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My retirement diary (Part 6): Light at the end of the tunnel

Read part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4 and part 5 of Barbara’s retirement diary.

If four decades of observing financial markets have taught me anything, it’s to expect the unexpected. And this year has certainly upended expectations. It’s been a nail-biting ride, especially for those of us on the brink of retirement.

While I originally planned to retire by Christmas this year, the steep drop in global markets (and my super balance) in early April, sparked by Donald Trump’s initial tariff announcements, forced a rethink.

Since the April meltdown, markets have not only rebounded but hit new highs. At the time of writing, US and Australian shares are up almost 10% in 2025 to date. What happens over the next 6–12 months is anyone’s guess.

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