Are pensions not enough? Recent study shows startling statistics about retirement

As we sail into the golden years of retirement, the expectation is often one of relaxation and enjoyment, a reward for decades of hard work.

However, for many Australians, this dream has been compromised by the stark reality of financial insecurity.

A recent study shed light on the growing concern among retirees and working Aussies, prompting many to reconsider their exit from the workforce.


Allianz Retire+ released their study titled, How Do We Make Retirements More Epic?, in partnership with retirement expert Bec Wilson.

The study painted a concerning picture among Aussie retirees and the workforce in general.

About 82 per cent of the study's respondents believed that the age pension falls short of meeting their retirement needs.


compressed-saved money.jpeg
Retirees and working Aussies believe that age pensions are not enough, hence their desire to learn about income-generating investments. Image Credit: Pexels/Pixabay


Among these respondents, 28 per cent consider working beyond the traditional retirement age.

Meanwhile, 39 per cent of the respondents were open to the idea of employment during retirement.

In contrast, 24 per cent of the survey's respondents believe that their retirement funds are enough to sustain them throughout retirement.

Lastly, 28 per cent of respondents remain undecided and have no definite retirement plans.


'This desire to continue some form of work signals a massive step change for retirement. It is no longer a line in the sand in an individual's working life,' Allianz Australia Life Insurance Chief Executive Adrian Stewart shared.

'It's not news that Australians are living longer, healthier lives and that today's retirees typically enjoy a more active lifestyle than previous generations,' Mr Stewart added.

However, this lifestyle shift came with a price.

'These require retirees to stretch their savings over multi-decade timeframes that will include unpredictable market conditions—such as those experienced recently—and personal challenges.'


The study also revealed a significant interest in products offering guaranteed income.

Over 75 per cent of respondents expressed keen interest in various income streams as a retirement funding source.

Despite this interest, there's a visible knowledge gap—as 49 per cent of respondents were aware of lifetime income streams but lacked detailed understanding.

On the other hand, the majority were eager to learn more about these investment plans.

'Australians are looking to embrace a second act that could span 25 years or more. Yet many don't feel financially prepared to navigate the transition,' Bec Wilson shared.

The desire for education and advice is strong as retirees seek to alleviate concerns about outliving their money.


So, what does this mean for elderly community members?

It's time to take a closer look at your retirement plans and lifestyle.

It also reminds us of the importance of financial literacy and planning.

Understanding various investment options is crucial to stretching your retirement funds further.

Financial experts could also tailor a retirement plan resonating with your life expectancy and lifestyle aspirations.

After all, retirement should be a time of enjoyment and fulfilment, not financial stress.
Key Takeaways

  • A survey asked retirees and pre-retirees about their thoughts about the age pension, which has been insufficient for their retirement needs.
  • A large number of respondents shared their openness to working during retirement.
  • On the other hand, less than one-quarter of the respondents believed they have enough income to last throughout retirement.
  • The study highlighted a significant interest in income-generating products for retirement funding, although many need more detailed knowledge about these options.
What do you think of this study? Have you found the age pension to be sufficient, or did you look for alternative income sources at some point? Sharea your thoughts and opinions with us in the comments below.
 
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I live my life as I want, if bored I go into my shed and make things.
Friends have asked me to repair their trailers, make gates and fencing, anything to do with Boilermaking and Welding.
Word of mouth gets around and I am kept busy to a degree that suits me.
I ask for payment to cover materials, power, welding consumables, paint etc.
No jobs are done for financial gain. No arguements !
If a 6 pack is offered thats acceptable as long as it's Coopers Pale Ale.
She who must be obeyed likes this, "it's the peace and quiet" she says.
We both have a good super fund and live comfy.
The pension I think could be a bit more to help those who were not able to have enough super to last.
I do not believe you have to or should work to produce an income in retirement.
We have done the hard yards, it's our time now.
Sit back have a glass of 🍷and be a happy😺
 
Must admit we are doing okay but now wonderful. The pension is not keeping up with the cost of living. Anyone renting is behind the eight ball as well. Personal opinion, for anyone who has to rent there should be government housing both built and bought in much greater numbers solely for renting. Also think that developers need to step up and build rental only apartments and small houses not just for pensioners but for anyone who has to rent.
 
