Retirement marks a significant transition in life, combining emotional reflections and practical considerations. As you prepare to embark on this new chapter, a well-developed retirement plan can be your compass, helping you manage your finances and adapt gracefully to evolving priorities and circumstances. In this blog post, Aspire2 Wealth’s John Bartle walks you through the essential steps to prepare for a fulfilling retirement journey.
Developing Your Retirement Strategy
Your retirement plan will serve as the foundation for a smooth transition. Whether you opt for a simple outline or a detailed blueprint, consider including the following elements:
- Timing: Start with a preferred retirement age as a point of reference, even though this date may change over time due to various factors.
- Lifestyle and Priorities: List your key priorities – what is it that you want to achieve in retirement? This will vary, from staying socially active to maintaining an active lifestyle, deciding on work continuation or change, and even determining where you want to live in retirement.
- Income and Expenses: Estimate your daily living costs and create a budget to effectively allocate your resources. It’s important to understand your expected income sources and amounts. This is where a cash flow model can assist you in the transition to retirement.
- Future Planning: Boost your retirement income by considering increased contributions to your superannuation fund. Develop strategies to manage mortgage or debt payments and establish a financial buffer. Ensure your will and powers of attorney are current.
Determining Your Retirement Timeline
The age at which you retire is a highly personal decision influenced by factors like health, work prospects, financial stability, and personal circumstances. Consider whether retirement is on the horizon in a decade, within two to five years, or sooner. Discuss your retirement goals with close ones or seek professional financial advice to align your aspirations.
Evaluating Lifestyle and Priorities
Identifying your priorities is a pivotal step in the retirement planning process. Take time to consider aspects that matter most including:
- Living Expenses
- Social and Recreational Activities
- Health and Physical Well-being
- Community Engagement and Volunteering
- Preparing for Health Changes or Aged Care
- Supporting Family and Grandchildren
Transitioning Into Retirement
The concept of retirement is evolving, with various options for continuing to work in some capacity:
- Job Transition: Explore the opportunity to learn new skills or seek part-time work.
- Transition to Retirement: If you’ve met your preservation age, consider using some of your superannuation funds while still working.
- Work Bonus: For Age Pension recipients, a work bonus allows you to earn up to $300 per fortnight without affecting pension payments.
Considering Your Residence
Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, housing choices can influence your retirement plan:
- Homeowners: How can any remaining mortgage be eliminated
- How can downsizing assist you in retirement?
- Renters: Explore additional payments if you receive Centrelink support, checking your rent assistance eligibility.
Estimating Income and Living Costs
Retirement income depends on your lifestyle preferences and financial status. Most retirees rely on a combination of superannuation, investment assets and the Age Pension to meet their income needs in retirement.
Your retirement expenses encompass various categories:
- Housing
- Utilities
- Food
- Household
- Health and Leisure
- Transport
Using a budget planner will assist you to determine your living costs so that you can allocate funds accordingly.
Click here to book a no-obligation appointment with us.
Maximising Your Superannuation
It is important to understand what you are eligible to contribute to Superannuation, as well as how the Superannuation Tax rules can work in your favour.
Accessing your superannuation funds becomes possible once you reach your ‘preservation age’ (between 55 and 60). Choices for withdrawal include:
- Account-Based Pension
- Annuity
- Lump Sum
- Combinations
Part of the planning will incorporate how you can meet your income needs in retirement and also give you the confidence that your income needs into the future will also be met.
Claiming Government Assistance
Eligibility for government benefits, like the Age Pension, commences around age 67. These benefits include concessions, healthcare, and tax offsets. Careful planning can assist you in maximising what you are entitled to receive from Centrelink in your retirement.
Incorporating Savings and Investments
Potentially your retirement income will come from multiple sources, such as income generated by savings or investments, (like stocks or property), superannuation and from Centrelink. Ensure you understand the costs and tax implications of your assets, as well as the potential impact on government benefits.
Planning for the Future
Another important thing to do is ensure planning if something goes wrong. Ensure your Will & Enduring Power of Attorney are in place, and accurately reflect your wishes for who shares in your Estate. Also ensure that Superannuation or Account Based Pensions have Binding Death Benefit nominations in place as well.
In summary
Navigating the path to retirement requires a comprehensive approach that balances emotional fulfilment with pragmatic financial strategies. By meticulously crafting, and regularly revisiting your retirement plan with a financial advisor, you could be better equipped to embrace this new chapter with confidence and security. Remember, every individual’s journey is unique, so tailor your plan to align with your aspirations and circumstances.
Aspire2 is recognised as a leading Financial Advisory firm in Perth.
Financial planning can at times be stressful, complicated and time-consuming; but it doesn’t have to be.
At Aspire2 we aim to ‘Simplify What’s Possible’ and instil you with confidence to make the tough decisions.
