But alongside that good news is a quieter reality that deserves attention. 

Researchers now talk about the difference between lifespan and healthspan. Lifespan being the total number of years we live and healthspan is the number of those years we live in relatively good health, free from chronic illness or disability. 

Ideally, those two would move closer together. Increasingly, they are not. 

Globally, the average gap between lifespan and healthspan is now 9.6 years. Around the year 2000, that gap was closer to 8.5 years. By 2019 it had widened to 9.6 years, an increase of roughly 13 per cent in less than two decades.ⁱ In human terms, that means many people are spending close to a decade of later life managing ongoing health conditions rather than enjoying full independence and vitality. 

Those years matter. They are years spent adjusting, adapting and sometimes relying on more support than expected. 

The changing shape of ageing 

Today, many of the conditions that shape later life are chronic rather than sudden. Heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, respiratory illness and cognitive decline often develop gradually and require long-term management. 

These are not just medical diagnoses. They influence how easily someone can travel, maintain a home, participate in community life or simply move comfortably through their day. 

Life expectancy here remains among the highest in the world, which is something to appreciate. But living longer also increases the likelihood of living with at least one ongoing health condition. Women, in particular, tend to live longer than men and often spend more years managing illness. 

This is not a reason for alarm. It is a reason for thoughtful preparation. 

Why this conversation belongs in financial planning 

When most people think about retirement planning, they think about numbers. How much is enough? How long will savings last? What return might be achievable? 

But behind every financial plan is a human story. 

A longer life can bring extraordinary opportunities: more time with family, more experiences, more freedom. It can also bring periods of vulnerability. Planning with compassion means acknowledging both possibilities. 

Even within a strong public healthcare system, there can be significant ongoing out-of-pocket costs. Specialist appointments, diagnostics, medications, dental care, physiotherapy, mental health services and other supports can become part of regular life over time. 

Private health insurance premiums also tend to rise with age. Having a financial buffer can ease stress during times when health already demands attention. 

Support at home or in care 

Many people hope to remain at home as they age. That may involve home modifications, mobility equipment or in-home assistance. If residential aged care becomes necessary, accommodation payments and ongoing fees can meaningfully affect retirement savings. 

Thinking about these possibilities in advance is not negative. It is an act of care for your future self and for those who may help support you. 

Protecting quality of life 

Healthspan is not only about avoiding illness. It is about preserving dignity, connection and purpose. It is about being able to visit loved ones, participate in meaningful activities, pursue interests and remain engaged with the world. 

Financial flexibility helps protect those choices. It allows room to adapt, rather than react. 

Planning for both vitality and uncertainty 

The widening gap between lifespan and healthspan gently reminds us that retirement planning is about more than longevity projections. 

Some people will enjoy decades of robust health. Others may face health challenges earlier than expected. A well-constructed financial strategy considers both strength and uncertainty. It balances enjoying the present with preparing for potential future care needs. 

At its heart, planning is not about fear. It is about reassurance and confidence. 

Adding life to years 

Living longer is a gift. But the real aspiration for most of us is not simply to add years to life. It is to add life to years. 

Understanding the growing divide between healthspan and lifespan allows for more honest conversations about what ageing may look like. And it reinforces why financial planning is ultimately about wellbeing, not just wealth. 

A thoughtful plan cannot control every outcome. But it can provide stability, options and peace of mind. And in the later chapters of life, those things matter deeply. Contact us today to get yours right.

i Washington Post | wellness 

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The good news is that planning ahead and financial advice can provide choices and help avoid some of the stress.

Here are five things worth considering.

1. How will you pay for your room?

Room prices vary but average just over $600,000 across Australia. And with choices on how to pay, it is important to understand your options and the implications of each one.

You will have a choice to pay a lump sum, known as a Refundable Accommodation Deposit (RAD), make ongoing Daily Accommodation Payments (DAPs), or use a combination of the two.

You should seek advice to run the numbers on cashflow and overall wealth position to decide which option might work best for you.

2. Could your super help fund the move?

Your SMSF may be one of your largest financial assets, so it shouldn’t be overlooked when considering how to fund aged care.

You might consider withdrawing money from super to help pay a RAD rather than selling other investments, especially as these withdrawals are tax-free after age 60.

