Money magazine editor Effie Zahos.

One less beer could make that more than $35,000, an extra meal at home each month might work out to $38,000, and giving up that manicure could leave you with more than $44,000 extra in the future.

That’s the simple message from Bauer’s Money magazine, which has partnered with the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) to launch a superannuation “pledge drive”, encouraging Aussie workers to top up their super.

Super Booster Day, which runs from July 7 to September 15, is particularly targeted at women, around 90 per cent of whom retire without adequate savings to live comfortably in retirement.

In order to achieve a comfortable standard of living in retirement, an individual requires a minimum balance of around $545,000 and a couple around $645,000.

Currently less than 20 per cent of single people and 30 per cent of couples aged over 65 are able to reach that level. Only 7 per cent of Australian employees currently make additional payments into their superannuation.

ASFA chief executive Pauline Vamos said women had a much bigger challenge in saving for their future. “It’s important that women take the simple steps to help boost their super,” she said.

“This will help them catch up on the savings they may have missed, for example when taking time out to have a family.”

Money magazine editor Effie Zahos said for a 35-year-old, adding just $10 a week to your super can boost your future wealth by $35,333. “Small amounts can make a big difference,” she said.

“With a shortfall of nearly $25,000 a year between the full age pension and what it costs for

couples to have a comfortable lifestyle in retirement, it’s time to take control today and reap the massive benefits of boosting your super now.”

Bauer Media push the message across its men’s and women’s magazines. The campaign is supported by commercial partners AMP, ANZ, BT, MLC, QSuper, REST, Sunsuper and UniSuper.

Ms Zahos denied the push was a response to the government’s controversial planned changes to superannuation, which imposed retrospective contribution limits and higher taxes on wealthy Australians.

The changes angered business and many Coalition supporters, raising fears for the integrity of the superannuation system and letting the genie out of the bottle for future retrospective changes and tax grabs.

“Let’s not get caught up in all the hype,” she said. “I can understand where that’s coming from, but you find me a better investment scheme we’re you’re taxed at 15 per cent.

“The fact is it’s still the most tax effective investment vehicle out there.

“I am cynical — there’s no guarantee they won’t tinker with it more. Am I building all my wealth in super? No, and no one should. But there is a sweet spot.”