Investment basics

Understanding the basics of investing can help you maximise your super - one of the most important investments you will make. It's also a long term investment which means planning is important.

To get the most from your super you need to understand the basics, develop a long term plan and monitor its progress ensuring you adapt your plan as your circumstances change.

Understanding the basics

Investing is not as complex as you think. Once you understand what makes up an investment and a few simple investment principles you're well on the way to making a plan.

Types of assets

There are two major types of assets that make up the building blocks of an investment:

• Growth assets - including shares and property earn income from dividends or rental income and increase in value through capital growth
• Financial assets - including fixed interest and cash, earn returns primarily from interest.

More information of asset types

Understanding risk

There are significant risks associated with investing and your super. These can include inflation risk, market risk, currency risk and more. We've prepared a summary of the different types of risks to help you understand the risks you may need to consider in your investment strategy.

More information on understanding risk

Get started with a 5 step plan

In just 5 simple steps you could be well on the way to getting your super strategy sorted. It's never too early to plan a strategy, the key is to ensure you monitor its progress and review it on a regular basis to ensure it is on track to meet your needs and is adapted if your circumstances change.

More information on starting a 5 step plan

Seek financial advice

While it's great to research and improve your own knowledge of super and investments, nothing beats the advice from an expert financial adviser to make sure you're on the right track to a successful investment. Telstra Super members can get expert advice at no additional cost from Telstra Super Financial Planning Pty Ltd.

Even if you are already under advice from your own financial planner, it never hurts to get a second opinion against which you can compare your existing advice.

To make an appointment call Telstra Super on 1300 033 166 or request an appointment online.

Investment Guide For more detailed information on investment basics and Telstra Super's investment options download our Investment Guide (2.95mb).