How to keep your finances on track once you leave the workforce
When you’ve worked hard all your life to build up your nest egg, the last thing you want to do is fritter it away too quickly. In this article, we look at the common money mistakes people in retirement make, and how you can do your best to avoid them.
1. Not taking control of your super
It’s important to know what your options are for getting access to your superannuation when you retire. You can take it as a lump sum, an allocated pension or an annuity. Learn more about accessing your super and then speak to a financial adviser to find out what’s right for you.
2. Not knowing your entitlements
Don’t make the mistake of not knowing what payments you’re eligible for in retirement. This may include government benefits, such as the Age Pension, carer’s allowance or disability support through to concessions on health and travel.
3. Spending like you’re still working
Dipping into your savings or your super money regularly will soon whittle away your hard-earned savings. Find out about ways to manage your money in retirement to help you free up your cash flow and keep an eye on your expenses.
4. Not managing your investments
Just because you’re retired, doesn’t mean you should be complacent about your investments. It’s important to consider your personal situation.
5. Not managing your debts
Consider all your options for reducing your debts, as you may not have enough funds to last you through your retirement. Be careful about paying too much interest on your debts. If you need to pay off your home loan, make sure you’re aware of how selling your home or investment property affects your entitlements.
6. Spending your retirement savings on the kids
If you plan to give money to your children (or grandchildren) to help them out financially, be aware of how gifting or going guarantor might affect your tax and your lifestyle in retirement.
7. Letting your insurance lapse
It’s tempting to reduce your outgoings in retirement by cutting back on things like insurance. But before you do, consider that almost 62% of AMP insurance claims were made by people over age 50 in 20171.
8. Taking expensive holidays
Make sure your choice of destination fits within your overall budget, bearing in mind you need your money to last the distance in retirement.
9. Buying a new vehicle
When you retire it’s very tempting to use your super to buy a new car to last you through your retirement. If you’re serious about watching where your money goes, you might want to think about making your current vehicle last a bit longer, but you’ll need to weigh up the maintenance costs versus buying another one.
Your retirement is in your hands, so try to make the most of the money you’ve got and invest wisely to make it last. But don’t forget to take care of your health to give yourself the best chance of going the distance in retirement.
Please contact us on 02 9299 1500 if you seek further assistance .
1 AMP claims paid 2017.
Important information:This information is provided by AMP Life Limited. It is general information only and hasn’t taken your circumstances into account. It’s important to consider your particular circumstances and the relevant Product Disclosure Statement or Terms and Conditions, available by calling 13 30 30, before deciding what’s right for you. Read our Financial Services Guide for information about our services, including the fees and other benefits that AMP companies and their representatives may receive in relation to products and services provided to you. All information on this website is subject to change without notice. Although the information is from sources considered reliable, AMP does not guarantee that it is accurate or complete. You should not rely upon it and should seek professional advice before making any financial decision. Except where liability under any statute cannot be excluded, AMP does not accept any liability for any resulting loss or damage of the reader or any other person
