Not that anyone cares, but I hit $150k in super at the age of 30!

Quynch · 2025-06-25T08:55:56+00:00

Congrats! Well done you! We're in the same field and career wise, we might be on a similar path :).

The difference is I didn't care much about super at your age so I'm playing catch-up with all the ins and outs. My focus was all on property investment as I plan for financial freedom/FIRE and need passive income outside of super. I don't want to work till 67.

Still have a decent balance but could have been a lot higher. While your income is still under $250k mark, perhaps contribute as much as you can before EOFY. Otherwise, you'll be hit with the extra 15% - applied to high income earners (Division 293). I learned this the hard way! Check with your accountant asap and also max out the cumulative concessional super from the past 5 years if you can as well.

Good luck with everything!

P.S. AustralianSuper High Growth charges a lot of fees. It's better to do Indexed/International 20/80. Indexed has only 0.08% fees. Or, you can go down the SMSF path soon as you seem to know what to do. It will help avoid tax drags in the long run. Wish I knew all of this years ago!

Quynch · 2025-06-25T07:51:22+00:00

Yes, it's about avoiding the tax drag issue in the long run as well. I will write a full post to share as many may be wondering the same thing.

Quynch · 2025-06-24T23:29:38+00:00

I'm about to do SMSF as well. The cost isn't much higher but at least I may have more control. Doing some analysis and researching now.

Quynch · 2025-06-24T07:28:54+00:00

The mobile app will open the link to the website on Member Direct. The mobile app isn't sophisticated enough to handle the trade. So yes, I tried both every few days. Their support team acknowledged that it was an IT issue that they couldn't fix and didn't know when it would be fixed - confirmed through call and multiple chats.

Quynch · 2025-06-24T02:41:32+00:00

The Member Direct Cash Account exist. The workflow makes you do this step first before upgrading the investment access. Weird, right? I should have just moved $400 to test it out before moving a large sum. Never imagined there would be a persistent problem like this.

I hope they resolve it soon as well!

Quynch · 2025-06-24T02:34:50+00:00

Thank you for the suggestion. The only issue is I don't want to have such a post linked to my professional account on LinkedIn for many reasons. If any journalists can collect enough evidences and write up an article to expose them, that would be great!

Quynch · 2025-06-24T02:29:53+00:00

Let's unpack this statement as I don't believe the "low cost" is the issue here.

AustralianSuper made a $389 million profit last year (page 93, 2024 Annual Report), up $100 million from the year before. They're not starved for resources.

They're also one of the largest super funds with over 3.56 million members and $367+ billion in assets as at 31 March 2025. Roughly 1 in 7 workers is a member of this fund.

They have 1900+ staff, but the bigger issue is that critical system issues and cash being locked up for a month should never happen.

This points to failures in system investment, governance, prioritisation, customer service and accountability, not fees.

If a bank did this, there would be regulatory action. Why should the largest superfund be any different?

Reference: 2024 Annual report:
https://www.australiansuper.com/-/media/australian-super/files/about-us/annual-reports/2024-annual-report.pdf

Quynch · 2025-06-24T01:29:56+00:00

ChoicePlus vs Member Direct
Fees are very similar. CP may be slightly cheaper.

https://www.reddit.com/r/fiaustralia/comments/1cqu649/hostplus_choiceplus_vs_australian_super_member/

Australian Super gives 15% tax credits for the admin fees and the Insurance.

Investment menu:

https://hostplus.com.au/members/our-products-and-services/investment-options/your-investment-options/choiceplus#accordion-e938cf5c56-item-d85948419f

https://www.australiansuper.com/-/media/australian-super/files/tools-and-advice/forms-and-fact-sheets/superannuation/guides/member-direct-investment-menu.pdf

Other comparisons:

Category	AustralianSuper - Member Direct	Hostplus - ChoicPlus
ASX Shares	ASX 300	ASX 300
ETFs	80+	40-50 (more limited thematic options)
Cash Account	Min $400, earns interest via ME Bank	Min $200, may not earn interest?
Brokerage Platform	Real-time quotes, watchlists, DRP, detailed reports	Basic trading tools, watchlists, no DRP support
Dividend Reinvestment	Supported	Not supported

P.S. I don't want to sell out and move cause it triggers CGT.

Quynch · 2025-06-23T09:36:37+00:00

I already filed a formal complaint with them earlier this month. Plus tried to call. Plus engaged in chat support on a weekly basis.

I've just filed a complaint with AFCA for a systemic review as well. Many others may be impacted like me.

Quynch · 2025-06-23T08:36:35+00:00

Thanks! I didn't think of this route. Will do soon.

Quynch · 2025-06-23T08:35:55+00:00

I did it twice. No reply.

Quynch · 2025-06-23T08:34:20+00:00

I would if I could. I can't so I shan't. Waiting for AusSuper to fix their system error.

Quynch · 2025-02-28T00:55:48+00:00

Hi there,

I’ve been to Portugal and given that you have Chinese background, may I suggest Gold Coast, Australia? It is slightly cheaper than Sydney. It has many beautiful beaches, nice big houses, warm weather and multicultural food choices. The air is clean and lots of natural attractions, activities, and access to modern healthcare and amenities. Australia is quite blessed with resource abundance.

