Consultation and resource usage in retirement savings decisions: Australian evidence of systematic gender differences

Australian retirement savings funds are growing rapidly and fund members are assuming greater responsibility for their own savings. Individuals’ retirement savings decision processes have not been extensively researched, however, these decisions are significant not only for members but also for employers and government. This paper provides information on retirement savings in Australia and reports on a survey of members of a University superannuation fund who were recently asked to choose between a defined benefit scheme or one of four investment accumulation accounts. We explore gender differences in knowledge of superannuation and those consulted in making the decision.