Australian Super Planning

Project your super balance, see how long it lasts in retirement, and check if you need a bridge strategy before preservation age.

Your Details

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$
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Assumptions

%

Preservation Age

60

Tax-free access

Super Lasts Until

100+

at $60,000/yr

Bridge Needed

$600,000

10yr gap to super access

Projected Super Balance

Assumes 12% employer SG contributions on your income until age 67.

Age 55

$1,193,183

Age 60

$1,742,510

Age 65

$2,512,969

Age 67

$2,901,938

ASFA Retirement Standard

Annual spending benchmarks for a comfortable vs modest retirement (2025).

Comfortable

Single: $52,085/yr

Couple: $73,337/yr

Modest

Single: $32,666/yr

Couple: $47,387/yr

Your desired spending of $60,000/yr is above the comfortable single standard.

Super Drawdown Projection

Disclaimer: General information only, not tax or financial advice.

Model assumptions: nominal-dollar projections, Australian resident individual tax settings, Medicare levy fixed at 2% with low-income thresholds and personal offsets excluded. ETF and property are compared on the same upfront capital and annual budget, with ETF contributions mapped from property net out-of-pocket cash needs. Dividends, loan structure, transaction costs, and CGT remain simplified. Actual outcomes can differ materially.

Frequently asked questions

When can I access my super?
The preservation age is 60 for anyone born after 1 July 1964. You can access your super tax-free after 60 once you meet a condition of release (such as ceasing employment). If still working at 60, you may start a Transition to Retirement pension.
Is super tax-free after 60?
Yes. Withdrawals from a taxed super fund are tax-free after age 60, whether as a lump sum or pension. This makes super one of the most tax-efficient retirement funding sources in Australia.
What is the Age Pension age?
The Age Pension age is 67. If you retire before 67, you need to self-fund the gap. Your super balance and income affect Age Pension eligibility through means testing.
How much super does the average Australian have?
The median super balance for Australians aged 55-64 is approximately $190,000-$210,000 (ABS data). ASFA's comfortable retirement standard suggests a couple needs around $690,000 and a single person needs $595,000 at age 67.
What are minimum drawdown rates?
The government sets minimum annual drawdown rates for account-based pensions: 4% (under 65), 5% (65-74), 6% (75-79), 7% (80-84), 9% (85-89), 11% (90-94), 14% (95+). You must withdraw at least this percentage of your balance each year.
What is a bridge strategy?
If you want to retire before preservation age (60), you need non-super investments to cover living costs during the gap years. For example, retiring at 55 means 5 years of expenses outside super. This 'bridge' amount is a key planning number.