But before withdrawing money, it is important to understand what you may be giving up. The lump sum is mostly refundable when you leave care, but if you have taken it out of your SMSF, you won’t be able to put it back in.

3. Don’t forget about tax after death

Your super may be tax-effective while you are alive, but tax may be payable when it passes to beneficiaries such as adult children. The potential tax consequences for your estate might influence whether retaining money in super or using it to fund aged care is the better strategy.

It is also a good time to review your binding death benefit nominations and broader estate planning arrangements.

4. Who will manage your SMSF if you can’t?

One of the most important questions is also one of the easiest to put off – what happens if you can no longer manage your own financial affairs?

If illness or declining capacity means you can no longer perform your role as SMSF trustee, it is critical to have an appropriate enduring power of attorney in place so that person can take over the legal responsibilities.

Think carefully about who you appoint. They may ultimately have considerable control over one of your largest assets.

5. Rethink the structure

For some people, this planning process may raise another question: is an SMSF still the right structure for the next stage of life? This thinking will be impacted by the reasons why you set up an SMSF and the benefits it offers you – and every person needs to consider this for their own situation.

Need help with aged care decisions?

These are not decisions you should make alone. We offer licensed and specialist aged care advice, to help you make the right choices. If you’d like to talk through your situation or understand your next steps, reach out to our team today to discuss your situation here.

Our team are ready to help you plan ahead and provide financial advice to help you make the right choices for you and avoid some of the stress. Contact us here.

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“It’s easy to feel uncertain when markets are volatile or the headlines seem overwhelming. In my experience, having a well-considered plan and someone to guide you through the decisions can provide enormous peace of mind. Often it’s not about making dramatic changes—it’s about understanding your options and knowing you’re still on the right path.”

– Ursula Boorman, Managing Director, Direct Advisers

Markets have lurched from one direction to another; interest rates have lifted faster than expected, with the possibility of more increases in the months ahead, and there’s no end in sight to the global uncertainty.

While the market shocks are interspersed with periods of relative calm, The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) warns that the disruption could pose challenges to our financial stability.ⁱ

Nonetheless, the RBA says Australia is “well placed” to handle the uncertain times.

For those heading into retirement and focused on income security rather than speculation, having a clear view of the different retirement income options can help.

Account-based pensions

One of the most common retirement income options is an account-based pension, often started using superannuation savings. Your money stays invested, and you draw a regular income from the account, choosing the payment amount (subject to minimum annual withdrawals set by law) and the investment mix.ⁱⁱ

The appeal here is flexibility. You can adjust payments and investment options, and the remaining balances can be left to beneficiaries in your will.

On the other hand, account-based pensions are directly exposed to market movements. So, when markets fall, your account balance may be affected. That could reduce your future income, particularly if you continue withdrawals during a market downturn.

The risk is most significant in the early years of retirement. Losses combined with regular withdrawals can permanently reduce how long savings last, a challenge known as sequencing risk. Understandably, many retirees respond by spending less than they could afford, even when markets recover, simply to avoid the fear of running out of money later in life.ⁱⁱⁱ

Lifetime annuities

Annuities offer a different approach. In return for a lump sum investment, annuities pay a guaranteed income either for a fixed period or for the rest of your life. Because the payments are not linked to daily market values, they could deliver a strong sense of certainty, particularly when it comes to covering essential living costs.^iv

Lifetime annuities can provide a guaranteed income stream for life and may help reduce the stress that can come from market volatility.

While Direct Advisers has always considered a broad range of retirement income options, the low-interest-rate environment of the past decade meant that many lifetime income products were less attractive than alternative retirement strategies. Locking in capital when interest rates were at historically low levels often limited the long-term value these products could provide.

As interest rates move closer to historical averages, we are seeing renewed interest in lifetime income streams and are actively researching the latest solutions available in the market. For some retirees, these products may once again play a useful role in creating greater certainty and stability in retirement income planning.

Combining income streams

Rather than choosing between flexibility and certainty, retirees may benefit from using multiple income streams. This approach combines a guaranteed income source with a more flexible one.

For example, a lifetime annuity might be used to cover the basics such as housing, food and utilities, while an account‑based pension funds discretionary spending, travel or unexpected expenses. Research suggests this could lead to more stable income and greater confidence to spend, even when investment markets are volatile.^v

By ensuring your essential expenses are covered regardless of market conditions, you may be less likely to panic or cut spending during downturns.

