Superannuation Example 4: Do you have enough superannuation?

Industry research has estimated that most people need approximately 2/3rds of their working income to maintain their current lifestyle in retirement.

Once you have determined your required annual income, you then need to establish exactly how big your retirement nest egg needs to be to provide that level of income for life.

The table below shows the level of capital required for some income levels, assuming retirement at age 65 years and that the income will be paid for an average life expectancy.

Annual retirement income ($)

Capital required for earning rate of 6% pa

Capital required for earning rate of 8% pa

60,000

1,030,000

929,000

55,000

829,000

749,000

50,000

779,000

689,000

45,000

729,000

649,000

40,000

649,000

549,000

35,000

530,000

490,000

30,000

430,000

400,000

25,000

370,000

330,000

20,000

310,000

280,000

Assumes funds invested in allocated pension

Life expectancy for a 65 year old male is 17.7 years