What Would it Take for You to Stop Work? The Amount of Money You Need for a Comfortable Retirement.

[nectar_dropcap color=”#0071bc”]W [/nectar_dropcap]e’ve all had those daydreams: imagining the day when we can pack up our desks for the last time, trade in our business suits for casual wear, and enter the world of retirement. But have you ever stopped to consider, “How much do I really need to retire in Australia?” The answer might surprise you.

Understanding the Cost of Retirement in Australia

While Australia boasts a high standard of living, that quality comes at a price. The cost of living, combined with the desire for a comfortable retirement, has made financial planning crucial for anyone looking to say goodbye to their working years.

1). The Basics: The ASFA Retirement Standard

The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) releases a quarterly Retirement Standard. This gives an indicative figure of the annual spending needed by Australians to fund either a modest or comfortable retirement, taking into account the current pension rates.

As of the March quarter 2023 spending for various households and living standards for those aged around 65:

• Modest retirement lifestyle: Around $31,785 per year for singles and $45,808 for couples.
• Comfortable retirement lifestyle: Approximately $50,004 for singles and $70,482 for couples annually.

It’s worth noting that these figures assume that retirees own their home outright and are relatively healthy.

2). What Does ‘Comfortable’ Really Mean?

According to ASFA, a comfortable retirement allows an older, healthy retiree to:

• Engage in leisure activities.
• Purchase household goods, private health insurance, a reasonable car, good clothes, and occasional travel.

Sounds dreamy, right? But it’s essential to tailor these general figures to your personal aspirations. Do you plan to travel more? Or have a hobby that might require extra funds? These are factors to consider.

How Can You Reach Your Retirement Number?

1. Superannuation: The foundation of most Australians’ retirement funds. The more you’ve contributed throughout your working life (and the better your fund performs), the more you’ll have come retirement.
2. Personal Savings: While superannuation is essential, personal savings give you flexibility. They can bridge the gap if your super falls short or allow for unexpected expenses.
3. Investments: Property, shares, bonds – there are many ways to grow your wealth. Speak with a financial planner to understand which is right for you.
4. Government Pensions and Benefits: The Centrelink Age Pension can supplement your income, but it’s designed to be a safety net, not your primary source of income.

You can also use retirement calculators to help estimate how much money you will need to save for retirement. These calculators take into account your current savings, investment returns, and expected retirement expenses to give you an idea of how much you will need to save each year to reach your retirement goals.

The Real Question: Are You Prepared?

Retirement planning is more than just numbers. It’s about understanding your goals, your lifestyle choices, and the kind of legacy you want to leave. Do you have the means to live the life you’ve always dreamed of in retirement?

Now is the time to act. The sooner you start planning, the better equipped you’ll be to face retirement with confidence and security.

Don’t leave your retirement to chance. A financial planner can provide tailored advice to help you navigate the complexities of retirement in Australia. Contact a trusted financial planner today to ensure your golden years are truly golden.
Click here to book a quick chat.

References:

ASFA. (2023). Retirement Standard – ASFA. The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia Ltd. https://www.superannuation.asn.au/resources/retirement-standard

The ASFA Comfortable Standard Infographic. The minimum annual cost of a comfortable retirement. The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia Ltd. Retrieved August 14, 23 from https://www.superannuation.asn.au/ArticleDocuments/269/230515_ASFA_RS_Infographic_MAR%2023_V23.pdf.aspx?Embed=Y

Super Guru Retirement calculators and tools (2023):

1. What kind of retirement can you afford? https://www.superguru.com.au/ExternalFiles/calculators/retirement-tracker/#/
2. How is your super tracking for retirement? https://www.superguru.com.au/calculators/super-detective

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and does not constitute financial advice. It’s always best to consult with a qualified financial planner or advisor to understand your unique circumstances and needs.