The Age Pension

The Age Pension is an important part of the retirement income picture for many. It provides a government-backed, inflation‑linked income that is not affected by market performance. For eligible retirees, it can act as a valuable safety net later in life, particularly if personal savings decline.

Some lifetime income products receive concessional treatment under the Age Pension assets test, which can improve eligibility or payment levels. Understanding how different income streams interact with Centrelink rules can affect retirement outcomes.^vi

Retirement income is about what fits, not forecasts

There is no single best retirement income option. Each comes with trade‑offs between flexibility, risk, growth potential and control. What matters most is how well an income strategy matches your spending needs, risk tolerance and desire for certainty.

The right structure could help to reduce stress and support more confident spending in retirement. Uncertainty doesn’t have to mean insecurity.

Confidence Comes From Having a Plan

Periods of uncertainty can leave many people wondering whether they’re doing the right thing. Whether you’re approaching retirement, managing your investments, planning for aged care, or navigating a major life change, it’s natural to have questions about what comes next.

The good news is that you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

At Direct Advisers, we’ve been helping clients navigate life’s transitions, market cycles, and changing circumstances for decades. While we can’t control what happens around us, we can help you put a plan in place that reflects your goals, adapts as life changes, and gives you confidence in your decisions.

As Ursula often says:

“Peace of mind comes from knowing you have a plan—and that you’re not facing life’s financial decisions alone.”

If you’re feeling uncertain about your next step, or simply want reassurance that you’re on track, we’d love to have a conversation.

Book a chat with Ursula and the Direct Advisers team today and let’s talk about what’s important to you and the future you’re working towards.

👉 Book a Chat: Book a Chat with Direct Advisers

i The Global Macro-financial Environment | Financial Stability Review, March 2026 | RBA

ii Income streams | Australian Taxation Office

iii Which super funds offer income for life? | SuperGuide

iv, vi Income streams – Age Pension | Services Australia

v How product layering can support retirement outcomes | ASFA

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That’s why your financial strategy shouldn’t be static. It shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all. Instead, it should evolve with you adapting as your life shifts from one milestone to the next.

As Ursula Boorman, Managing Director of Direct Advisers, explains:

“Life’s Transitions don’t just happen to others, they can happen to any of us. The financial choices you make today will shape your next chapter. Advice isn’t about predicting the future, it’s about preparing for it with confidence.”

Transitions Are Universal — But Often Under-Prepared For

Major life events bring emotional and financial complexities. Yet many Australians feel they’re navigating these transitions without the confidence they deserve.

According to AMP’s Retirement Confidence Pulse (2025):

• Only half of Australians feel confident about their retirement prospects.
• Confidence is significantly lower among women and those experiencing separation or life changes.
• People in their 40s, often balancing care for children and ageing parents, report the lowest confidence levels overall.

These data points reflect the reality that even well-intentioned plans can fall out of step with life’s circumstances, especially when expectations shift.

Advice Matters at Every Milestone

Financial advice isn’t just for the wealthy or retired. It plays a valuable role at every stage of life — from building a foundation early in your career to pivoting after separation, to protecting what you’ve worked so hard to build.

The Value of Advice Consumer Research (2025) by the Financial Advice Association of Australia (FAAA) highlights the benefits:

• Australians with financial advice consistently report higher financial confidence
• They experience lower stress about money
• Advice helps households stay focused on long-term goals, even through uncertainty
• And people say it gives them more clarity and control over their future.

This isn’t just numbers, it’s wellbeing.

Life’s Transitions, The Direct Advisers Approach

At Direct Advisers, we call this phase Life’s Transitions. The journey isn’t just about super balances, investments, or insurance, it’s about you and the realities of the life you’re living now.

Our dedicated Life’s Transitions page outlines how we support clients through:

• Separation and divorce
• Loss of a partner
• Caring responsibilities
• Career change or redundancy
• Retirement planning
• Estate and legacy decisions

Each transition brings practical questions and emotional weight and a well-timed conversation can make all the difference.

Final Thought: Plan for Life, Not Just the Numbers

Transitions are inevitable. Feeling uncertain doesn’t have to be.

The power of advice lies in its ability to evolve with you helping you make confident choices through change, safeguard what matters most, and embrace your next chapter with purpose.

