Retirement may feel like a distant destination, but the journey starts well before you hang up your boots. For Australians, both in Brisbane and beyond, planning for retirement isn’t just about superannuation balances or age limits – it’s about building a life you actually want to live. A life that offers a return on the decades of hard work and dedication you’ve already put in.
Stuart Bates, Certified Financial Planner and Senior Partner at Lifelong Wealth in Brisbane North, shares his expert insights into how to get retirement-ready and get ahead.
Start with the life you want – then plan backwards
According to Stuart, one of the most overlooked parts of retirement planning is vision. What does a comfortable and meaningful life look like for you in your 60s, 70s, and even beyond? Where are you living? What do your days look like? Are you travelling, volunteering, spoiling the grandkids, starting a side business?
“It’s less about a dollar amount and more about your lifestyle,” says Stuart. “Your financial plan is there to support the life you want, not the other way around.”
Mapping your future lifestyle helps to determine how much you’ll need – and when. It also creates clarity for goal-setting in the years leading up to your retirement.
Get clear on where your money will come from
Most Australians fund their retirement from a combination of sources. These might include:
- Superannuation (likely your biggest nest egg)
- Investments (shares, property, managed funds)
- Government benefits (such as the Age Pension)
- Private savings or downsizing proceeds
- Part-time work or business income
Understanding how your various income sources interact—super, investments, and government benefits—can feel overwhelming at the best of times. That’s where our experienced financial advisers can help.
The team at Lifelong Wealth will model income scenarios tailored to your lifestyle, helping you find the right balance for a confident retirement. You can even request a one-on-one call with our CFP® and Senior Financial Planner Stuart Bates to continue the conversation.
Don’t underestimate the Age Pension and Centrelink
Centrelink might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about a comfortable retirement—but it plays a bigger role than most realise.
“Even self-funded retirees should be aware of the Age Pension eligibility thresholds,” says Stuart. “You don’t have to qualify for the full payment to receive other benefits like the Pensioner Concession Card or access to cheaper medicines.”
In fact, Stuart often sees retirees leave money on the table simply because they assume Centrelink won’t apply to them. Knowing how your assets, income, and even gifting patterns affect your eligibility can be a major strategic advantage.
Timing your retirement: It’s not just about age
While the preservation age for accessing super currently sits between 55–60 (depending on your birth year), that doesn’t mean it’s always the best time to retire. Many Australians work well into their 60s and 70s—some by choice, others by necessity.
Stuart advises clients to consider when they’ll need to access their money, and how long they’ll need it to last.
“People are living longer than ever. Planning for a 30-year retirement is no longer unusual,” he says.
Tax, Centrelink eligibility, investment growth, and lifestyle aspirations all impact the timing conversation. A retirement that’s either too early or too late can have significant long-term effects on your quality of life.
Why tailored financial advice makes all the difference
It’s never too early—or too late—in life to speak to a financial adviser. Even a short consultation with Lifelong Wealth can:
- Clarify your ideal retirement lifestyle
- Model your income needs and timeframes
- Optimise your superannuation strategy
- Minimise tax and maximise Centrelink entitlements
- Bring clarity and confidence to your decisions
Stuart and the team at Lifelong Wealth work closely with clients in Brisbane North to develop tailored strategies that reflect each individual’s goals and circumstances.
Ready to start the conversation?
Whether you’re just starting to think about retirement or you’re refining your existing plan, the licensed financial advisers at Lifelong Wealth are here to guide you. Book a personalised consultation with CFP® and Senior Financial Advisor Stuart Bates—or any of the firm’s trusted financial planners—to get expert advice that’s aligned with your goals.
📍 Based in Brisbane North and serving clients across Australia.
Plan with confidence, retire with purpose.
Contact Lifelong Wealth to begin your retirement journey today.
