The best time to start planning for retirement is today.
About two-thirds of Australians retire earlier than they anticipated, this may be due to unexpected events such as job loss or redundancy, the need to care for a family member or sudden illness or injury.
Whether you’re in your 50s, 60s, or beyond, it’s never too late to take meaningful steps toward a more secure and fulfilling retirement.
The good news is that with the right guidance, you can still build a retirement plan that reflects your values, supports your lifestyle and offers peace of mind.
Where to begin
Before you make any changes, it’s important to understand your current financial position. This includes:
- your superannuation balance;
- other savings or investments;
- debts such as your mortgage, credit cards and personal loans; and
- expected retirement income sources including the Age Pension, rental income and part-time work.
Boost your super
Even if you’re starting later, there are ways to enhance your super growth using:
- Salary sacrifice: Contributing pre-tax income into super can reduce your taxable income while boosting your retirement savings.
- Personal contributions: You may be eligible for a tax deduction or government co-contribution depending on your income.
- Catch-up contributions: You may be eligible to add to your super however, it’s important to keep in mind that, depending on your position, there may be caps on contributions.
These strategies can be especially powerful in your 50s and 60s, when your income may be higher and retirement is approaching.
It’s also a good idea to regularly review your super investment options, risk tolerance, and time frame.
Reduce and clear your debt
If possible, getting your debt under control before you retire is a useful strategy.
You could consider using your superannuation, using other savings or downsizing your home to pay off a mortgage or other loans. Before doing so it’s essential to carefully check the tax impact, the effect on your super and whether any potential government benefits will be affected.
Reassess your lifestyle goals
Retirement isn’t just about money. It’s about how and where you want to live, how much travel you’d like to do, and whether you’d like to continue working part-time.
Clarifying your lifestyle goals helps shape your financial strategy. It also ensures your retirement plan reflects your values, not just your bank balance.
Determine how much you will really need
Aim to create a retirement budget. Estimate your future expenses, including housing, food, travel and healthcare and compare them to your expected income. This helps identify any shortfalls and guides your savings strategy.
You will also need to consider the amount of time you might spend in retirement. This will depend on when you retire (planned or unexpected) and how long you live. This is called longevity risk. As life expectancy is unpredictable, there is a possibility that your retirement savings may not last throughout retirement.
Understand your entitlements
Many Australians are eligible for government support in retirement, including:
- Age Pension: Based on income and assets, available from age 67 (for those born after 1957).
- Concession cards: For discounts on healthcare, transport and utilities.
- Rent assistance: If you’re renting privately and receive the Age Pension.
Even if you don’t qualify now, you may be able to restructure your finances to maximise future entitlements.
Review regularly and remain flexible
Retirement planning isn’t a one-time event. Life changes, and so should your strategy. Regular reviews help you:
- Adjust for market movements or legislative changes
- Update your goals and spending patterns
- Ensure your estate planning is current
Flexibility is key. Whether you retire gradually, take a sabbatical, or pivot to a new venture, your plan should evolve with you.
Next steps
Retirement planning is about taking the next step rather than chasing perfection. Whether you’re starting late or simply refining your strategy, every step you take now helps shape a more secure and meaningful future.
Remember that retirement isn’t an endpoint, it’s a new beginning, even if you retire earlier than you anticipated. With the right plan in place, you can navigate this next chapter with clarity, confidence and purpose.
If you want to discuss your retirement and navigate a lasting plan, speak with your trusted Nexia Adviser today.