If you’re facing a milestone, big or small, taking a proactive step now can bring clarity tomorrow. You don’t need to have all the answers; you just need someone on your side to help you navigate the questions.

Ready to begin your next chapter with confidence?
Reach out to the team at Direct Advisers for a Life’s Transitions conversation that respects your goals, your story, and the life you want to build.

The post Life’s Milestones and Transitions: Your Strategy Should Evolve With You appeared first on Direct Advisers.

Thoughtfully planning out what it is you want to achieve and how you go about achieving it, can provide clarity and structure and ensure you stay on track.

As we look toward to the year ahead, now is the perfect time to set out a framework that supports lasting progress, not for the first few months, but throughout the whole year.

We explain how setting realistic goals can help you grow, stay motivated and create a year you can be proud of.

Reflecting on the past

Before we start to look forward, we must look back. Reflect on what you achieved in the past year – think about where you felt a sense of accomplishment as well as the areas that you may have fallen a little short and may need improvement for the year ahead.

Writing each of these down makes it easier, so you can avoid repeating the same patterns, especially for the things that didn’t go according to plan.

Next, you need to align your goals to what matters to you. What are your true values? Many goals are set based on what we think other people expect or what we think we should be doing. If you’re creating goals for these reasons, you are probably setting yourself up for failure.

Some considerations for values that are important to you could be health and well-being, career growth, family and relationships or financial stability.

Building the framework

Now, we’ve all heard about setting SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time- bound), but what about ‘systems’?

Author of Atomic Habits, James Clear, states that when we are not achieving our goals, or breaking certain habits, it may not be about the goals that are being set but the system we are using to achieve the goals.

Clear uses a framework called Four Laws of Behaviour Change, which set rules around achieving goals, or breaking bad habits. The four laws are as follows:

Law 1 – Make it obvious

Law 2 – Make it attractive

Law 3 – Make it easy

Law 4 – Make it satisfying

These laws are designed to create a simple, effective framework to keep you focused on your goals.

Implement and execute

Here are some examples of how you can use this system to create simple habits to achieve your goals.

Law 1: Make it obvious

• Design your environment so the cue for your habit is right in front of you

Example: Put your gym clothes on the bed the night before

Law 2: Make it attractive

• Pair habits with something you enjoy

Example: Only listen to your favourite podcast while walking

Law 3: Make it easy

• Reduce friction-make habits as convenient as possible
• Start small:
  • Do 2 push-ups
  • Meditate for 1 minute

LAW 4: Make it satisfying

• Reward yourself immediately after the habit
• Track habits so you feel progress
• Create a “don’t break the chain” streak

Cultivating small daily habits will keep you motivated. Fostering sustainable habits and seeing the gradual change each day will give you the dopamine hit you need to continue on your journey. When you start to feel overwhelmed, the process feels like a hard slog, and you are less likely to stick to it.

Remember, you don’t need to overhaul your life; it’s about creating small habits that are going to be more manageable to help you achieve big goals, whatever they may be.

Set yourself up for kicking goals

Setting goals for 2026 is an opportunity to shape your life intentionally rather than drifting through the year on autopilot, which we tend to do if we don’t carefully and thoughtfully plan ahead.

With reflection, clarity, systems, and flexibility, your goals can become powerful tools for transformation. Start early, stay curious, and give yourself permission to evolve along the way.

Here’s to a purposeful, aligned, and fulfilling 2026.

We can help you to align your plan with your values while keeping your long-term goals on track. Contact our team here.

The post Designing the future, you want appeared first on Direct Advisers.

You can often receive the help you need while continuing to live safely and comfortably at home.

This article explains how to get started.

Getting aged care support through My Aged Care

My Aged Care is the Australian Government’s entry point to aged care services. It’s designed to help older people find trustworthy support – whether that’s a bit of assistance around the house or more complex care – while staying in their own home for as long as possible.

Through My Aged Care, you can:

• learn about different aged care programs
• check your eligibility
• access government funding
• be connected with services that match your needs

Even if you’re able to pay for services privately or have strong family support, My Aged Care is still the best place to start. It outlines what support is available and helps you navigate the system.

