Member Newsletter
Quarter 3 • 2026
Dear Member
Building your retirement savings takes many years. Protecting what you have already saved is just as important as continuing to save for the future.
In this newsletter, we focus on preservation and why keeping your retirement savings invested can help you build more over time. We also explain why you should think carefully before making a withdrawal from your savings pot, or taking your retirement savings in cash if you leave Woolworths.
Your 2026 Annual Benefit Statement has been released, giving you an opportunity to see how much you have saved for retirement and check important information about your benefits.
We also look at the Fund’s latest investment performance and why staying invested through changing market conditions matters. Our articles on China and diversification explain how events around the world can affect markets and how diversification helps the Fund manage change while looking for opportunities to grow your retirement savings.
Finally, remember to keep your personal details and beneficiary information up to date and make use of AF Connect to stay connected to your Fund.
In This Newsletter:
Preserve Your Retirement Savings
Your Fund’s Portfolio Performance
Your 2026 Annual Benefit Statement Has Been Sent
Keep Your Benefits Within Reach
Why China Matters to Global Markets
Diversification in a Changing World
Preserve Your Retirement Savings And Let Them Grow
What does preservation mean?
Preservation simply means keeping your retirement money invested for your future rather than spending it.
Think carefully before making a two-pot withdrawal
Although your savings pot gives you access to some of your retirement savings, try to avoid withdrawing money. Savings-pot withdrawals are subject to tax, applicable fees and the Fund’s rules and will reduce the amount available for retirement.
Preserve your savings when changing jobs
If you leave Woolworths, you will have a choice regarding what to do with your retirement savings. Taking cash from your retirement savings can be tempting, but you should avoid this, if you can.
Why does preservation matter?
Your savings can continue to grow. The longer your money stays invested, the more opportunity it has to grow.
You continue to benefit from compound interest. This is where the interest that you have earned gets added to your savings and your interest earns even more interest.
- You avoid spending the money that was meant for your retirement. It is difficult to replace this money.
You give yourself a better chance of having enough money once you retire.
Get advice before you withdraw
September is Preservation Coaching Month. Use this opportunity to understand your options and think carefully about your future.
Before accessing your retirement money, speak to a qualified financial adviser. They can explain your choices and help you understand how your decisions can affect your retirement.
PROTECT THE SAVINGS YOU HAVE WORKED HARD TO BUILD.
Keep them invested for YOUR future.
Speak to a qualified financial adviser
We recommend always getting financial advice from a qualified financial adviser to help you consider your options.
Contact the Alexforbes Individual Advice Centre (IAC):
- Call 0860 100 444
- Email iac@aforbes.com