Helped a Low Asset Couple Double What They Thought They Could Afford in Retirement
Background: Meet Charles & Angela
Charles and Angela are a couple in their mid-60s who approached us with uncertainty around whether they could afford to retire. While they owned their home outright and were both still working full-time, they felt financially limited and unsure about their future.
They had relatively modest assets, including around $100,000 in superannuation spread across multiple funds, and had recently received an inheritance of $190,000, which was sitting in cash without a clear strategy.
Their concern wasn’t just whether they could retire, it was whether they could do so comfortably, without having to live more frugally than they wanted.
Key Results at a Glance
-
Income increased:Lifted retirement income from $20K to $36K+ p.a.
-
Government benefits :Received $3,000 in co-contributions to super
-
Retirement confidence achieved :Confirmed ability to retire comfortably with a growing asset base
-
Enhanced lifestyle :$7K a year for travel in retirement
-
Estate improved:Saved $36,000 in tax through estate planning
Why Did They Seek Advice?
- To determine if they could afford to retire comfortably.
- To understand how to make better use of their $190,000 inheritance.
- To improve their superannuation structure and investment strategy.
- To explore ways to increase their retirement income and lifestyle.
- To gain clarity around their Centrelink Age Pension entitlements.
Strategies Implemented
Retirement Planning & Cash Flow Strategy:
- Modelled their current position as a baseline, assuming no changes to their existing strategy.
- Confirmed they could meet their minimum retirement income ($18K–$20K p.a.) through Age Pension support.
- Demonstrated that they could comfortably increase spending to $36,000 p.a. plus $7,000 p.a. for travel, while still maintaining a growing asset base.
- Provided clarity that they could retire sooner and enjoy a more fulfilling lifestyle.
Investment Strategy:
- Identified that most of their wealth was held in cash with no clear investment strategy.
- Recommended a balanced approach to retain sufficient liquidity while investing surplus funds into assets with stronger long-term growth potential.
- Helped them become more confident in investing, aligning strategy with their comfort level.
Superannuation & Contribution Strategy:
- Consolidated multiple super funds into a more efficient and suitable structure.
- Leveraged their eligibility (meeting the work test) to make non-concessional contributions.
- Accessed the government co-contribution, generating $500 each per year for 3 years, adding $3,000 to their savings.
Estate Planning Strategy:
- Implemented a re-contribution strategy to convert taxable super into tax-free components.
- Estimated this would save their children approximately $36,000 in tax, improving their estate outcomes without impacting their own position.
Centrelink Strategy:
- Assessed their eligibility for Age Pension benefits, confirming it would form a key part of their retirement income.
- Ensured their strategy aligned with maximising their entitlements while maintaining flexibility.
Outcomes and Benefits
- Confirmed they could retire comfortably without financial stress.
- Increased their sustainable income from $18–20K to $36K+ p.a., plus travel allowance.
- Added $3,000 in government contributions to their super.
- Improved long-term wealth outcomes through a structured investment approach.
- Consolidated and optimised their superannuation for simplicity and efficiency.
- Enhanced estate outcomes with an estimated $36,000 tax saving for beneficiaries.
- Gained clarity and confidence to enjoy retirement rather than live frugally.
Key Takeaway
Many people underestimate what’s possible in retirement when their finances lack structure. Charles and Angela’s case shows how the right advice can transform uncertainty into clarity, helping you move beyond a “just getting by” mindset and into a retirement that truly supports your lifestyle and goals.
Life is Full of Possibilities
Book your free consultation with a Yield Advisor
Fantastic experience with this professional service offering and the people over many years. It is a personal approach with a sensitive tone to your entire life in mind. It doesn’t feel transactional and well worth your investment in time and money. Highly recommend the team.
Demi Papadoiliopoulos
Book NowMeet the Experts Behind the Strategy
Important Note
Produced with our client’s permission. Names within this case study have been changed to protect the client’s right to privacy. The content of this case study has been based on a real-life client. Any information provided here is general advice only and does not consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. This information should not be taken as comprehensive and does not constitute legal or financial advice. You should seek legal, financial or other professional advice before relying on any content. Yield Financial Planning is not responsible to you or anyone else for any loss suffered in connection with the use of this information. Information is only current at the date initially published.
You May Also Like
James McFall, CFP® 
August 17, 2025 
James McFall, CFP® August 2, 2025 
James McFall, CFP® October 13, 2023 
What Our Clients Say
We have entrusted our wealth creation and future security with Yield Financial Planning for a number of years now. They truly are professionals who have stayed ahead of the game by making strategic decisions at the right time and have always given sound advice. Security for our future is in great hands. Thanks Yield Financial Planning!!!
Yield Financial Planning has provided us with professional expert sound advice. It is always a pleasure to deal James and his team who always have our best interests at heart and has set up a sound plan for retirement. James and his team have provided first rate advice and funds management. I have confidence in James’s competence and integrity.
Yield Financial Planning have been excellent in their advice and investment strategies being a pleasure to work with over many years. Their strategies and constant portfolio reviews making changes when needed have guided us right through from our working days, the GFC and now retirement. We hold Yield as being an invaluable necessity.
Just the excellent service we receive and doesn’t matter how many questions we have; the staff are happy to oblige. They follow things through and let us think about important and critical matters methodically with a helping hand along the way. So overall the Journey is pleasant, professional and comprehensive yet it is explained to you what could help you or your needs.
I’ve been with Yield for more than 10 years and I’ve found the advice invaluable in helping to navigate life’s twists and turns. Highly recommended 5 Stars!
I would like to congratulate Yield Financial Planning, for their high quality of care, expertise and knowledge they have provided in ensuring my future growth is heading in the right direction. These qualities have reflected both in results and the ongoing follow up as an existing client, which I find reassuring.
Have been with Yield for a few years as my financial planners, and was very pleased when they announced their Mortgage Brokering Services – their Broker had great communication, and at no time was I unsure of where we were in the process. Being my Financial Planner, I was much more comfortable knowing they had my interests at the forefront of all negotiations – rather than getting a mortgage broker off the street who is probably aligned with a bank. From a more financial perspective, Yield saved us over $5000 per year through reduced interest payments alone – I highly recommend looking into Yield Financial
Get In Touch
Interested to discuss something?
Have a question or comment?
Submit your details and we’ll be in touch.
Free Consultation
Get started with a free strategy consultation and receive a copy of the Good Fortune Guide – written by James McFall, Managing Director Yield FP and 2020 National Finalist Certified Financial Planner of the Year to help educate you on your Financial Plan.
Plan Your Financial Success,
Book a Call Now!
Talk to an expert about your financial needs today
- 03 9069 2636
- service@yieldfp.com.au
- 4/670 Canterbury Rd, Surrey Hills VIC 3127
Nationally Awarded Top 3 Certified Financial Planner
450+
Empowered Clients we Support
81+
Net Promoter Score, Exceptional for Financial Advisors
12
Professional Excellence Awards
What Our Clients Say
We have entrusted our wealth creation and future security with Yield FP for a number of years now. They truly are professionals who have stayed ahead of the game by making strategic decisions at the right time and have always given sound advice. Security for our future is in great hands. Thanks YFP!!!