How to get started

You can register yourself or a loved one on the My Aged Care website, or call 1800 200 422 if you prefer to speak with someone. The team can also assist in person through Aged Care Specialist Officers.

During registration, you’ll provide basic personal and health information. This builds your profile and helps My Aged Care suggest suitable services. Although information listed on the site is reliable, the Department of Health and Aged Care still recommends verifying any provider you’re considering.

If you need financial assistance, you can also apply for funding. After you apply, your details will be sent to a local assessment team.

What happens during an assessment?

An assessor will visit your home (or your loved one’s home) to understand your day-to-day needs and determine what support would improve your safety, independence and wellbeing.

Based on this visit, the assessor may:

• confirm your eligibility for government-funded services
• recommend specific types of support
• create a support plan outlining the type and level of help you require

This plan becomes the foundation for choosing your care options.

Choosing the right services

Aged care in Australia is diverse. Some services are delivered in residential aged care homes, while many others can be provided in your own home. In home care can include personal care, domestic assistance, nursing, respite, transport, home maintenance and more.

Understanding what you need – and what’s available – is important, especially if you want to continue living at home.

Support at Home

The new Support at Home program is designed to bring together existing in-home care programs into one streamlined system. It aims to make it easier for older Australians to access the right help at the right time, with services tailored to individual needs and goals. Support at Home offers a wide range of care types, from basic assistance to more complex support, delivered directly to your home based on your assessed needs.

Your assessor will help outline what level and type of support is suitable for your situation.

In-home care vs residential aged care

Most older Australians prefer to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. My Aged Care helps make this achievable by connecting you with the services you need to live safely and independently.

However, if your care needs become too great to manage at home, residential aged care may eventually be recommended. Whatever path you choose, the decision remains yours – or, if necessary, made with your appointed decision-maker under the Aged Care Act 2024, which strengthens the rights of older people.

Understanding your options is the first step in planning for safe, comfortable ageing. My Aged Care offers a clear pathway to find, compare and access support services, whether for yourself or a loved one.

If you’re ready to explore your options, visit the My Aged Care website to begin the process and take control of your care at home, or you can reach out to us if you have any questions.

If you would like to discuss your aged care options, contact our team here.

Source:
This article was originally published on https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/talking-aged-care/how-to-access-aged-care-assistance-at-home. Reproduced with permission of DPS Publishing.
Important:
This provides general information and hasn’t taken your circumstances into account.  It’s important to consider your particular circumstances before deciding what’s right for you. Although the information is from sources considered reliable, we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete. You should not rely upon it and should seek qualified advice before making any investment decision. Except where liability under any statute cannot be excluded, we do not accept any liability (whether under contract, tort or otherwise) for any resulting loss or damage of the reader or any other person. 

Any information provided by the author detailed above is separate and external to our business. Our business does not take any responsibility for any action or any service provided by the author. Any links have been provided with permission for information purposes only and will take you to external websites, which are not connected to our company in any way. Note: Our company does not endorse and is not responsible for the accuracy of the contents/information contained within the linked site(s) accessible from this page.

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Retirement isn’t about stepping back. It’s about stepping into a new chapter where you decide what comes next.

Even if you are not yet there, and retirement is still a way off, it’s never too soon to think about who you want to be, what gives you joy, and start to gravitate towards living your dreams.

Let go of conformity, embrace freedom

Of course, you can live your dreams at any stage of your life but the exciting part about retirement is that you are no longer bound by the expectations that shaped your earlier years. You don’t have to earn a living anymore, so what you do with your time can be driven purely by passion, curiosity, or purpose.

For much of our lives, we learn to conform. We wear the suits, follow the rules, meet the deadlines, and often suppress our wilder ideas or untapped creativity to fit the roles expected of us, whether as professionals, parents, providers, or partners.

But something shifts later in life. With age often comes clarity, and a new kind of confidence. Retirement can be the moment when we stop asking what others think we should do and instead, begin to ask what our hearts are calling us to do.

This is your opportunity to push boundaries, shed old labels, and express your true self without apology. It is a time to honour your inner voice, whether that means embracing bold adventure, creating, starting over, or simply doing what feels meaningful to you.

