A Super Confession

Hi Scott,

My husband and I have been with Christian Super Fund for the past 20 years. Today they sent us a letter saying that they’ve been underperforming and that we should change funds. My husband is 61 and I’m 59. We don’t have much super. Should we be worried about this?

Jenny

Hi Jenny,

So it’s confession time at Christian Super:

“Forgive me, member, for we have sinned … we have consistently underperformed other super funds.”

For background, earlier this year 13 super funds were named and shamed by the regulator. The Government then forced these dud funds to write a letter to their (combined 1.1 million) members and not only confess their sins but recommend they switch to a better product using the Government’s YourSuper comparison tool.

Can you imagine if you had to do this to your girlfriend?

“Jenny, it’s come to my attention that I’m a jerk. I’ve underperformed for so many years that I’m writing to you today to suggest you go on Tinder and find someone who can truly listen, get along with your mother, and meet your needs without being passive aggressive.”

Personally, as a strictly low-cost index fund investor, I have very little sympathy for super funds that underperform the benchmarks over the long term. Even so-called ethical funds like Christian Super. Fact is, there are low-cost index funds that will screen out unethical companies. Use them instead. Then donate the extra money you make to causes that you’re passionate about.

Scott.