Net benefit in super is one of the most important factors to look at. Many Australian super funds will claim to be a top performing fund with excellent returns, but if those above-average returns are being eaten away by high fees and charges, then the net benefit might not actually be so great. It's also important to look at net benefit over time, since this can change as your super balance increases. You might find that a low-fee fund with a good performance record is actually better for you than a top performing fund whose high fees erode those returns.

Our detailed, independent super fund comparison tool lets you compare the 7 Industry SuperFunds against more than 60 Australian retail funds and products. In addition to weighing up investment performance and fees, the tool also provides a comparison of insurance products, member services, admin and governance. The data is all provided by the independent company, SuperRatings.

When comparing data from funds, it's important to ensure that:

• Performance data is for the same time period across all funds, for example data varies significantly depending on which month in the year the data ends.
• Fees and charges include indirect costs such as some investment management costs. As your balance rises these can become the main costs.
• The investment options fit with your risk appetite and investment preferences (e.g. environmental/social sustainability, direct choice investing, pre-selected mix, high growth etc)
• The funds' member services, products and administration meet your needs.
• Our Compare the Pair tool helps you to compare Industry SuperFunds' performance against retail funds.

If you're nearing retirement, then the best super fund for you may be very different from someone mid-career. You'll need to look at the pension side of the fund (also known as income stream), and see if it offers the options and products you want, for example do you want to leap into retirement or just transition gradually?

Insurance isn't normally offered as part of retirement accounts, and different funds offer insurance up to different ages in their super accounts. If you still want insurance as you retire, be sure to make that comparison as well.

Once you've found the right retirement fund for you, remember to make any final contributions before you retire.

You can find links to more information about retirement accounts at each of the Industry SuperFunds here.

Seek out expert superannuation advice at each stage in life. Getting professional guidance is always the best start to any superannuation strategy, and should help you get a better pension income in retirement. See our tips for choosing an advisor, or contact one of the Industry SuperFunds and request a callback.