Unconventional can be unforgettable

Retirement can be the perfect time to try something unexpected or bold. Consider these inspiring examples:

Isabella Rossellini

After being let go by Lancôme at age 45 for being “too old,” Rossellini redefined what aging looks like. She went back to school in her 50s to study animal behaviour, wrote books, bought a working farm, and later, in a full-circle moment, was rehired by the same brand that once let her go. Now in her 70s, she continues to model, act, write, and farm, all on her own terms.

Diana Nyad

At 64, Nyad swam from Cuba to Florida, a journey of 110 miles through open ocean, after four earlier attempts. It was a dream she had carried her whole life, and she proved that persistence and passion don’t expire with age.

Harriette Thompson

Harriette ran her first marathon in her 70s and, at 92, became the oldest woman ever to complete one. Her story is a celebration of physical endurance and mental strength at any age.

Anthony Hopkins

Well into his 80s, the Oscar-winning actor continues to create. He acts in major films, paints, composes music, and shares his work with younger generations online. He shows that creativity and passion do not have a use-by date.

Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa received the Nobel Peace Prize at age 69 for her work with “Missionaries of Charity,” a world-wide organization that helped the sick, the poor, the dying and left an incredible legacy of benevolence that continues today.

Finding your joy

This chapter of life gives you the rare opportunity to redefine yourself, or finally be yourself, in ways that may not have been possible earlier in life.

Whether your dream is to travel the world, volunteer overseas, write a novel, take up painting, or pursue a long-held interest that never fit into your working life, now is your chance.

And it doesn’t have to follow tradition. Retirement can be adventurous, creative, active, or entrepreneurial. It can be spent on a cruise ship, in a mountain village, running marathons, or making movies. And you don’t have to set the world on fire – if what makes you happy is watching your roses bloom, then go for it! The point is, this part of your life is yours to shape.

Retirement is a time to live fully and follow your own path to what brings you joy.

What will your next chapter be?

Our team are online and ready to help you plan your next steps. Contact us here.

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Let’s face it, during the cooler months, it’s easy to slip into hibernation mode. The couch is comfy, the heater’s on, and motivation to move or get outdoors can drop. But as the seasons change, so too can our mindset. Reconnecting with nature, moving our bodies, and creating space to breathe deeply again can have a powerful impact on both our health and our outlook on life.

Why Nature Still Matters—Especially Now

Even small bursts of time outside have been shown to boost mood, improve sleep, and support the immune system. In fact, just two hours a week in nature has been linked to better physical health and wellbeing. That might look like a walk around your neighbourhood, time in the garden, or even just enjoying a cuppa in the sunshine.

Movement matters, too. You don’t need to run marathons; just gentle, regular activity can help ease the aches and lift your energy. Think: beach walks, golf with friends, or weekend strolls in the bush. These habits are not just feel-good extras; they’re part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle that supports longevity and independence.

Retirement Is More Than Financial

While planning your retirement finances is critical, true quality of life in retirement comes from more than just your bank balance. As Ursula Boorman, Managing Director at Direct Advisers, explains:

“A well-funded retirement is important, but it means very little if your health and well-being aren’t part of the picture. As we support clients approaching retirement, we encourage them to think holistically, planning not only for financial freedom, but for a lifestyle they truly enjoy.”

Whether you’re nearing retirement or already there, it’s worth asking: What does wellbeing look like for me right now? Do I have the energy and clarity I want? Am I spending time doing the things that matter?

Final Thought: Build the Life You Want to Live

Retirement isn’t just a destination; it’s a season of life that deserves to be lived well. Getting your finances in order is a powerful step, but don’t forget to take care of your body and mind along the way.

If you’d like to talk to someone about your retirement plan and how it aligns with the lifestyle you want, reach out to the team at Direct Advisers. We’re here to help you feel confident about the road ahead. Contact us here.

References

• Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing: Nature.com study
• How nature impacts your immune system and sleep cycles: Ask the Scientists – Outdoors
• The psychological benefits of time in nature: American Psychological Association (APA)

The post Recharging for the Season Ahead: Your Health, Your Wealth, Your Wellbeing appeared first on Direct Advisers.

If our working years can be regarded as the time when we aim to build up our superannuation savings, our retirement years can equally be regarded as the time when we aim to spend them. 

At least that’s the objective for most Australians. Which generally leads to the question: how do I start accessing my super funds when I do stop working, or maybe even before I stop working? 

This article focuses on the basics, including the general eligibility rules around accessing your super and how to switch your super accumulation account to an account-based pension. 

