Most of us dream of the day we can stop working and start ticking off our bucket list. Whether you dream of cruising Alaska, watching the sun rise over Uluru, improving your golf handicap or spending time with the grandkids, superannuation is likely to be a major source of your retirement income.
The question is, how much is enough?
The super retirement balance you need to aim for will depend on a number of factors including the age you retire, how long you live, the lifestyle you wish to maintain, future health and aged care costs and whether you receive a full or part Age Pension.
How can I boost my super?
If your super is not tracking as well as you would like, there are ways to give it a kick along:
- You may be able to make a tax-deductible contribution up to the $25,000 annual concessional cap but be aware that this cap includes employer contributions and salary sacrifice.
- You may also be able to contribute up to $100,000 a year after tax, or $300,000 in any three-year period. You can’t claim it as a tax deduction, but earnings will be taxed at the maximum super rate of 15 per cent rather than your marginal rate and you can withdraw the money tax-free from age 60.
- Speak with your employer about directing some of your pre-tax salary into super.
- If you are 65 or older you may be able to make a downsizer contribution to your super of up to $300,000 from the proceeds of selling your home.
As the end of the financial year approaches, this is a great time to utilise your annual contribution caps and get a tax deduction for voluntary concessional contributions. If you would like to talk about your retirement income strategy, please give us a call.
Photo by Got Credit 
