Take some of the guesswork out of planning for the future. Work out how much super you’ll have when you retire, and if it will be enough to fund the lifestyle you want.
It’s never too soon to start planning for a better financial future.
Estimate how much super you’ll have
You probably know how much super you have now, but do you know how much you’ll have when you retire?
Use the Moneysmart retirement planner to estimate:
- how much money you’ll have to spend each year once you retire
- how fees, investment options and contributions will affect your retirement income
You can also use the planner to test out different scenarios and work out how to grow your super.
How much super you’ll need when you retire
The amount of super you’ll need when you retire depends on:
- your big costs in retirement, and
- the lifestyle you want
Most people can now expect to live well into their eighties. This means that if you stop working at 65, you’ll need retirement income for 20 years or more.
Your big costs in retirement
Think about any big costs that might be part of your retirement plans. For example:
- paying off your mortgage
- rent
- renovating your home
- travel
- medical costs
The lifestyle you want
Think about how you plan to spend your money in retirement. If you own your own home, a rule of thumb is that you’ll need two-thirds (67%) of your pre-retirement income to maintain the same standard of living in retirement.
The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) provides an industry retirement standard. This estimates how much money you’ll need, depending on your lifestyle.
| ASFA Retirement Standard | Comfortable lifestyle | Modest lifestyle |
| Single | $43,901 a year$841 a week | $27,987 a year$536 a week |
| Couple | $62,083 a year$1,189 a week | $40,440 a year$775 a week |
Source: ASFA, September quarter 2020
ASFA estimates that the lump sum needed at retirement to support a comfortable lifestyle is $640,000 for a couple and $545,000 for a single person. This assumes a partial Age Pension.
ASFA estimates that a modest lifestyle, which covers the basics, is mostly met by the Age Pension. They estimate the lump sum needed to support a modest lifestyle for a single or couple is $70,000.
Build up your super
Many things contribute to your income in retirement, including investments outside of super and assets such as your home, especially if you downsize.
If you decide it is important to build your super, there are some actions that can make a big difference over time. Think about:
- consolidating your super into one account so you pay fewer fees
- making extra contributions to grow your super
- changing your super investment options
If you don’t have as much as you’d like, it’s never too late to build up your super to boost your retirement savings.
If you need financial advice
Planning for your retirement is complex, and everyone’s situation is different. To help you plan ahead, call us on 1300 79 80 38 today.
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If this article interested you and you would like to speak to Pat Casey on the phone, select a time to speak Pat – Financial Planner Sydney.
At Assure Wealth we specialise in helping busy, successful families structure their finances to achieve greater wealth and financial peace of mind.
Author: Pat Casey – Managing Director & Financial Planner Sydney – Assure Wealth
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Disclaimer: The information provided on this website has been provided as general advice only. We have not considered your financial circumstances, needs or objectives and you should seek the assistance of your Walker Lane Pty Ltd Adviser before you make any decision regarding any products mentioned in this communication. Whilst all care has been taken in the preparation of this material, no warranty is given in respect of the information provided and accordingly neither Walker Lane nor its related entities, employees or agents shall be liable on any ground whatsoever with respect to decisions or actions taken as a result of you acting upon such information.
Assure Wealth Pty Ltd ABN 31 965 466 780 Corporate Authorised Representative no. 1244817, Patrick Casey Sub-Authorised Representative no. 1244748 of Walker Lane Pty Ltd ABN 70 626 199 826, an AFSL holder No 509305.
