Saving for retirement and the role your super plays

Statistics show that Australians who are approaching retirement are healthier, wealthier, and face a brighter future than ever before. Australia also has the second highest life expectancy among OECD countries and the average wealth of older Australians almost doubled between 1986 and 1997.

Retirement can be an exciting time for people, as new opportunities are presented around work, interests, family and friends. But it can also be an emotional time, as people try to establish new routines and new sources of fulfilment. Planning and experimentation are key ingredients for making the most of the journey.

With around 90% of workers now in compulsory superannuation schemes many Australians are facing a more secure retirement than ever before. Despite this, many Australians will have far less than they need to live comfortably in retirement.

  1. Planning for retirement

    Don't leave it to the last minute! The more time you give to plan for your retirement, the less stressful it can be.

  2. How much will you need for retirement?

    Many people underestimate just how much is needed to enjoy even a moderate lifestyle in retirement.

  3. When can I retire?

    There are strict rules around when you can access your super and when you can access the Government Age Pension.

  4. What is a transition to retirement strategy?

    When you reach preservation age (currently age 55) it’s possible to access some of your super as an income stream even if you are still working.

  5. What are my retirement options?

    Retirement doesn’t mean you have to stop work completely if you don’t want to.

 

Learn more

60 Seconds on Super

Spend a minute watching this video and you'll see why we all should be spending more time on super.

Important changes to your pension

Your minimum pension payment levels will change from 1st July 2011.