What age can I access my super? 

To legally access your super, you generally need to have met a condition of release after turning 60-years-old. 

You can do so by either stopping work completely (retiring) or by keeping working and starting a transition to retirement income stream (TRIS). 

Doing so can enable you to reduce your current working hours and use your TRIS pension payments to top up your part-time income. 

In either case, you have the options of turning on a pension income stream, making a lump sum cash withdrawal, or doing a combination of both.  

How do I start a pension account? 

Importantly, to start accessing your super, you will need to roll some or all of it over from your accumulation account into a newly created pension account. 

Those starting a TRIS continue to receive compulsory super guarantee payments from their employer (which are taxed at the normal rate of 15%) into their super accumulation account. The funds held in a pension account can be accessed, however keeping in mind that investment earnings in the pre-retirement phase are also still taxed at 15%. 

Most super funds offer pension account products and different investment options, similar to their accumulation account products. Those with a self-managed super fund should contact their SMSF accountant and/or speak to us to facilitate the super rollover and pension account conversion processes. 

You may need to contact your super fund to find out their process, which is typically as simple as lodging a request with your fund by filling out a form and providing information such as how much of you super you want to roll over, and where to. 

Once your funds are in a pension account you could then take some out as a lump sum. The Australian Tax Office (ATO) has mandated minimum annual withdrawal amounts, which depend on your age. 

There is a limit on the maximum amount that can be transferred as a tax-free retirement income stream from super to a pension account, known as the transfer balance cap. This is currently set at $2 million. The ATO keeps track of how much you transfer, and if you go over the cap it will levy an excess transfer balance tax. 

If you have more than $2 million in super you have the option of keeping the excess in your super account and paying up to 15% tax on your earnings, or you can withdraw the excess super as a lump sum. 

What are the tax considerations in pension mode? 

If you’re aged 60 or over and fully retired, any income earned on your pension assets is tax free and so are the pension payments you withdraw. 

Also, a major advantage is that the profits from any investments sold within a pension account are completely capital gains tax free. 

What are the minimum pension withdrawal amounts? 

Once you’ve rolled over some or all of your super to an account-based pension you are required by law to withdraw a minimum pension amount each financial year, which is a percentage of your account balance based on your age. 

For new pensions, the minimum withdrawal amount is calculated on a pro-rata basis from when a pension commences to the end of the financial year. 

There are restrictions on how much can be withdrawn tax free through a TRIS in a financial year if you’re under 65, until you’ve met a condition of release. The minimum withdrawal amounts is 4% of your super balance and the maximum is 10%. 

The table below shows the required minimum withdrawal rates if you’re in pension phase and are fully retired. 

Source: Australian Tax Office 

Any amounts leftover in your pension account when you die will go to your nominated beneficiaries. Depending on the type of beneficiary (reversionary, spouse, dependant or non-dependant) the amounts can be paid as an ongoing pension stream until the account runs out or as a lump sum. 

Consider getting professional advice 

If you’re wanting total financial flexibility in retirement, you could consider leaving part of your money in super, rolling over some of it into an account-based pension, and also withdrawing lump sums whenever you need to. 

There are a range of benefits from adopting a combination of your options, although there may also be potential tax consequences for both you and your beneficiaries. 

Managing the combination of a super accumulation account, an account-based pension, an Age Pension entitlement (if eligible), potential investment earnings outside of super, and irregular lump sum payments, can be highly complex. 

Using our services is a worthwhile consideration as you weigh up all of your retirement options. Contact the team here.

This article has been reprinted with the permission of Vanguard Investments Australia Ltd. Copyright Smart Investing™ 

