Plan your next step in life

Super News

As we reach our 50s and 60s, many people talk of the ‘countdown to retirement’. But it may be more useful to think of the ‘count up to a new stage in life’. And a little planning now, can result in a more successful transition.

Many members ask us when they should start planning for retirement. The answer is it’s never too early or too late to plan. Retirement is a whole new phase of life that will bring new experiences and challenges. So invest some time now to consider how you’ll face both the financial and social challenges that retirement may bring.

What will your life be like?

Often people feel a loss of identity when they stop work. Think about how you’ll handle the change. What will you do to stay active and involved? Staying connected and engaged with others is also important. Consider how you’ll meet these social challenges. One great way is to join clubs or establish networks with people of similar interests. What will you do to stay fit and healthy? Start now with regular physical exercise and a sensible diet. Keep your mind active and exercise it regularly with anything from crosswords to learning a new skill

Get your finances organised

Do you know how much super you’ve got and how much you’ll need? According to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia’s Retirement Standard, to have a ‘comfortable’ retirement, single people will need $545,000 in retirement savings, and couples will need $640,000. You can check your current super balance by visiting Members Online. Then use the online calculator to compare how much you have and how much you might need. And use the Lifetime Supermodeller to see how long your super may last.

In the years before you retire, try to minimise outgoings, so you can do more with your money. Pay off credit cards and other debts. If you’re still paying a mortgage, have you considered downsizing, either now or when you retire?

What about government assistance? 

The eligibility tests for the Age Pension and government concessions are complex, so it’s worthwhile familiarising yourself with the rules to see if you may qualify. To find out more, take a look at the Department of human Services website.

Take a big jump or small steps  

Of course, you may prefer to work part-time and ease into retirement using an ESSSuper Working Income Stream to supplement your income. When you turn 65 it becomes a Retirement Income Stream that’s like your own personal pension. Plus, it lets you stay with ESSSuper right through the transition from work into full retirement. 

If you’ve got more questions, you can attend one of our free seminars, or make an appointment with a Member Education Consultant. They’re the experts in your fund and there's no fee for their general advice. If you want advice specific to your personal financial situation, they can also refer you to one of our Financial Planners2

1. Super Guru- How much will I need?
2. ESSSuper Financial Planners are authorised representatives of Adviser Network Pty Ltd (Adviser Network). Adviser Network holds a current Australian Financial Services Licence No. 232729 and is responsible for the financial services provided to you. ESSSuper has an arrangement with Adviser Network Pty Ltd to provide financial advice to ESSSuper members. ESSSuper pays Adviser Network a fee for this service. Neither the Board, nor the Victorian Government, guarantee or endorse any recommendations made by Adviser Network, or are responsible for the advice and actions of Adviser Network.

The information contained in this article is of a general nature only. It should not be considered as a substitute for reading ESSSuper’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) that contains detailed information about ESSSuper products, services and features. Before making a decision about an ESSSuper product, you should consider the appropriateness of the product to your personal objectives, financial situation and needs. It may also be beneficial to seek professional advice from a licensed financial planner or adviser. An ESSSuper PDS is available on our website or by calling 1300 650 161. 


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Do something super for your spouse.

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