I live my life as I want, if bored I go into my shed and make things.
Friends have asked me to repair their trailers, make gates and fencing, anything to do with Boilermaking and Welding.
Word of mouth gets around and I am kept busy to a degree that suits me.
I ask for payment to cover materials, power, welding consumables, paint etc.
No jobs are done for financial gain. No arguements !
If a 6 pack is offered thats acceptable as long as it's Coopers Pale Ale.
She who must be obeyed likes this, "it's the peace and quiet" she says.
We both have a good super fund and live comfy.
The pension I think could be a bit more to help those who were not able to have enough super to last.
I do not believe you have to or should work to produce an income in retirement.
We have done the hard yards, it's our time now.
Sit back have a glass of 🍷and be a happy😺
Such a pleasure to read such a positive response to retirement. Enjoy the red! 😎
 
Our retirement plans to live with family hit a hurdle when our granny flat plans were unable to be built, we lost a lot of money by going through an agency that was supposed to facilitate the process and we were forced to rent.
We live very simply, shop locally and travel outside our local area very rarely. Our Centrelink pensions cover our basic needs, including rent, but we have no capacity to really 'live well' or travel as we had planned.
 
"It also reminds us of the importance of financial literacy and planning."

Well, DUH!"
Unless one owned one's residence outright, the Pension was NEVER enough to meet retirement needs, and even then it was a precarious existence.

Start from the basis of "Spend less than you earn".
Maintain that mindset for your entire working life.
Only get involved with Good Debt, i.e., debt which leads to increased wealth, like investment properties; let the Taxman work FOR you instead of against you. Don't be greedy; when each of your properties' values increase by 50%, sell and reinvest. Rinse and repeat.

You'll find that by the time you CHOOSE to retire, you not only won't NEED the Pension, you'll probably NOT qualify for it. You probably won't need the handsomely-paid Financial Planner, either; just an accountant.
 
I never had Superannuation when I was working…I’m now about to turn 75 next month, and I had to go back to work 2 mornings a week as the single pension is just not enough. I own my home however with the cost of living and having money for when things go wrong in my home, I have to work.
Fortunately I have good health so I can handle the 2 mornings a week, however I have no idea how I will manage when I’m not able to do this little bit of work….im much better off than some people and I’m not complaining, it’s the ones trying to rent on a single pension that I feel for…the pension needs to be raised for those for whatever reason did not have Superannuation and now have to rent…
 
We are ok on the pension because we did not live the high life. I had no super and my husbands super only started when it was compulsory. We own our home so that is a big saving. I feel for those renting especially the single ones. since retiring we have had holidays but did not have while working we just managed our money carefully. no smoking or excessive drinking etc. It is a matter of planning .
 
I am disabled and transferred from Disability to Aged Pension when I turned 67 and my hubby is now my full time carer (he is only 54 this year but has his own disabilities after injury and neck surgery). We are lucky we own our home (his injury TPD allowed us to pay out our mortgage) but I don't have a lot of super so we don't do much at all - a holiday away these days is a pipedream for us - we downsized to 1 car to save heaps as well. Lucky we are homebodies because we can't afford any extras. The pension just doesn't allow it.
 
"It also reminds us of the importance of financial literacy and planning."

Well, DUH!"
Unless one owned one's residence outright, the Pension was NEVER enough to meet retirement needs, and even then it was a precarious existence.

Start from the basis of "Spend less than you earn".
Maintain that mindset for your entire working life.
Only get involved with Good Debt, i.e., debt which leads to increased wealth, like investment properties; let the Taxman work FOR you instead of against you. Don't be greedy; when each of your properties' values increase by 50%, sell and reinvest. Rinse and repeat.

