Retirement the top priority for advised clients A poll of financial advisers in the AMP network, the largest in Australia, has found that achieving a good retirement is by far the most important goal for their clients. Almost 50 per cent of advisers said their clients were focused on retirement, well ahead of other common goals for which people sought financial advice. The second top priority for clients, at 13 per cent, was simplifying …
Should I take my super as a lump sum? Taking your super as a lump sum might be tempting, but it won’t be the best option for everyone. You’ve probably spent much of your working life accumulating super. So, when the time comes and you’re able to access it, you might be wondering whether you’d be better off taking the money as a lump sum, income stream, or even a bit of both. To help you make …
The real cost of retirement When you’re looking at saving and planning for retirement, it’s important to know how much you can expect to be spending. The latest retirement standard figures and other data sources can give you an idea of the cost of retirement, but what else do you need to take into account to ensure your financial wellbeing? Running the numbers – the retirement standard Since June 2006, the Association of Superannuation Funds of …
Your retirement questions answered If you’re wondering what you might do with your super money when you do access it, remember there will be a number of things to weigh up and look into. How can I take my super? Taking super as a lump sum A lump sum could help you pay off your home loan or other outstanding debts, but there may be tax implications to consider and you should think about what …
Planning for a (much) longer life We generally need to make earnings from 40 to 50 years in the workforce extend across what could be 80 to 90 years of living. Australians today need to do something our parents and grandparents didn’t even think about – plan for a long life, and a new report shows the benefits of planning for longevity go beyond money matters. The gift of an extra decade Australians enjoy one of …
Is this your year to retire? If you’ve got retirement in your sights this year, we’ve got the ultimate checklist to help you retire in style. Discover how to prepare for this exciting new chapter in your life, safe in the knowledge that your finances will be taking care of you. 1. Explore your goals and make plans Enjoying retirement to the full isn’t just a matter of money. It’s just as important to have …
Can I put money into super when I’m 65 or over? If it’s a voluntary contribution, you’ll need to have worked for at least 40 hours within a 30-day period under work test requirements. If you’re 65 or over, you can continue to build your superannuation with compulsory employer contributions (such as Super Guarantee contributions your employer pays where you are eligible). However, if you’re making voluntary contributions, which you may do through salary sacrifice (which is …
Putting yourself first when planning for retirement You know when you’re on a plane about to take off and the cabin crew is demonstrating the safety procedures? They always say affix your own oxygen mask before trying to help anybody else attach theirs – children included. Research from the National Seniors Survey for 2017 has found that it is no longer a priority for many older Australians to leave an inheritance for their kids. With growing concerns …
Mini-retirement – where do I sign? Think a mini-retirement sounds like a pipe-dream? If you daydream about having the time and energy to get through your bucket list while you’re still young, it could be time for the blue-sky thinking and practical planning that can make it happen. A retirement shake-up? According to leading research agency McCrindle, adults from Generations Z and Alpha can expect to have 17 jobs, 15 homes and five careers in their lifetime[1]. …
Being prepared for aged care Aged care isn’t something most people want to think about when they’re planning for a life of freedom and comfort in retirement. But by taking the time to explore a few important issues and questions, you can get the best possible outcome if you should need support in later years. In a recent survey of more than 5000 older people in WA, only 12% of respondents have a plan in place …
