Putting it all together
Over the years, you may have amassed a considerable array of assets. But what's the most effective way to structure them in retirement?
How can you be sure you've achieved the right degree of diversification to deliver on your long-term goals? And what about optimising to receive your fair share of social security benefits? Whatever your situation, we can help.
Why it's never too late for advice
Our advisers can help you plan no matter when you decide to give up work
While there's no substitute for early advice when it comes to planning a successful retirement, it's also never too late to get the advice you need.
In fact, there are some real benefits to getting financial advice just before you plan to leave the workforce.
For instance, with the help of an adviser it's easier to predict what kind of income you'll need and how close to achieving that income you are.
You'll also be well placed to set realistic and achievable goals that help you live the retirement you want. And just because you may have left it late doesn't mean you don't have options.
You might decide to work a little longer than you'd originally planned. That way you can delay reducing your super and maximise your earnings.
You might also be eligible to take advantage of co-contribution laws and salary sacrificing arrangements that boost your super earnings and reduce your tax burden.
Or you may be able to take out a transition to retirement pension (TRP) to supplement a reduced income.
And if you can wait until you turn 60 before drawing on your super when all benefits become tax free, you might be able to make the most of the tax advantage super offers.
An adviser can help you work out an effective retirement strategy no matter whether you plan to stop working tomorrow or in 10 years.
Don't have an adviser? Contact us to speak to a phone-based expert or to be put in touch with a member of our award-winning advice network.
Getting the right mix of assets
Shares, property, bonds or cash?
During the global financial crisis sharemarkets around the world slumped while Australian property prices held up well. But this isn't always the case as at other times, the sharemarket may significantly outperform property.
The best way to safeguard your super and guarantee the income you need is by diversifying your portfolio.
And it's not only important to get diversity within your choice of assets, and the locations or countries they're invested in. It's also important to get a diversity of investment managers.
This is because investment managers employ different techniques to achieve their returns, which depending on where we are in the investment cycle will have vastly different results.
By investing with a diversity of investment managers, you'll be better placed to achieve consistent returns throughout the investment cycle.
What's more, choosing the right mix of assets and investment styles depends upon your personal objectives and risk profile.
By working with an adviser, you can tap into the latest research and world's-best thinking to determine the right investment strategy for you.
Call us on 132 652 to be put in contact with an adviser or to speak to one of our phone-based experts to find out more.
Optimising social security benefits
Structuring your investments to maximise Government support
You've worked hard all your life and are entitled to a long and enjoyable retirement.
So you don't want your investments to get in the way of Government support you'd otherwise receive.
Fortunately, there are ways you can make the most of your super without losing Government benefits.
For instance, using your super to start an income stream might let you qualify for Age Pension payments or even increase your entitlement to them.
That's because income stream investments are treated favourably under the income test Centrelink uses to assess your eligibility.
Every situation is different, and that's why it pays to speak to one of our advisers.
They're as well versed in Government payments as they are in investment strategies, and may be able to help you gain access to a larger piece of the pie.