You'll find that by the time you CHOOSE to retire, you not only won't NEED the Pension, you'll probably NOT qualify for it. You probably won't need the handsomely-paid Financial Planner, either; just an accountant.
To retire comfortably you need the have at least $4,000,000 in the superfund (a have rip off as far as I am concerned) and own your own house.....
 
I live my life as I want, if bored I go into my shed and make things.
Friends have asked me to repair their trailers, make gates and fencing, anything to do with Boilermaking and Welding.
Word of mouth gets around and I am kept busy to a degree that suits me.
I ask for payment to cover materials, power, welding consumables, paint etc.
No jobs are done for financial gain. No arguements !
If a 6 pack is offered thats acceptable as long as it's Coopers Pale Ale.
She who must be obeyed likes this, "it's the peace and quiet" she says.
We both have a good super fund and live comfy.
The pension I think could be a bit more to help those who were not able to have enough super to last.
I do not believe you have to or should work to produce an income in retirement.
We have done the hard yards, it's our time now.
Sit back have a glass of 🍷and be a happy😺
This is particular true for women who weren't allowed to put money in super until a certain year When I started work in Jan 1969 Govt law was I was not allowed to have a super fund. I can't remember the date the law was changed.
 
I live my life as I want, if bored I go into my shed and make things.
Friends have asked me to repair their trailers, make gates and fencing, anything to do with Boilermaking and Welding.
Word of mouth gets around and I am kept busy to a degree that suits me.
I ask for payment to cover materials, power, welding consumables, paint etc.
No jobs are done for financial gain. No arguements !
If a 6 pack is offered thats acceptable as long as it's Coopers Pale Ale.
She who must be obeyed likes this, "it's the peace and quiet" she says.
We both have a good super fund and live comfy.
The pension I think could be a bit more to help those who were not able to have enough super to last.
I do not believe you have to or should work to produce an income in retirement.
We have done the hard yards, it's our time now.
Sit back have a glass of 🍷and be a happy😺
Sadly not all are physically able to do that.
 
To retire comfortably you need the have at least $4,000,000 in the superfund (a have rip off as far as I am concerned) and own your own house.....
$4,000.000 in super for a comfortable retirement..
That = $6,153. 84 per week.
If tax is payable weekly money =$4,095. 89 per week, which is interest only paid, The 4 million is not touched
Is that comfortable enough❓ 😼😼
That equates to a measly $585. 13 per day
 
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$4,000.000 in super for a comfortable retirement..
That = $6,153. 84 per week.
If tax is payable weekly money =$4,095. 89 per week, which is interest only paid, The 4 million is not touched
Is that comfortable enough❓ 😼😼
That equates to a measly $585. 13 per day
Spot on!!! $585 per day sound ok. The thing is... who has $4,000,000?
 
Unfortunately I never had an opportunity to obtain much Super as it only came in about 3yrs before I was made redundant.
I only worked part time after that due to no longer being able to work full time.
Not much money coming in back then and I’m now on a single pension, which is very difficult to live on, hence at 75 I’ve been working for the last 3yrs a couple of mornings a week….being on a pension I’m not allowed to earn anymore however I’m grateful that I can work a little and life is much easier now…I’m not sure what I’ll do when I’m unable to work, however I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.
I own my own home so that’s a bonus…
 
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Reactions: IAN3005
Unfortunately I never had an opportunity to obtain much Super as it only came in about 3yrs before I was made redundant.
I only worked part time after that due to no longer being able to work full time.
Not much money coming in back then and I’m now on a single pension, which is very difficult to live on, hence at 75 I’ve been working for the last 3yrs a couple of mornings a week….being on a pension I’m not allowed to earn anymore however I’m grateful that I can work a little and life is much easier now…I’m not sure what I’ll do when I’m unable to work, however I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.
I own my own home so that’s a bonus…
When the time comes talk to me!!!!
 

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