Updated on 11 April 2025
3 minute read
Ever wondered how to make your money work harder for you? That's where an investment profile comes in handy. It's like a roadmap for your money, helping you figure out the best way to invest based on who you are and what you want.
Think of it as your money personality. It looks at things like how much risk you're comfortable with, how much you can invest, and what you want to achieve with your money.
Your investment profile can help you choose the right mix of investments. It's all about making your money match your goals and comfort level. Understanding your personal investment profile can help you better manage your super.
Having an investment profile helps you avoid investments that might make you nervous, choose investments that fit your timeline, and stay on track to reach your money goals.
When thinking about your investment profile, consider:
Your timeline: when will you need the money?
Your goals: what are you saving for?
Your age: younger people often have more time to ride out market ups and downs.
Your risk appetite: how comfortable are you with big changes in the market?
Your risk appetite is how much ups and downs you can handle with your investments. To figure it out, ask yourself:
There's no right or wrong answer. It's all about what feels right for you.
Take our online quiz to get an idea of what type of investor you are, based on our 5 example types:
| Type | Goal | Suggested minimum investment timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Defensive | To ensure the security of your investments. | 2 years |
| Conservative | To have mostly stable returns in the short and medium term. | 3 years |
| Moderate | To generate wealth over the medium to long term, while having some protection from the ups and downs in the short term. | 5 years |
| Balanced | To produce returns that are ahead of inflation over the long term, while understanding that the value of your investments may fall in the short term. | 5 years |
| Growth | To produce strong returns which are well ahead of inflation over the long term, while understanding that your investments can have large falls in the short term. | 7 years |
Remember, your investment profile can change over time. It's a good idea to check in every now and then to make sure it still fits you.
Creating an investment profile is a smart step towards a brighter financial future. It helps you invest in a way that feels right for you and keeps you on track to reach your goals. There are plenty of other things you could do to work towards the retirement you want.
You can learn about the financial advice options that are available for you. And if you want to grow your knowledge, check out our Learn hub for articles, tools and podcasts to help you awaken your super.
As a member with us, you can get financial advice as part of your membership.1
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1. Sunsuper Financial Services Pty Ltd (ABN 50 087 154 818 AFSL No. 227867) (SFS) is a separate legal entity responsible for the financial services it provides. Eligibility conditions apply. Refer to the Financial Services Guide for more information.
