Hazel Bateman, Jeanette Deetlefs, Isabella Dobrescu, Ben Newell, Andreas Ortmann and Susan Thorp

Low levels of non-default decision making among superannuation members in Australia are assumed to be evidence of a lack of interest and capability.

Using member records and survey data from a large Australian superannuation fund, we test the relationship between attitudes towards retirement savings and observable levels of non-default activities (such as making voluntary contributions, choosing or changing investment options and changing insurance cover).