The Real Cost of Motherhood on Your Super: What Every Woman Should Know

⚠️ Any advice provided through our communications and platforms is general financial advice only and has not considered your individual objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consequently, before you decide to act on any of the information provided, it’s important for you to evaluate its appropriateness for your personal circumstances. 

Motherhood is a beautiful, life-altering journey. It’s filled with love, sacrifice, and growth. But there’s one cost that often goes unnoticed—until it’s too late. It’s not the sleepless nights or the endless laundry. It’s the financial toll on your superannuation.

In Australia, the average woman can lose over $47,000 in retirement savings simply because she became a mother. That’s not just a number—it’s a wake-up call.

Why Motherhood Impacts Your Super

Let’s break it down. The superannuation system is built around continuous paid employment. But motherhood often interrupts that rhythm:

1. Career breaks: Many women take time off to care for children, which means months or years without employer super contributions.

2. Part-time work: Returning to work often means reduced hours, and therefore reduced income—and reduced super.

3. Unpaid caregiving: Even when not formally employed, mothers contribute immense value. But the system doesn’t reward unpaid labor.

4. Parental leave gaps: Shockingly, most employers in Australia don’t pay super during parental leave. That’s a huge, missed opportunity for compounding growth.

These factors combine to create a significant gap in retirement savings. And because super grows over decades, even small interruptions early on can snowball into tens of thousands lost by retirement.

What You Can Do: Smart Strategies to Reclaim Your Super 

Here’s the empowering part: you’re not powerless. There are smart, accessible strategies that can help you close the gap and take control of your financial future. 

1. Salary Sacrifice: Consider contributing a portion of your pre-tax income into your super. Even small amounts can make a big difference over time, thanks to compound interest and tax benefits.

2. Spouse Contributions: If your partner is working full-time, they can make contributions to your super and potentially receive a tax offset. It’s a way to share the financial load and support your long-term security. 

3. Catch-Up Contributions: If you’ve had low or no contributions in previous years, you may be eligible to make catch-up payments. This is especially useful if you return to work and have the capacity to boost your super. 

4. Government Co-Contributions: If your income is below a certain threshold, the government may match your contributions up to a limit. It’s free money—don’t leave it on the table. 

   
   

   

   
   

How Prosper Financial Planning Can Help

At Prosper Financial Planning, we understand that motherhood isn’t just a personal journey—it’s a financial one too. We work with women to create tailored super strategies that reflect your lifestyle, your goals, and your pace.

Whether you’re planning for parental leave, returning to work, or simply want to future-proof your finances, we’re here with warmth, clarity, and modern confidence.

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all advice. We believe in you—your values, your ambitions, and your right to a secure retirement.

Ready to Take Control?

If this resonates with you, congratulations—you’re already on the path to empowerment. And we’re just one message away.

Follow us for more smart, stylish insights into financial wellness. Or reach out directly to start a conversation about your super strategy. Because motherhood should never mean compromising your future.

Sources:

The state of women’s wealth in Australia