Hi everyone, I’m after some direct, practical feedback from anyone who has used Choice Plus in their super. I’m 51, single, based in Sydney, and I like to take an active but not obsessive approach to my finances.
My current situation:
Age: 51
Super balance: will be approx. $1 million within the next 12 months and I expect to grow to about $1.7million over the next 10 years (depending on returns) - if I have my math's right :)
Outside super: ok savings buffer, an investment property
Goal: semi - retire ~55, then fully retire between 57-60.
Current super: Balanced fund in HostPlus Super and High Growth Indexed
Why I’m considering Choice Plus? (maybe it should also be an SMSF?): I’m interested in the potential to improve after-tax outcomes via franking credits and CGT treatment in pension phase.
Example future portfolio in Choice Plus:
Total allocation: $1m initially
ASX 200 ETF: ~$500k
International ETF : ~$350k
HostPlus Index High Growth: ~$190k (as Hostplus requires 20% to remain in a pooled option)
My assumptions and questions:
If I hold these investments long-term ( 9 years until I'm 60) and then shift to pension phase, future gains become tax-free — is this correct in practice under Choice Plus? I'm trying work out the benefits of tax drag effect, but it might be minimal since I'm only 9 years away from pension.
Franking credits: I understand these flow directly into the super fund to offset tax, and then into the pension account when in retirement phase, have you actually seen this play out clearly in your statements?
❓ Fees: How much are you really paying in trading costs and Choice Plus admin fees, especially if you only rebalance a couple of times per year?
❓ Actual value: After years of using Choice Plus, did it genuinely boost your balance versus sticking with pre-mixed indexed options? Or did it end up being more effort than return?
Final request: I’m looking for real-world, lived experience, especially from anyone who has managed a similar or larger balance over several years. Any figures (even approximate), lessons learned, or "things I wish I knew before starting" would be hugely appreciated.
Thanks so much in advance for sharing.
