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15 July 2025
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More Australians are moving away from the dream of early retirement with pre-retirees planning to work longer after the age of 67, according to our new report ‘Retirement: The now and the then’ which was developed in conjunction with independent research firm, MYMAVINS.
The research was undertaken to help financial planners better understand their clients’ views on retirement and their main drivers of life satisfaction. It also looks at the evolving role of the financial planner and implications for service offerings, advice processes and portfolio construction decisions.
Importantly, in this report we've reversed the perspective to see things from the retiree’s point of view and better understand the real emotional drivers of a successful retirement.
Excellent. Was well worth taking the time to read it. [From an early retiree].
I found the comment from BeenThereB4 very good reading and absolutely correct! Our SMSF is overweight good quality fully franked Australian Shares. Having worked in a minor capacity in stockbroking, I'm comfortable with equities, rebalancing, investing for the long term to fully fund our retirement. My husband "retired" at 66 and does understand how our "buckets' and Investment Strategy work, but I primarily do the legwork. There is no "one size fits all" for people, and no get rich quick scheme on our radar, but, whilst our auditor would probably prefer to see a greater spread, she can't overlook our solid returns and cash buffer. I guess that comes back to being comfortable with what you know, knowing how much that comfort costs to maintain, and that you always have prudent plans to manage risks.
I am a stockbroker in my 70's. I have been advising clients for many years, with many clients in SMSFs. Whilst clients were in pre-retirement, I focused on building up member balances such that come the day they move to pension phase, they have a bigger nest-egg ... certainly not brain surgery. According to the financial planner mantra, my clients are overweight leading Australian shares (that pay franked divis), and they do not have "balanced" portfolios that feature some international shares, some domestic and some international fixed interest ... you know, the usual banquet meal. Whilst a small number of my clients are HNW, most retire with portfolios with value $1-to-3 million, and with a 4-to-4.5% dividend yield, this generates adequate income to meet routine spending. As they get older, a minority are dipping into the capital of the fund. The biggest issue that I encounter is a lot of otherwise sensible people are just not "engaged" with financial matters. So, typically one of a couple passes away (the person who manages the dosh), and the surviving partner is all at sea with the "estate". The survivor doesn't really read / understand the 100-page Financial Plan, and is not in to "buckets" and asset allocation vocabulary. I found the FIL paper very interesting, but still some distance away from that part of the real world I see.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers aims to tackle tax reform but faces challenges. Previous reviews struggled due to political sensitivities, highlighting the need for comprehensive and politically feasible change.
You've no doubt heard about Division 296. These case studies show what people at various levels above the $3 million threshold might need to pay the ATO, with examples ranging from under $500 to more than $35,000.
The $3m super tax could be put down to the Government needing money and the wealthy being easy targets. It’s deeper than that though and this looks at the factors behind the policy and why more taxes on the wealthy are coming.
The super tax has caused an almighty scuffle, but for SMSFs impacted by the proposed tax, a big question remains: what should they do now? Here are ideas for those wanting to withdraw money from their SMSF.
Business investment and per capita GDP have languished over the past decade and the Labor Government is conducting inquiries to find out why. Franking credits should be part of the debate about our stalling economy.
With Div. 296 looming, is there a smarter way to tax superannuation? This proposes a fairer, income-linked alternative that respects compounding, ensures predictability, and avoids taxing unrealised capital gains.
There are many ways to invest in stocks, but some strategies are more effective than others. Here are nine tried and tested investment approaches - choosing one of these can improve your chances of reaching your financial goals.
The $3 million super tax has many rethinking their super strategies, especially issues of wealth transfer on death. This reviews the taxes on super benefits and offers investment alternatives.
Markets are reassessing the impact of AI, with initial euphoria giving way to growing scepticism. This shift is evident in the performance of ASX-listed AI beneficiaries, creating potential opportunities.
Concerns over the US fiscal position seem to have overtaken geopolitics and interest rates as the biggest tailwind for gold prices. Even if a debt crisis doesn't seem likely, there could be more support on the way.
With further RBA rate cuts forecast this year, small caps may be key beneficiaries. There are quality small cap LICs and LITs trading at discounts to net assets, offering opportunities for astute investors.
Forget speculation about a future US-China conflict - it's already happening. Through cyberwarfare and propaganda, China is waging a grey war designed to weaken democracies without firing a single shot.