How can ipac help me plan my retirement?
ipac can help you understand all your options and make the right choices to achieve the lifestyle you want. You’ll understand the likely impact of your choices, from when you choose to retire through to how much income you’ll need when you stop working and a lot more. You’ll understand how long your money is likely to last – and explore strategies that may extend the life of your money. And you’ll have peace of mind knowing you have not missed opportunities, and your financial future is under control.

When can I afford to retire?
This is one of the most common questions our financial advisers are asked. The right answer depends on issues like the lifestyle you expect in retirement, how much you save and how long you work. If you want to retire today, you’ll have less money for retirement than if you work another five years. But you may already be in a position to do most things you want in retirement. So how much is enough? Only you can answer that question, but we can help you make an informed choice – so you fully understand the impacts of what you decide.

Should I save through super or other investments?
The answer depends on what you’re saving for, and your personal situation. Super is a tax-effective way to save for later in life because the investment earnings are taxed at a maximum rate of 15%, compared to higher marginal tax rates outside super. There are also tax benefits when you withdraw your super through a range of different “income streams”, like an Allocated Pension or Non Commutable Allocated Pension. However, when you put money into super you cannot generally access it until you retire. If you have shorter-term goals, you’ll need to invest outside the super system so you can access money when you need it.

How can I save more super?
There are numerous ways to save more super, some of them certain, others not. Some of the certain ways are:
~ make extra personal contributions to super above mandatory payments made by your employer
~ use a salary sacrifice arrangement to make pre-tax contributions
~ take advantage of the government co-contribution scheme if you are eligible
~ make spouse contributions
An uncertain way to save more super is to take more investment risk. But it’s important to discuss all approaches with a financial adviser so you make the right choices.

Should I retire this year or next?
As well as your personal preference, financial considerations may sway your decision whether to work longer or stop now. For example, by continuing work into a new financial year you may:
~ extend access to benefits like the government co-contribution scheme
~ save tax by deferring lump sum payments into a financial year when your taxable income will be lower
~ save tax by accessing higher thresholds for Superannuation withdrawals
~ wait until you turn 60 and access your super tax free.
In some cases it makes financial sense to retire straight away, while other people choose to work part-time or stagger retirement over a period of years. Everyone’s different and a financial adviser can help you decide what’s right for you.

Make an enquiry or see an adviser now, or call us on 1800 626 881.