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Real Stories of Retirement Success with Retirewise

Real strategies. Real results. Retirewise helps Australians grow super, cut tax, and unlock pensions for a confident retirement.

 Tom & Jill
Kate

Case Study: How Tom & Jill Grew Super 10x and Secured $100K Retirement Income

Offsetting Capital Gains, building up Super

Tom (age 62) earns $120,000 per annum and has $270,000 in super. His wife Jill (age 59) works part-time earning $37,000 per annum and has $63,000 in super. They own their own home and a few years ago they bought an investment property for $440,000 in joint names, currently valued at $700,000. They have $330,000 in savings and a loan against the investment property of $295,000.

 KEY cONCERNS
Strategy 
Recommendations
Outcomes

Key Concerns

  • Are we on track to comfortably retire in 4 years?
  • Is it worth keeping our investment property into retirement?
  • How do we make the most of our current savings and superannuation, and how can we build it up?
  • Will we be able to access the Age Pension?
  • Are we able to arrange our affairs in a more tax-efficient way?

Strategy Development

  • Clarify current spending to determine a surplus that can be applied towards achieving their goals
  • Determine a retirement income that meets their lifestyle goals
  • Discuss risk tolerance and develop an appropriate investment risk profile
  • Review current superannuation in terms of fees and investment options
  • Compare alternative scenarios of maintaining the investment property and selling the investment property. It was determined that selling the property offered the highest projected financial benefits

Recommendations

  • Paying less in fees by rolling their super to less expensive fund with more appropriate investment allocations.
  • Boosting retirement savings by making a series of super contributions
  • As Tom’s income is higher, we advised ongoing personal contributions for which he claims a tax-deduction each year
  • Because of Jill’s lower income we recommended Tom make ongoing spouse contribution’s so he would receive a tax-offset
  • We also recommended surplus cash at bank be used as non-concessional super contributions for Jill. This enables Jill to receive a Government Co-contribution.
  • In the year the investment property is sold, we advised utilising the catch-up rules on unused concessional contributions to make large one-off tax-deductible super contributions for both Tom and Jill.
  • We also advised a series of large lump sum non-concessional contributions from the sale proceeds into Jill’s super.

Outcomes

  • Greater tax efficiencies are created for Tom through ongoing tax-deductible super contributions of approximately $67,000 over three years, reducing personal income tax by over $20,000. He is also eligible for the spouse contribution tax offset of $540 per annum.
  • In the year the investment property is sold, assessable capital gains of $130,000 are offset in full by tax-deductible super contributions
  • Through a more appropriate investment strategy and a combination of concessional and non-concessional contributions the projected super balances in four years are approximately $537,000 for Tom and $770,000 for Jill.
  • Due to the age discrepancy, Tom will be eligible for Age Pension several years before Jill. This provides a window where Tom will be eligible for a significant part Age Pension, as funds moved into Jill’s super will not be assessable until Jill is of Age Pension age. 
  • With a combination of Superannuation income streams and Age Pension, it is expected that Tom and Jill will meet their desired retirement income level of $100,000 per annum (in today’s dollars) beyond average life expectancy.

Case Study: How Kate Built $78K Retirement Income and Unlocked Age Pension Benefits

Estate Planning, increasing Age Pension entitlement

Kate is aged 67, single and rents in Sydney. She plans to work another year before retiring to an investment property she owns in Queensland. As a medical specialist, she has built up $600,000 in super in a default investment option. She also has around $250,000 in terms deposits outside super.

 KEY cONCERNS
Strategy 
Recommendations
Outcomes

Key Concerns

  • Am I on track to comfortably retire in next year?
  • How should I pay off the remaining loan on the Queensland property?
  • How do I make the most of my current savings and superannuation?
  • Will I be able to access the Age Pension?
  • Am I able to arrange my affairs in a more tax-efficient way?
  • Is my estate planning strategy sound?

Strategy Development

  • Clarify current spending to determine a surplus that can be applied towards achieving relevant goals
  • Determine a retirement income that meets lifestyle goals
  • Discuss risk tolerance and develop an appropriate investment risk profile
  • Review current superannuation in terms of fees and investment options
  • Compare alternative scenarios to maximise her eligibility for an Age Pension, and to reduce the amount of tax payable to her non-dependant beneficiaries upon death

Recommendations

  • Paying less in fees by rolling their super to less expensive fund with more appropriate investment allocations. In this case, Kate moved from a default moderate investment mix to a growth investment mix.
  • Boosting retirement savings by making a series of super contributions in her final year of work utilising personal deductible contributions that reduce her income tax liability.
  • Having a plan to be debt free in retirement and funds to renovate the Queensland property to her requirements.
  • Implement a ‘re-contribution’ strategy to reduce the tax payable to her non-dependant beneficiaries upon her death.
  • Buy an annuity to provide an additional income stream in retirement and maximise the likelihood of Age Pension entitlement.

Outcomes

  • Through a more appropriate investment strategy and a combination of concessional and non-concessional contributions the projected super balance at retirement would be $670,000.
  • Through a re-contribution strategy, the tax payable on a superannuation death benefit paid to a non-dependant beneficiary reduces from over $100,000 to under $22,000 – an improvement of over $78,000
  • Using funds to repay the mortgage, improve the Queensland property and purchase an annuity income stream, it is estimated that Kate will be eligible for a part Age Pension, together with the associated allowances and medical benefits.
  • With a combination of retirement income streams, it is expected that Kate will meet her desired retirement income level of $78,000 per annum (in today’s dollars) beyond average life expectancy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can Retirewise help me grow my superannuation?

We review your current funds, fees, and investment strategy, then create a plan that makes the most of available contribution rules and tax benefits. For many clients, this means consolidating super accounts, making personal deductible contributions, and using spouse contributions or government co-contributions. With the right strategy, superannuation can grow significantly in just a few years leading up to retirement.

Can I still qualify for the Age Pension if I have savings or property?

Yes. Even if you have savings, investments, or property, you may still qualify for part or full Age Pension benefits. We assess your financial situation and develop strategies that can improve your eligibility. For example, structuring assets in super or using annuities may help you access more entitlements and associated benefits like concessions and healthcare cards.

What if I want to keep or sell my investment property before retirement?

This decision can have a big impact on your retirement income. We use financial modelling to compare both scenarios—keeping or selling the property—so you can clearly see which option offers the best long-term outcome. This way, you can make your choice with confidence, knowing how it affects your super, tax, and retirement lifestyle.

Does Retirewise help with estate planning?

Yes. Estate planning is an important part of retirement planning. We work with you to minimise the tax payable on your estate, often through strategies such as superannuation re-contributions. This helps reduce the tax burden for non-dependent beneficiaries, so more of your wealth goes to the people you care about.