retire from the workforce, or if you meet another specified condition of release.

In most cases, it is compulsory for your employer to make contributions to your superannuation account on your behalf. You can also make personal contributions to your superannuation account, if you choose to boost your savings or if you are self-employed. This money is then invested on your behalf by your super fund.

One of the benefits of super is that it is designed to be a tax-effective way to save for your retirement, as contributions and investment earnings in your super fund are typically taxed at a lower rate than your normal earnings.

How do I make a personal contribution to top up my super account?

To make additional contributions to your super account, simply use the information available in your online account and make the payment via BPAY. Our Member Engagement team can also provide you with your personal details.

An annual contribution cap applies to personal contributions, and if you breach this cap, you may be required to pay additional tax. For more information on contribution caps view the How Super Works Guide or visit the ATO’s website.

If you have any questions, please call 1300 799 482 or email hello@vervesuper.com.au.

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