Two decades of compulsory super contributions have seen a steady rise in the average wage earner's balance – but how are Australia's significant minority of self-employed workers making out?

Are they stashing their own retirement savings apace – or are non-compulsory super contributions low down the priority list for many?

The flexiblility of being your own boss is great - but you must ensure your future is secured. Credit:Eve Fisher

In her case, something in between, says former flight attendant Clare Maxfield, who has run her own one-woman corporate image consultancy since the collapse of Ansett in 2001.

Aged in her late 40s, Maxfield makes irregular contributions to a self-managed super fund (SMSF) she shares with her partner.