Young educators are placing a higher priority on saving for retirement than buying a home, taking a dream holiday or starting a family, according to new research from NGS Super.
The study, which surveyed 496 Australian education workers aged between 18 and 35, found 79 per cent considered saving enough for retirement personally important, compared with 58 per cent who prioritised saving for a dream holiday, 55 per cent focused on a home deposit and 52 per cent who rated major life events such as a wedding or having a child as important.
Making ends meet remained the leading financial priority for young educators at 85 per cent, while 81 per cent said increasing their income was important. The findings suggested long-term financial security was becoming a greater focus despite ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
NGS Super chief executive officer Natalie Previtera said the results challenged assumptions that younger Australians were disengaged from retirement planning.
“It’s striking that young educators are placing more importance on retirement than on milestones that have traditionally defined financial progress, like buying a home or starting a family,” Previtera said.
“That suggests we’re seeing a shift in how younger Australians think about financial security – one that’s more long-term, but also more cautious.
“Planning for a comfortable retirement and living a full life shouldn’t be mutually exclusive. When people in their 20s and 30s are already thinking this way, it raises important questions about whether the system is giving them the confidence to pursue both.”
The research also indicated younger education workers were becoming more engaged with their superannuation, although knowledge gaps remained.
While 21 per cent of respondents knew their super balance to the nearest $1,000 and 44 per cent knew their approximate balance, 25 per cent had only a vague idea and 11 per cent had no idea what their balance was.
NGS Super certified financial planner Toby Perkins said engagement among younger members had increased in recent years.
“There’s a stronger understanding now among our younger members that super is their money, rather than something distant or abstract,” Perkins said.
Perkins said simple habits could help members improve their financial position over time.
“For many young educators, the focus will rightly be on day-to-day finances,” he said.
“But simple steps – like regularly engaging with your super and understanding how it’s working for you – can put you in a stronger position over time. That’s what helps people take control of their financial future and enjoy life, both before and after retirement.”
The research was commissioned by NGS Super and conducted by CoreData between October and November 2025. It examined the financial priorities, habits and preferences of education workers across government and non-government schools.
