The best time to plan for retirement was yesterday. But the second-best time? It’s today.
Around two-thirds of Australians retire earlier than expected.¹ Sometimes it’s due to redundancy, illness, family responsibilities, or a partner’s decision to retire. Whatever the reason, an unplanned retirement can feel like the rug’s been pulled out from under you.
But here’s the good news:
Even if life doesn’t go to plan, your retirement still can.
With the right guidance and a few smart steps, you can build a retirement strategy that supports your lifestyle, reflects your values, and gives you peace of mind.
Before making any decisions, it’s important to understand your financial starting point. This includes:
Knowing where you stand helps you make clearer, more confident decisions (especially if time isn’t on your side).
If retirement is approaching faster than you expected, there are still effective ways to grow your super:
If you’re in your 50s or 60s, these strategies can be especially powerful. It’s also worth reviewing your super investment mix to make sure it’s aligned with your risk comfort and time horizon.
Managing debt is just as important as building savings. If you can, it’s helpful to reduce or clear debts before retiring.
That might include using savings, downsizing, or reviewing your budget. But it’s essential to consider how this might affect your tax position, your super balance and any government entitlements. A personalised strategy here makes all the difference.
Retirement isn’t just about when you stop working, it’s about how you want to live.
Would you like to travel? Continue part-time work? Move closer to family?
Getting clear on your goals helps shape your financial strategy and ensures your plan supports the life you actually want (not just the numbers on paper).
Start with a simple retirement budget. Think about:
Then compare this with your expected income streams. This helps identify any shortfalls and gives you a roadmap for adjusting along the way.
You’ll also want to factor in longevity risk – the chance that you may live longer than expected and need your money to stretch further. A flexible, well-considered plan helps safeguard against that.
You may be eligible for government support such as:
Even if you’re not eligible now, with the right planning, you may be able to restructure your finances to access these supports in the future.
Your retirement plan should evolve with you. Life changes– and so do markets, legislation and your personal goals.
Regular reviews help you:
• Adjust for market movements or super changes
• Update your spending needs or lifestyle priorities
• Keep your estate plan current
Whether you retire gradually, pivot to part-time work or start something new entirely, the key is flexibility.
You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need a starting point (and someone in your corner).
At 5 Financial, our advisers work with you to create a plan that fits your life, not someone else’s idea of retirement.
And if you’re facing the possibility of retiring earlier than expected, we’re here to help you make confident, informed decisions about what comes next.
Because retirement isn’t the end of something. It’s the beginning of a new chapter and you deserve to step into it with clarity and confidence.
Let’s chat. We’ll help you explore your options and build a strategy that supports the life you want, whatever life throws your way.
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Please note, the above information does not constitute financial advice and does not take into account your current circumstances or goals. Please speak with a Financial Adviser before acting on any information found here or throughout the 5 Financial website.