Strategies for an unexpected retirement
The best time to start planning for retirement is yesterday.
But the second-best time? Today.
About two-thirds of Australians retire earlier than they anticipated because of unexpected events such as job loss or redundancy, they need to care for a family member, have a sudden illness or injury, problems at work or a partner’s decision to retire.i
But, whether you’re in your 50s, 60s, or even beyond, it’s never too late to take meaningful steps toward a more secure and fulfilling retirement.
The good news is that with the right guidance and a few smart moves, you can still build a retirement plan that reflects your values, supports your lifestyle and gives you peace of mind.
Where to begin
Before you make any changes, it’s important to understand your current financial position. This includes:
- your superannuation balance
- other savings or investments
- debts such as your mortgage, credit cards and personal loans
- expected retirement income sources including the Age Pension, rental income and part-time work
Boost your super
Even if you’re starting later, there are ways to accelerate your super growth using:
- Salary sacrifice Contributing pre-tax income into super can reduce your taxable income while boosting your retirement savings.
- Personal contributions You may be eligible for a tax deduction or government co-contribution depending on your income.
- Catch-up contributions You may be eligible to add to your super but be aware of the caps on contributions.ii
These strategies can be especially powerful in your 50s and 60s, when your income may be higher and retirement is on the horizon.
It’s also a good idea to regularly consider your super investment options and review your risk tolerance and time horizon.
Deal with debt
If possible, getting your debt under control before you retire is a useful strategy.
You could consider using your superannuation or other savings or downsize your home to pay off a mortgage or other loans. But first, it’s essential to carefully check the tax impact, the effect on your super and whether any potential government benefits will be affected.
Reassess your lifestyle goals
Retirement isn’t just about money, it’s about how and where you want to live, how much travel you’d like to do and if you’d continue to work part-time.
Clarifying your lifestyle goals helps shape your financial strategy. It also ensures your retirement plan reflects your values, not just your bank balance.
How much will I really need?
Aim to create a retirement budget. Estimate your future expenses including housing, food, travel and healthcare and compare them to your expected income. This helps identify any shortfalls and guides your savings strategy.
You will also need to consider the amount of time you might spend in retirement. This will depend on when you retire (planned or unexpected) and how long you live. This is called longevity risk. Given life expectancy is unpredictable, there is a possibility that your retirement savings may not last throughout retirement.
Understand your entitlements
Many Australians are eligible for government support in retirement, including:
- Age Pension Based on income and assets, available from age 67 (for those born after 1957).
- Concession cards For discounts on healthcare, transport and utilities.
- Rent assistance If you’re renting privately and receive the Age Pension.
Even if you don’t qualify now, you may be able to restructure your finances to maximise future entitlements.
Review regularly and remain flexible
Retirement planning isn’t a one-time event. Life changes and so should your strategy. Regular reviews help you:
- Adjust for market movements or legislative changes
- Update your goals and spending patterns
- Ensure your estate planning is current
Flexibility is key. Whether you retire gradually, take a sabbatical, or pivot to a new venture, your plan should evolve with you.
Next Steps: The Power Is in the Planning
Life doesn’t always unfold the way we expect. Retirement might arrive sooner than planned—through redundancy, illness, or shifting family needs—but that doesn’t mean you can’t shape a future you look forward to.
As Ursula Boorman, Managing Director at Direct Advisers, shares:
“We can’t always control when retirement happens, but we can absolutely control how prepared we are. The power is in the planning. It’s never too late to start putting the pieces together so you can live the life you want to live.”
The earlier you take action, the more options you give yourself, whether that’s boosting your super, reassessing lifestyle goals, or protecting your entitlements. Planning isn’t just about money. It’s about giving yourself the freedom and confidence to embrace what comes next with clarity and purpose.
Let’s build a retirement strategy that reflects your life, your values, and your goals, no matter when retirement comes.
Book a chat with the Direct Advisers team today and take the next step toward a future you’ve planned for, not just hoped for.
ii Understanding concessional and non-concessional contributions | Australian Taxation Office
