Register For Our Mailing List

Register to receive our free weekly newsletter including editorials.

Retirement: The now and the then

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.

Download the full report

3 Comments
Dinah
February 10, 2022

Excellent. Was well worth taking the time to read it. [From an early retiree].

June
February 09, 2022

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.

BeenThereB4
February 09, 2022

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.

 

Leave a Comment:

banner

Most viewed in recent weeks

Which generation had it toughest?

Each generation believes its economic challenges were uniquely tough - but what does the data say? A closer look reveals a more nuanced, complex story behind the generational hardship debate. 

100 Aussies: seven charts on who earns, pays, and owns

The Labor government is talking up tax reform to lift Australia’s ailing economic growth. Before any changes are made, it’s important to know who pays tax, who owns assets, and how much people have in their super for retirement.

The best way to get rich and retire early

This goes through the different options including shares, property and business ownership and declares a winner, as well as outlining the mindset needed to earn enough to never have to work again.

Maybe it’s time to consider taxing the family home

Australia could unlock smarter investment and greater equity by reforming housing tax concessions. Rethinking exemptions on the family home could benefit most Australians, especially renters and owners of modest homes.

A perfect storm for housing affordability in Australia

Everyone has a theory as to why housing in Australia is so expensive. There are a lot of different factors at play, from skewed migration patterns to banking trends and housing's status as a national obsession.

Chinese steel - building a Sydney Harbour Bridge every 10 minutes

China's steel production, equivalent to building one Sydney Harbour Bridge every 10 minutes, has driven Australia's economic growth. With China's slowdown, what does this mean for Australia's economy and investments?

Latest Updates

Economy

The ‘priced out generation’ and what they should do about it

A fiery interview on housing exposed deep generational divides, sparking youth outrage and political backlash. As homeownership drifts out of reach, young Australians face a choice: fight the system - or redefine success.

Taxation

Maybe it’s time to consider taxing the family home

Australia could unlock smarter investment and greater equity by reforming housing tax concessions. Rethinking exemptions on the family home could benefit most Australians, especially renters and owners of modest homes.

Superannuation

Meg on SMSFs: Ageing and its financial challenges

Ageing SMSF members can face issues funding their pension income as cash reserves dwindle. Potential solutions include involving adult children in contributions to secure future financial stability.

Economy

US earnings season was almost too good to be true

The second quarter US earnings season has wrapped up, with a record 82% of S&P 500 firms beating earnings estimates. As tailwinds fade, Q3 may reveal whether AI momentum can offset rising economic headwinds. 

Gold

Does gold still deserve a place in a diversified portfolio?

9,000 years and no devaluations later, gold is the world’s most enduring store of value. It remains attractive as the value of several paper currencies, including the US dollar, are threatened by deficits and rising debt.

Shares

Checking in on the equity market's silent engine

Consumer spending directly impacts corporate earnings, sector performance and market sentiment. The latest data from different economies uncover risks and pockets of opportunity for investors.

Fixed interest

6 key themes driving bond markets

The Fed could soon be prompted to join other central banks in cutting interest rates. This would have ripple effects across global fixed income markets and provide an especially attractive backdrop for emerging market bonds.

Sponsors

Alliances

© 2025 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer
The data, research and opinions provided here are for information purposes; are not an offer to buy or sell a security; and are not warranted to be correct, complete or accurate. Morningstar, its affiliates, and third-party content providers are not responsible for any investment decisions, damages or losses resulting from, or related to, the data and analyses or their use. To the extent any content is general advice, it has been prepared for clients of Morningstar Australasia Pty Ltd (ABN: 95 090 665 544, AFSL: 240892), without reference to your financial objectives, situation or needs. For more information refer to our Financial Services Guide. You should consider the advice in light of these matters and if applicable, the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before making any decision to invest. Past performance does not necessarily indicate a financial product’s future performance. To obtain advice tailored to your situation, contact a professional financial adviser. Articles are current as at date of publication.
This website contains information and opinions provided by third parties. Inclusion of this information does not necessarily represent Morningstar’s positions, strategies or opinions and should not be considered an endorsement by Morningstar.