Blog
The blog for people who want to understand their finances better and feel more in control of their money.
This blog is for educational purposes only and contains general information. It does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any information, you should consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances. If you would like advice tailored to your situation, you can book an appointment with one of our financial advisers here.
Is It Too Late to Start Retirement Planning?
At 54, with a substantial mortgage still to pay, one of Paul Benson’s clients wondered if she could afford to retire when she’d planned. The numbers gave her a choice she hadn’t expected. Paul explains what he looks at when someone feels behind and how he works out what’s still possible.
Can I Retire Before 60? How to Work Out If You Can Afford It
How much investment risk should you actually take? I look at how your goals, timeframe and tolerance for market falls can help determine whether your portfolio is too conservative, too aggressive or about right.
Am I on Track For Retirement? Here’s How To Find Out.
Your super balance alone cannot tell you whether you are ready to retire. Here is what determines whether you are on track and how to get a clearer answer.
Get Retirement Ready: How to Avoid Costly Surprises After You Retire
One year from retirement, the focus shifts from planning in theory to making sure everything is ready. This article covers retirement income, cash buffers, goals and how to prepare for your first year after work.
Get Retirement Ready: The 5 Things to Get Right Before You Retire
Five years from retirement, the planning starts to get real. This article explains what to focus on now, from spending goals and sequencing risk to super contributions, housing decisions and life after work.
Get Retirement Ready: Should You Pay Off the Mortgage or Boost Your Super?
Around 10 years from retirement, the choices you make now can have a big impact. Here’s what to consider with super, mortgage debt, investments, insurance and the life you want next.
How to Retire Earlier: The 5 Levers Australians Can Pull
Retiring earlier is not about hoping for a windfall. It comes down to the right levers, from super contributions and spending choices to investment risk, home equity and part-time work.
The 10 Year Wealth test: Are You on Track for 2036?
A lot can change in 10 years, especially with the right plan. This article shows how to check where you stand now, define what you want next, and turn your money goals into a clear 10-year roadmap.
When Do We Sell Our Investment Properties — Retirement Edition
An investment property that worked during your wealth-building years may not be the right fit in retirement. This article looks at when selling could improve cash flow, reduce stress and support your retirement lifestyle
How To Get $100k Per Year In Retirement – Tax Free
A tax-free $100,000 retirement income sounds ambitious, but Australia’s super rules can make it possible with the right balance, pension phase strategy and planning.
Should I Convert My Super to a Pension?
Should you convert your super to a pension as soon as you retire or turn 65? Often, yes. But there are situations where leaving some or all of it in accumulation may make more sense.
Australia vs France: Lessons in Debt, Taxes, and Retirement
A trip to France gave me a fresh appreciation for Australia’s economic position. From government debt to superannuation, here’s why we may be better placed than we realise.
The Downsizer Strategy
Around 10 years from retirement, the choices you make now can have a big impact. Here’s what to consider with super, mortgage debt, investments, insurance and the life you want next.
How Much Super Do I Need?
How much super you need depends on the retirement you actually want. Start with your spending, then factor in when you retire, how you invest, and whether you want to leave money behind.
How Does Tax Apply To Your Super?
Super can be a powerful tax environment, but the rules change depending on whether you’re building your balance or drawing it down. Here’s how tax applies in accumulation and pension phase.
Superannuation Contribution Master Class
Super contributions can be powerful, but the rules are easy to trip over. This guide explains concessional, non-concessional, downsizer and other contribution strategies in plain English.
What is the Transfer Balance Cap and how does it work?
The transfer balance cap limits how much super can be moved into a tax-free retirement pension. This article explains how the cap works, when it is assessed, and why couples may need to plan ahead.
Protecting Your Nest Egg: Managing Sequencing Risk in Retirement
Sequencing risk can make or break how long your retirement savings last. Learn why the order of investment returns matters and how a capital stable allocation can help protect your nest egg.
What are annuities and what role do they play in retirement?
Annuities can provide regular, predictable income in retirement. This article explains how they work, when they may be useful, and why they can help reduce the risk of outliving your savings.
Industry Super Funds
Guidance Financial Services is registered with several major industry super funds, which may allow eligible advice fees relating to retirement advice to be deducted from super.