How Much Money Do I Need to Retire?
Tuesday, January 06, 2026
This is one of the most common – and important – questions we receive from clients preparing for retirement. The answer is different for everyone, because retirement is very individual and shaped by your goals, resources, and lifestyle aspirations.
At Maher Digby, our process begins with a complimentary initial consultation designed to help you gain clarity about your current financial position and the path forward. During this conversation, we consider the key factors that determine how much income you may need, and how your assets can best support you throughout retirement.
One of the first areas we explore is your superannuation balance. It usually forms the foundation of your retirement strategy, but we also consider other assets such as investments, share or managed fund portfolios and rental properties which can also generate additional income in retirement.
To plan your transition into retirement we take into consideration your view to doing any ongoing part-time work, as well as any accumulated holiday leave you may have. We will also assist in positioning your investments to qualify you for maximum Part or Full Age Pension wherever possible.
Home ownership is another significant component of your financial picture. If you own your home outright, your living costs may be considerably lower, allowing greater flexibility in your spending plans. We also discuss where you will be living – whether you intend to stay in your current home, downsize to release equity, or invest in renovations to create a more comfortable space for your retirement years.
For couples, retirement planning is a joint exercise. We assess both partners’ financial positions and explore how your investments can be structured to maximise returns, minimise tax, and provide stability for both of you. Will one partner continue to work for some time and the age of your partner. Aligning income streams and assets can lead to meaningful benefits over time.
Your age, and the time frame until your retirement, are also essential considerations. A retiree in their early 60s may need to plan for several decades of income going forward, while someone retiring later may focus more on optimising income in the short to medium term.
We include a look at your retirement vision. This is where financial figures meet lifestyle goals. Do you intend to travel regularly, upgrade your home, or support family members? Understanding what you want your retirement to look like, allows us to design a tailored plan that aims to deliver financial security as well as incorporating your lifestyle vision.
We will also take into account any potential inheritances or additional income that you foresee during your retirement years. While these can provide valuable flexibility, we approach them conservatively to ensure your plan remains sustainable without relying on uncertain future funds.
Our objective at Maher Digby is to help you achieve confidence and control over your retirement finances. Our focus is on strategies designed to preserve your capital and support your desired lifestyle throughout retirement.
If you would like to gain a clearer understanding of how much you need within your circumstances and retirement vision – and what strategies can optimise your financial position – contact our team to arrange your complimentary consultation.
For more Information contact Mark Digby at Maher Digby Securities Pty Ltd - Financial Advisers – AFSL No. 230559. This document was prepared without taking into account any person’s particular objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not guaranteed as accurate or complete and should not be relied upon as such. Maher Digby Securities does not accept any responsibility for the opinions, comments, forward looking statements, and analysis contained in this document, all of which are intended to be of a general nature. Investors should, before acting on this information, consider the appropriateness of this