Getting ready for the next chapter?
ESSSuper - 11 Oct 2024
If you're thinking about retirement in the next few years, now can be a good time to make a plan for your future.
Approaching retirement can be exciting – after all, you're getting ready for a new chapter in life. But it can also be a bit intimidating – will you have enough to live the life you want? How do you know if you're you making the right decisions now?
If you're starting to think about retirement, there are some simple steps you can take now to help ensure you're financially secure and prepared for what lies ahead.
Step 1: Picture your future
Defining your retirement goals will give you a clearer idea of how much money you'll need. What does retirement look like for you? Are you planning to pursue hobbies, volunteer, or focus on your family?
A vision of your retirement can help you plan for what you need. For instance, if travel is on your agenda, factor in these costs and see how they fit within your retirement budget.
Take a look at our information to get started.
Step 2: Give yourself a financial check-up
Think about where you're at now, and review your ESSSuper account balance and/or benefit estimate and projected retirement income.
You can see all your account details through our Members Online system at any time.
Step 3: Consider boosting your balance
If your super might not be enough to support the lifestyle you're picturing, this is the time to consider boosting your contributions.
There are a number of tax-effective ways to keep building your super balance.
If you have a defined benefit, you can update your contribution rate once every 12 months. Because of how defined benefits are calculated, your contribution rate could make a significant difference to your retirement.
If you have an Accumulation Plan, consider whether arrangements like salary sacrificing could help you meet your retirement goals.
Step 4: Check your investments
If you've got an account that's affected by investment returns (like an Accumulation Plan), do you know what you're invested in, and what investment options are available to you?
It's worth thinking about whether your investments match your goals, risk appetite, and timeframes.
Step 5: Get educated
There's lots to know about super, and one of the best ways to improve your understanding is to join us for an education event. Our Planning your retirement seminar is a great place to start. Topics covered include: super basics, how to enjoy a regular income after you retire, making your super last longer, protecting your loved ones with insurance through super, contribution splitting, salary sacrifice, Centrelink eligibility and entitlements, and much more! You can attend at a location near you, or online.
Reserve your place today
Step 6: Consider a transition to retirement strategy
An ESSSuper Working Income Stream can provide a simple source of regular income from your super, while you continue to work. Depending on your income, it can be a tax effective way to prepare, as combining an income stream with salary sacrificing may reduce the amount of tax you pay. Once you're over 60, your working income stream payments are tax-free.
Step 7: Talk to an expert
Navigating the complexities of retirement planning can be challenging, and there's no need to do it alone. Seeking professional financial advice can provide peace of mind and help you make the best decisions for your future.
Our Member Education Consultants (MECs) have specific expertise with the intricacies of your fund and can provide general advice about even the most complex questions you have about your super. For example, if you're thinking about a working income stream, an MEC appointment can be a great way to learn more about how these work.
For more personalised advice, you can also work with an ESSSuper Financial Adviser.* Financial advisers can consider your personal financial situation and objectives, and provide advice tailored to your circumstances.