Downsizing – is it right for you?

  Downsizing – is it right for you? If you are heading towards retirement, or perhaps already in it, downsizing may have crossed your mind. And you might have some questions – does it make sense financially? Is a smaller home better suited to my situation? At first glance, it would seem that downsizing is a popular choice amongst older Australians. However recent research (Downsizers and Other Movers – The Housing Options Choices and Dilemmas …

Living longer, living well

  Living longer, living well A century ago few Australians lived long enough to enjoy a life after work.i These days, the average retiree can look forward to almost two decades of travelling, playing with the grandkids and generally enjoying life. In fact, a baby born today can expect to live to 91 if it is a boy and 93 if it is a girl. According to the latest government figures, the number of Australians aged …

Achieving a comfortable retirement

  Achieving a comfortable retirement Many women dream of a retirement where they can kick back and relax, do whatever they like and be free from the demands of others – actually focusing on caring for themselves. But this step often means being free from financial worries or concerns and for a large proportion of women, the prospect of a comfortable retirement can seem elusive. Especially when you do the sums. The latest Intergenerational Report …

The Road Next Travelled

The Road Next Travelled Episode 1: Ray Martin shares his own road next travelled, a passion far away from the TV cameras. Life coach Joanna Maxwell reveals the secret to a successful change of career later in life. We hear wise words around funding the next part of your life from Nicolette Rubinsztein General Manager for Retirement, Colonial First State. We also meet our three contestants for the first time and hear what they hope …

How to keep SMILE-ing in retirement

How to keep SMILE-ing in retirement If you’re crunching the numbers to work out how much you need in retirement, it’s time to sit down and take a deep breath… The latest Retirement Standard from the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia estimates that people retiring today, who are in good health and own their own home outright, will need $430,000 if single and $510,000 for a couple to maintain a comfortable standard of living …

AMP NATSEM Income & Wealth Report

AMP NATSEM Income & Wealth Report We can work it out: Australia’s changing workforce In recent years we’ve experienced a global recession that’s changed the global labour force with industries closing down, job lay-offs and increasing unemployment. On top of that, in Australia we’ve experienced significant structural and technological change that’s seen us move from an agricultural based economy to being services based. The recently released 36th AMP.NATSEM report takes a look at the current …