Setting a retirement target: Living on more than $55,000
The most popular question about superannuation and retirement planning is, without doubt: How much money is enough?
A comfortable retirement: How much super is enough?
So, the big question is: how much money do you really need for your retirement? Lifestyle is a very personal thing —luxury living for one person is a modest existence for someone else.
Superannuation Guarantee: 10 facts about your SG entitlements
If you work as an employee, and you satisfy certain minimum requirements, your employer must pay Superannuation Guarantee (SG) contributions on your behalf, to a super fund.
Superannuation Guarantee set to jump 33%
The good news is that the proposed gradual increase in SG entitlements, to 9.25% from July 2013, and to 12% from July 2019, has advanced through federal parliament.
Age Pension: March 2012 rates now available
The new Age Pension rates, taking effect from 20 March 2012 are set out in the tables below. Note that ‘pf’ stands for ‘per fortnight’. The Age Pension rates are adjusted twice-yearly – in March and September.
Age Pension: Assets test thresholds increase up to 3 times a year
Q: Do you know how frequently the values in the Age Pension assets test are increased by the government? A: The lower threshold, that is, the asset limit that entitles an individual to a full Age Pension, is normally adjusted in line with the Consumer Price Index (measures inflation) on 1 July of each year.
Age Pension: Income test thresholds increase up to 3 times a year
Q: Do you know how frequently the the Age Pension income test thresholds are increased by the government?
2012 checklist: 10 super tips for a financially healthy retirement
Use this list as a kick-start for your 2012 super resolutions. You may not keep all of your resolutions, but if you do just a handful of the tasks listed in the checklist below, you can strengthen the chances of a financially secure retirement.
Free retirement planning assistance now available
You’re starting to think about your retirement but you’re not sure if you want a full-blown financial plan just yet. Perhaps you may not be able to afford a full financial plan, or you may be uncertain how to go about finding an adviser or unsure as to what qualities to look for in an adviser.
Retirement planning in six steps
Retirement planning can be compared to planning for a dream holiday – your trip may have an exciting destination but the steps you need to take to ensure you get to your desired location safely, and within your budget, can sometimes be tricky.
Moving targets: Come on, how much super do I really need?
You’re thinking about your retirement and worried about whether you’ll have enough money to live the life you want, or perhaps you’re more worried about not having enough money to even live the life you don’t want!
