We all hope to enjoy a comfortable standard of living when we retire, however the reality is that many Australians simply don’t have enough retirement savings to guarantee the retirement lifestyle they desire. We’re also living longer than ever before, with the average Australian expected to spend some 30+ years in retirement, so there’s a very real possibility that any retirements savings you do have could run out before you do.

There are also government incentives and taxation implications to consider. With Australia’s ageing population placing greater strain on health and welfare resources, the Federal Government is encouraging Australians to save for their own retirement through various superannuation incentives. There are also taxation issues to consider when you approach retirement age and aim to access your superannuation savings.

Retirement planning is a complex area with many issues to consider. Naturally you want to ensure you have enough money to afford the retirement lifestyle you desire.

This is where a financial adviser can help. At Benchmark Financial Planning we understand retirement planning and the complexities of taxation, pensions and ‘transition to retirement’ (TTR) strategies.

We can assess your financial situation and help you map out a clear and structured path forward to improve your retirement lifestyle in the future.

To find out more about our retirement planning services please feel welcome to contact us.

Although it may not seem like it yet, when you near the end of your working life, your superannuation balance is likely to be your greatest asset outside of the family home.

Despite the significance of this asset, many of us pay little attention to the way in which our superannuation plan is structured, and as such we run the risk of a poor performing fund or one that fails to consider our needs.

Superannuation is an investment vehicle or structure for holding assets. The performance of your superannuation fund will depend on investments held in your fund, such as cash, property, bonds, Australian shares, international shares, or a combination of all five. The mix of these investments varies widely from one fund to another. As such, it’s important to ensure your superannuation is structured appropriately to your needs and the investment options are carefully considered.

At Benchmark Financial Planning we can review your current superannuation arrangements and structure a superannuation strategy that’s right for you. To find out more please feel welcome to contact us.

Converting your superannuation into a pension is an important step which can unlock benefits to help you transition into retirement. A detailed understanding of the superannuation rules can allow you to maximise the use of pensions to increase your retirement savings

A Government pension or other Centrelink benefits may also be available to supplement your retirement income or boost your retirement savings while you are still working. There are eligibility requirements and certain asset and income limits tests that apply.

Centrelink benefits and the pension system can be complicated. At Benchmark Financial Planning, we cut through the jargon and create a clear plan for you to maximise the benefits available and boost your retirement income. To find out more please feel welcome to contact us.

While most people have insurance for their car or home, many overlook the importance of protecting one’s most important asset – the ability to earn an income.

Life insurance is a form of protection that provides a financial payment to your dependents in the event of your death or serious illness or injury that prevents you from returning to work.

Types of Life Insurance:

Life Insurance: A lump sum payable upon your death or the diagnosis of a terminal illness.

Income Protection Insurance: Provides a source of income for a temporary or defined period should you become unable to work due to illness or injury.

Trauma Insurance: A lump sum payable upon the diagnosis or occurrence of one of a list of specific illnesses such as cancer, heart attack or stroke.

Total and Permanent Disability Insurance: A lump sum payable if you become disabled and are unable to ever work again.

At Benchmark Financial Planning we believe that having an adequate level of insurance cover appropriate to your needs is the cornerstone of a sound financial plan. To find out more, please feel welcome to contact us.

Estate planning is the process of putting in place structures to ensure that the wealth you have accumulated over your lifetime is transferred to your beneficiaries in a tax-effective manner and in accordance with your wishes.

A will is an essential part of your estate plan. Your will is a legal document that outlines how your assets and possessions are distributed upon your death. It can cover a range of areas including making provisions for any children, assets that do not form part of your estate, as well as any charitable wishes you may have.

Estate planning is a complex area that requires careful consideration and assistance from qualified professionals such as an accountant, solicitor and financial adviser. A well-structured estate plan will ensure your wishes are carried out once you are gone, and help protect the financial wellbeing of your dependants. To find out more about Estate Planning and how we can help, please feel welcome to contact us.