GENERAL ADVICE WARNING 
Vanguard Investments Australia Ltd (ABN 72 072 881 086 / AFS Licence 227263) (VIA) is the product issuer and operator of Vanguard Personal Investor. Vanguard Super Pty Ltd (ABN 73 643 614 386 / AFS Licence 526270) (the Trustee) is the trustee and product issuer of Vanguard Super (ABN 27 923 449 966). The Trustee has contracted with VIA to provide some services for Vanguard Super. Any general advice is provided by VIA. The Trustee and VIA are both wholly owned subsidiaries of The Vanguard Group, Inc (collectively, “Vanguard”). We have not taken your or your clients’ objectives, financial situation or needs into account when preparing our website content so it may not be applicable to the particular situation you are considering. You should consider your objectives, financial situation or needs, and the disclosure documents for the product before making any investment decision. Before you make any financial decision regarding the product, you should seek professional advice from a suitably qualified adviser.You should refer to the TMD of the product before making any investment decisions. You can access our Investor Directed Portfolio Service (IDPS) Guide, Product Disclosure Statements (PDS), Prospectus and TMD at vanguard.com.au and Vanguard Super SaveSmart and TMD at vanguard.com.au/super or by calling 1300 655 101. Past performance information is given for illustrative purposes only and should not be relied upon as, and is not, an indication of future performance. Important Legal Notice – Offer not to persons outside Australia The PDS, IDPS Guide or Prospectus does not constitute an offer or invitation in any jurisdiction other than in Australia. Applications from outside Australia will not be accepted. For the avoidance of doubt, these products are not intended to be sold to US Persons as defined under Regulation S of the US federal securities laws. © 2025 Vanguard Investments Australia Ltd. All rights reserved. 

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On the positive side, there will be more packages available, which should reduce waiting times. But there will also be changes to the contributions (fees) you pay – and for some people, this could mean paying more for the care services you access. 

Here’s a simple overview to help you understand what’s changing and how you can prepare. 

What’s changing? 

The existing Home Care Packages will cease on 1 November 2025, and everyone will transition to Support at Home. You might not see a disruption in your services, but you will notice changes.  

Some key differences in the new system: 

• A new fee structure, based on your financial circumstances and the services you access 

• You will continue to be charged by your provider, but only after you have received services 

• Eight levels of care instead of four, to better match your needs, with additional funding for assistive technology and home modifications (where approved) 

• Budgets will be allocated quarterly – and if not used, won’t carry over. 

These changes apply to both new applicants and people who are already receiving care.  

What about fees? 

The Government will continue to subsidise care costs within your approved budget, but you’ll be expected to make a contribution. Here’s how the new contributions will work: 

• What you pay depends on your financial situation – whether you receive a full or part pension, or are self-funded 

• Clinical care (like nursing or physiotherapy) will be fully funded by the Government 

• You may pay more for everyday living services (like meal preparation or cleaning) than you do for independence supports (like personal care or transport). 

• If you were approved for, or receiving, a Home Care Package as at 12 September 2024, you will be eligible for fee concessions, so you are no worse off under the new rules. 

Importantly, there’s a lifetime cap on your contributions – you will not pay more than $130,000 (indexed) over your lifetime. 

Your package level sets the total funding available to pay for care, but 10% is allocated to the care provider to cover the cost of care management. You then work with your provider to decide how you want to spend the rest of the budget. The provider sets their fee for services so it’s worth checking what they charge – the more they charge, the less support you may be able to afford from your package. You could always choose to pay extra if your package does not cover all the care you need. 

How to be ready? 

To make the most of the new system, it’s a good idea to take a few steps before November: 

• Think about your care needs – what help do you need and what services will make a difference to you? 

• Talk to your current provider – if you’re already receiving care, they should be in touch to help you transition. You’ll need to sign a new service agreement under the new system. 

• Book an assessment – if you need help but don’t already have a package, contact My Aged Care to arrange a care needs assessment. This takes time, so it’s best not to delay. 

Need help to understand your options? 

Navigating aged care can be complicated – especially with these new changes. That’s why we offer specialist aged care advice to help you plan and make the best choices. 

We can help you: 

• Understand how the changes affect you 

• Calculate estimates of your contributions 

• Make sure your finances and investments are set up to provide the cashflow you’ll need. 

If you’d like to chat about your options or get help preparing for the changes, we’re here to help. Just give us a call. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This document has been prepared by Aged Care Steps Pty Limited, ABN 42 156 656 843 AFSL 486723, based on our understanding of the relevant legislation at the time of writing. While every care has been taken, Aged Care Steps Pty Limited makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of the contents. The information is of a general nature only and has been prepared without consideration of your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making any decisions, you should consider the appropriateness for your personal investment objectives, financial situation or individual needs. We recommend you see a financial adviser, registered tax agent or legal adviser before making any decisions based on this information. Current at 8 July 2025. 

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