Questions to Ask Before You Invest Your Retirement Savings
Last updated 12 May 2026 · General information only
You do not need to be an expert to have a good conversation about your money. You need a short list of clear questions and the confidence to keep asking until the answers make sense.
Questions about the product
What exactly am I buying, in one sentence? Where does my money actually go? How is the return generated? What would have to happen for me to lose money, and how much could I lose?
If an answer cannot be given in plain English, that is information in itself.
Questions about cost
What are all the fees, in dollars, in the first year and each year after? Are there entry, exit or performance fees? What is the total cost if I invest for ten years? Who else is paid when I invest — and how much?
Questions about access
When can I get my money back? Is there a lock-up period or notice period? What happens if I need funds early, and what would it cost me? Can payments be paused or reduced?
Questions about the people
Are you licensed, and what is your AFS licence or authorised representative number? How are you paid for this recommendation? Do you have any relationship with the product issuer? Can I see this in writing?
You can check a licence on the ASIC Financial Advisers Register before any money changes hands.
Warning signs
Pressure to decide today. Guaranteed or 'risk-free' high returns. Reluctance to put things in writing. Unsolicited contact about an opportunity you never asked about. Requests to move money quickly to a new account.
None of these are proof of a problem, but each is a reason to slow down and get a second opinion.
Frequently asked questions
Is it rude to ask how someone is paid?
No. It is a standard question and any licensed professional should answer it clearly and in writing.
How do I check someone is licensed?
ASIC maintains a public Financial Advisers Register and a professional registers search. Both are free to use.
How long should I take to decide?
As long as you need. A legitimate opportunity will still be there after you have read the documents and slept on it.