Savings decisions examined

EDITH Cowan University finance and psychology researchers have embarked on one of the largest studies of superannuation to be undertaken in Australia.

The three-year study is aimed at gaining a better understanding of the retirement savings decisions of employees in employer-provided superannuation schemes.

It will involve an analysis of more than 1.5 million member accounts.

The study is being jointly funded by ECU and four industry partners – the Government Employees’ Superannuation Board, Health Employees Superannuation Trust of Australia, Superannuation Trust of Australia and UniSuper.

Research team member Dr Marilyn Clark-Murphy said: “There appears to be a gap between the government’s attempts to address the adequacy of retirement savings and the individual’s understanding of the provision being made for them”.