Retiree checklist: Focus on what you can control
For many Australians, the last 18 months has required many adjustments to the way we live and the way we work. I recently reflected with one of my colleagues on some of the key areas that were being raised by those in or approaching the retirement transition.
For those 60-plus, there has been a lot to come to grips with: the pandemic and health risks, dealing with lower investment returns, supporting family members, and making ends meet in terms of paying bills. These, as well as the constants of a continual drive to engage and transact online with all services, economic prosperity, and changes in government policy. To be honest, it can get a little overwhelming at times.
In a broad sense, most retirees are concerned with:
Getting support and clarity about what retirement or the next chapter looks like for them in terms of lifestyle and social connections.
Getting on top of their current financial position.
Understanding what their options are, what they’re eligible for in terms of concessions, and what this means for their lifestyle now and in the future.
How to gain more confidence and support to make the transition to dealing with services online.
When confronted with so much change, our suggestion is to take small steps forward and take a breath. With each step, we get that little more familiar and a little more confident. Also be mindful that you don’t have to do this alone, there are many support and information services available.
Key areas for retirees to consider 2022
Reassess your lifestyle priorities: What are your health, work, finances and lifestyle objectives?
Understand your spending and where your money goes: Useful calculators are available and the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) spending guide is a great tool.
Do you qualify for the Age Pension – part or full?
Depending on when you were born, it will have an impact on your qualification age. If you were born between 1 July 1955 and 31 December 1956, it is 66.5 years. If you were born on or after 1 January 1957, the eligible age is 67. There are a lot of people who potentially qualify this year.
There is both income and assets tests to be considered.
Qualifying at $0 will have some concession benefits.
You can apply up to three months before your qualifying birthday.
Do you qualify for a Concession or Commonwealth Seniors card?
Use the National Seniors Concession Calculator to see what benefits you may already qualify for. This can include savings on rates and utility bills.
There are age and income tests, which means the card may be available to many self-funded retirees, who could then save on medical expenses.
Understand the options that a rising housing market may now provide:
There are rules changes that can make downsizing a real option to free up money for lifestyle.
Changes to the federal government’s Home Equity Access Loan Scheme could mean you’re eligible if you qualify for the Age Pension – even at zero dollars.
It may also create opportunities around superannuation contributions.
Understand and review your superannuation options and benefits:
Ensure you understand and can access information online.
Understand your investment options and investing suitability.
Explore the options that are now available for social and responsible investing.
Get yourself set up with MyGov accounts online:
Most government services are now online. This can make it easier to link to them and provide updated information. This includes the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), Medicare, and Centrelink.
Regular reviews and monitoring of your investments are necessary:
Do it yourself and invest the time to do it properly.
Refer to trusted information sites and member-based groups such as Moneysmart.gov’s retirement planner and National Seniors Australia’s retirement readiness quiz.
Engage or work with a professional adviser or accountant.
Discuss with loved ones (but don’t rely completely on it, as this could lead to bad financial decisions).
Discuss some elements with other retirees.
Exploring and actioning the relevant areas above will put you in a stronger and more informed position to deal with changes and make the most of your retirement.