When can I retire?
If you’ve spent the last 30 to 40 years in the workforce you’ve probably started daydreaming about retirement. Which means you probably have some questions. Like when exactly can I retire?
The good news is you can retire whenever you're ready. If you happen to win the lottery you can retire tomorrow. The real issue is superannuation, the Age Pension, and how you’re going to support yourself if you choose to retire early.
Most Australians can’t access their super until after they turn 60 years old, at the earliest*. And if you’re eligible for the pension you may have to wait until you’re 67 years old before you can claim it.^
A financial planner can help you navigate the rules around retirement. But in the meantime, we can help provide an overview.
A roadmap for early retirement
If you’re considering an early retirement, you’re going to need a source of income. But that’s only one aspect of the bigger picture.
If you’re serious about an early retirement you need to have a plan in place. We’ve outlined the basic steps below.
Have a source of income
As noted above, if you retire early you’re going to need a source of income. Your superannuation and any Age Pension benefits won’t be accessible until you meet the age criteria. The same rules apply to self-managed super funds (SMSF). Which means you’ll be looking towards investments or other sources of income.
Create a financial plan
Having an income stream is all well and good, but if you don’t want to end up back in the job market you’ll need to manage your finances and ensure your earnings are enough to cover your expenses.
Look at ways to reduce costs
If you’re no longer working and earning a regular income, you’ll want to look at ways to reduce costs. That might mean downsizing, cutting unnecessary expenses, or simply keeping a closer eye on your spending.
Consider your mortgage
Mortgage repayments are the single largest expense for most households. Generally speaking, the less debt you have the more options you have when it comes to retirement. We’d strongly recommend speaking with a financial planner to understand your options.
Keep your super in mind
Just because you’re no longer working doesn’t mean you should ignore your super. It’s important to keep an eye on your investment strategy and make sure it aligns with your long-term goals.
Balance your risks
As 2020 has demonstrated all too well, there are certain things that are beyond our control. Black swan events like the coronavirus can come out of nowhere and have a significant impact on both daily life and the broader economy. Which is why it’s so important to balance your investments and your income sources and ensure you have mix that works for you.
Can I really retire tomorrow?
When people talk about retirement what they’re generally referring to is access to their super and/or Age Pension.
This varies according to your age and the year you were born. The tables below show when you qualify.
When can I access my super?
You can access your super once you reach your preservation age and either;
- Change jobs, or
- Retire from the workforce
The table below shows the super preservation age.*
|
Date of birth |
Preservation age |
|---|---|
|
Before 1 July 1960 |
55 |
|
1 July 1960 – 30 June 1961 |
56 |
|
1 July 1961 – 30 June 1962 |
57 |
|
1 July 1962 – 30 June 1963 |
58 |
|
1 July 1963 – 30 June 1964 |
59 |
|
From 1 July 1964 |
60 |
Source: Australian Taxation Office.
Note: Preservation age is not the same as pension age.
When can I access the Age Pension?
To qualify for the Age Pension, you need to meet the age conditions and Centrelink assets test. The age conditions are outlined below. Centrelink conditions can be found on the Australian Government website.
The table below shows the minimum age for age pension benefits.^
|
Your birthdate |
Minimum Age Pension age |
|---|---|
|
1 January 1954 to 30 June 1955 |
66 years |
|
1 July 1955 to 31 December 1956 |
66 years and 6 months |
|
On or after 1 January 1957 |
67 Years |
Source: Department of Social Services
Whether you’re ready to retire or just thinking about it, a financial planner can help you better understand your options. That may mean a gradual transition to retirement, or a long-term strategy to help you retire better. Either way, the first appointment is obligation free and available at no additional charge.
Retirement might be closer than you think
Speak to a financial planner about your options.
Authorised by Togethr Trustees Pty Ltd (ABN 64 006 964 049; AFSL 246383), the trustee of MyLifeMyMoney Superannuation Fund (ABN 50 237 896 957; SPIN CSF0100AU). Catholic Super and MyLife MySuper are divisions of MyLifeMyMoney Superannuation Fund. Financial advice services may be provided to members by the trustee's related entity.
Togethr Financial Planning Pty Ltd (ABN 84 124 491 078; AFSL 455010). The information contained herein is general information only. It has been prepared without taking into account your personal investment objectives, financial situation, or needs. It is not intended to be, and should not be, construed in any way as investment, legal or financial advice. Please consider your personal position, objectives, and requirements before taking any action.
© 2020 Togethr Trustees Pty Ltd. For further information please our contact our Service Centre on 1300 655 002 or visit our website: csf.com.au.
