Introduction

Over the past decade, the nature of work has changed significantly. As the nature of work evolves, how we define retirement is changing along with it. Back in our parent’s generation, the word retirement brought to mind images of gentile retirement living, rose beds, bowling clubs and bingo nights.

In Australia, the average age at which people retire has declined from 59.5 to 59.3 for men, and risen from 52.1 to 54 for women. The eligibility age in Australia for the pension is now 67.

In 2020 to 2021, there were 4.1 million Australians, aged 45 years and over, who were retired. This group comprised 1.8 million men and 2.3 million women. Just over half of all retired persons were aged 70 years and over.

Little wonder then that given these trends, around the country, attitudes to retirement planning are changing.

Introduction

The latest Intergenerational Report tells us that Australians aged 65 years and over accounted for 14% of the population – and that figure is rising. Whether you’re concerned about your future self or a loved one, aged care is an issue most of us will have to manage at some time in our lives.

Given mounting pressures on governments to assist an aging population, more Australian families are taking the support of elderly loved ones into their own hands – and this is where it pays to do early homework.

There are so many complexities involved in planning for aged care – be it your own or your parents’ – but the one with the most impact is the emotional strain. It can be heart-breaking to see once vibrant loved ones begin to decline as they age. The majority of us want to do everything we can to make this stage of their lives as pleasant as possible, but that may not always be an option. What most of us can do though is to plan ahead for the financial impact.

Introduction

INVESTING IN YOUR FUTURE
The government regularly reminds us that each Australian must take responsibility for funding their future. Regardless of when you will be able to access your super, or when you choose to stop working, you need to be aware of how your superannuation is being managed and if the final balance will be sufficient when you’re ready to retire… and for the years beyond.

As a super fund member it is your responsibility to manage your contributions (over and above your employer’s contributions), regardless of whether they are being invested into a retail fund, industry fund or your own self-managed fund.

Superannuation is a tax structure but it should be treated like a valuable financial asset. The fundamental principles of financial planning prescribe that individual tailoring, based on your needs, objectives and personal circumstances, is paramount to ensuring you have enough money to enjoy your later years.

Introduction

Some people may think that a financial adviser’s role is to forecast the direction of the share market from month to month and invest clients’ money accordingly.

This is not the reality, of course. Investments are only one small part of what your financial adviser can provide for you. Aside from the strategic components, some of the key areas that we may be able to assist you with are as follows.