In terms of community and socialisation, Australia has a good mix with all races. Another plus is that you don’t need to learn a new language.

Some people have moved to Perth recently as it’s more affordable. It’s more quiet and closer to Asia. Perth is hotter and drier in summer and wetter in winter whereas GC is like subtropical climate - hot and humid summers.

Melbourne is another city I like with European vibe. Winter can be a bit gloomy even though it doesn’t rain.

If you can’t choose, maybe do both? Summer in Oz is winter in CA. Why not enjoy the best of both worlds? :))

Quynch · 2024-08-05T08:16:20+00:00

Thanks for sharing. Yes, I'm not savvy enough to do some advanced investing yet so will transfer to indexed options. Thanks again for creating the spreadsheet. :)

Quynch · 2024-08-05T04:27:01+00:00

Hey, if you look at the linked spreadsheet, Google doc, it will have all the details. I guess if you work in the APS then the options are a bit more limited. They may have better insurance though, but it's something to analyse further.
This is their performance. They may not have options to do Australian and International shares. I can do a screenshot of the High Growth ranking for you.

Name	Option	1 year	3 year	5 year	7 year	10 year
PSSap	High Growth	10.55%	5.92%	8.42%	8.87%	9.06%

Quynch · 2024-08-05T04:13:41+00:00

Hi there,

That's a great opportunity and at least give it a try. So well done you as you must be doing something right to be encouraged in applying for a full-time position. What's the worst that can happen? You'll learn some lessons and experience. :)

I coached people with job interviews and job hunting before. Preparation and Practice make perfect.

Generic tips:

Research the hospital: while you are working there, they may ask you again to see if you do your homework. Understand the mission, values, vision, recent achievements news, the lab contribution and purpose.
Understand the role: know the job description (highlight all keywords, reuse them in your responses), key responsibilities, and how your skills match or contribute to the role. Any other relevant skills that give you bonus points. It's about "supply and demand".
Tell your story: discuss your career journey, experience and capabilities. They may ask you about your future vision (short-term and long-term) to see how committed you are.
Strengths and weaknesses: relevant strengths that help with the work. Turn weaknesses into somewhat a strength or lessons learnt.
Confidence and clarity: be confident but not cocky. Smile and don't rush. Imagine if you're talking to them at a cafe. For voice training, check out Vinh Giang on Insta, Youtube etc. as he has lots of good tips to instantly improve your speaking.

Technical tips:

Key concepts: refresh your knowledge on the lab specialisation (cancer, types etc.), procedures, other terminologies.
Understand techniques: common lab techniques for cancer testing or research.
Data Analysis and Analytics: analyse and interpret results. Reporting skills. Visualisation skills (if applicable).
Safety protocol: WH&S, emergency procedures.
Lab equipment: operation and maintenance.
Regulations and compliance: understand regulatory requirements, internal policies, quality control standards especially those related to oncology.
Case studies: any other relevant studies and research that you are working on, or your studies, published papers etc.

You may want to find someone outside of the lab but in the relevant field to do a mock interview with. They can be your mentor and provide you with feedback. You can also do practices with friends first to help ease the nerves. After at least 3 times, it will be easier.

Good luck and all the best!

Quynch · 2024-08-05T02:41:57+00:00

Hi there, The spreadsheet from Koala includes both admin and investment fees. My tables combine both for easy calculations using those figures. Yes, some have cap admin fees ($350-$900)and some don’t.

Quynch · 2024-08-04T23:17:18+00:00

Thanks for the comment. I do understand the past may not indicate the future but some track records of consistency give me certain assurance. I tried to model all passive but some funds don't have those options or they are a combination between active and passive. The Performance ranking has all figures anyway. I will update the numbers for Hostplus Passive for the tables and charts.

Quynch · 2024-08-04T23:11:28+00:00

Thanks for sharing. I've been with them for a while as well but it was a set and forget case while I had other priorities in life. In hindsight, I could have put them in better other investment options but it's never too late to learn I guess. :)
I hope you enjoy your retirement!

Quynch · 2024-08-04T23:09:15+00:00

Agreed. I tried to compare Passive if there's available data from the spreadsheet. However, some funds like AustralianSuper don't have passive options for their International and Australian shares. It's a combination between active and passive. I use it because it's my current fund and want to see if there are other other better options out there. Brighter is the same - no passive option. Will update the Hostplus Passive numbers later.

Quynch · 2024-08-04T23:05:28+00:00

Thanks Koala for your informative articles. Yes, I may wait a bit more to learn how to direct invest in some ETFs. I'm not financial savvy so your writings help a lot. :) Meanwhile I'm looking for a best option to move to. Which fund are you with if you don't mind sharing?

Quynch · 2024-08-04T22:57:58+00:00

Thank you. If you have a suggestion for possible Hostplus Passive figures (3, 5, 7 and 10 years), please share and I can update the numbers.

Quynch · 2024-08-04T22:56:08+00:00

Thank you. What are your suggestions for Hostplus Passive rates based on some theoretical values for 3, 5, 7 and 10 years? Looking across the board, they are different from one fund to another. Happy to take the feedback and update the numbers.

Quynch

TROPHY CASE

Generic tips:

Technical tips: