Helping the kids without derailing your retirement plans
As parents, the instinct to support our children never truly fades, even when they become adults but when you are looking at giving them a financial helping hand there is a bit to consider.
It’s important to ensure any support you provide is not at the expense of your financial future. It can also be tricky knowing what form your support should take, in order to maximise the benefits for your kids.
Super vs property: what works for retirement income?
There is no debate that Australians love investing in property. The value of Australian residential real estate at the end of August 2024 was an estimated $10.95 trillion.i
Some love it so much that they believe property is a better option for providing a retirement income.
Is a retirement village right for you?
The retirement living sector is growing rapidly in Australia as the population ages and demand increases for a spot in a retirement village.
For many people, the idea of having someone on site to help with property and garden maintenance is enough for them to make what can be a major change later in life.
The Age Pension and your retirement plans
Most people intend to retire between ages 65 and 66, according to the latest data and, surprisingly, despite growing superannuation balances, the Age Pension is the main source of income for many retirees.i
How do retirement income options compare?
Retirement is filled with opportunities and choices. There’s the time to travel more, work on long-delayed personal projects or volunteer your help to worthwhile causes.
You also have a host of choices to make when it comes to funding your new life away from paid work. Here are four different options to consider.i
Spending your kids inheritance
Many Australians expect an inheritance, but their parents may have a different view.
Around one in two Australians have received or expect to inherit money or property, either from their parents or others.
That’s one of the key findings from Vanguard’s 2024 How Australia Retires research, but it shouldn’t come as a great surprise.
Thinking about retiring overseas?
Australia has become an increasingly expensive place to live, making the idea of retiring in a low-cost, overseas location more appealing.
In this article, we will explore the pros and cons and what you need to consider before making the move.
Living your best life in retirement
If you’re nearing retirement age, it’s likely you’re wondering if you will have enough saved to give up work and take it easy, particularly as cost-of-living increases hit some of the basic expenses such as energy, insurance, food and health costs.
Retirement income and tax
How much tax you pay on retirement income depends on your age and the type of income stream.
For most people, an income stream from superannuation will be tax-free from age 60.
Catch up on super to boost retirement savings
If you’ve had an irregular or interrupted income in the past, you might’ve missed out on opportunities to contribute to super. If you don’t fully utilise your concessional cap, and you’re eligible, you may be able to make ‘catch up’ on concessional contributions.
Returning to work after retirement
Employers are desperate for workers and cost of living pressures are making it tough to live on a pension. That’s a perfect mix of conditions to send some retirees back to work. But it’s smart to get good advice before you take the leap.
Plan to retire
Preparing to retire is emotional and practical. Making a retirement plan can help you manage your finances, and cope better as your life and priorities change.
Your retirement plan can be simple or detailed.
What does Retirement mean to you?
Retirement, for many, signifies the culmination of decades of hard work and the well-deserved opportunity to enjoy life on one's own terms.
It's a phase where the idea of flexibility takes centre stage, providing individuals with the freedom to dictate their daily schedule, engage in activities they love, and spend quality time with people they love.
The retirement index you need to track
The long-term returns of asset classes are a reference point for future retirees.
Vanguard’s inaugural How Australia Retires study, released in May 2023, found that people with the highest confidence about their future retirement tend to take the most purposeful action to prepare.
Do career breaks come with a retirement price tag?
More working-age Australians intend to take a career break at some point. We've calculated the potential impact of doing so on retirement superannuation balances.
Extended career breaks were once a rarity for most Australian workers but these days they are more common.
Retirement planning for small business owners
When you run your own business a good retirement plan can bring real peace of mind. Read more about your options - and why it's never too early to start.
When you’re busy running your own business retiring could be the last thing on your mind. But planning your retirement well in advance can make it easier to enjoy the future you want.
Australians need a retirement confidence boost
Giving Australians better access to high-quality and more affordable financial advice is imperative.
One of the fundamental principles for achieving long-term investment success is planning.
In fact, the importance of having a clear financial plan, whether it’s formal or informal, can’t be overstated. As is the importance of sticking to it.
Sowing the seeds for a happy retirement
The thought of retirement is an enticing one for many of us. Imagine throwing off the shackles of the workforce and being able to do whatever you want, whenever you want. But why wait until you are retired to do the things you love?
Flexing your retirement plans
The concept of retirement is changing, with fewer people working towards a final retirement date and then clocking off for good.
Instead, those who have the flexibility to choose are often transitioning out of the workforce over several years, or even returning after a break.
8 retirement mistakes and how to avoid them
Retirement is a phase of life most of us look forward to. It’s a chance to pursue other interests, travel and maybe do some part-time work or volunteering.
Thanks to more than 30 years of compulsory superannuation, we are retiring with more savings than previous generations but that also brings its challenges.