Harnessing Concessional Contributions & Strategic Advice to Make Retirement More Secure
Background: Meet Lucy & Matt
Lucy and Matt are a couple approaching retirement with a diverse range of assets, including multiple super funds, shares, an inherited property in Frankston, and a holiday home in Bonnie Doon. Over time, they had built a solid financial base, but their investments and structures had not been actively reviewed or optimised.
Their superannuation was spread across different funds, including industry funds and an SMSF, with the latter holding a significant portion of their wealth but operating under an outdated investment strategy. They also carried various debts and had investments that were not being used in the most effective way.
Key Results at a Glance
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Debt-free retirement:Eliminated personal debt through strategic asset sales and restructuring
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Super boosted :Contributed $145,000 into super
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Tax savings :Saved $2,575 annually through super contributions
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Lower costs :Reduced insurance expenses by $4,946 per year
Why Did They Seek Advice?
- To understand how to structure their assets for a debt-free retirement.
- To improve how their superannuation and investments were working for them.
- To reduce existing debts and increase financial flexibility.
- To maximise concessional and non-concessional super contributions.
- To ensure their retirement plan aligned with their lifestyle goals, including retaining their holiday home.
Strategies Implemented
Superannuation Strategy:
- Recommended $145,000 in non-concessional contributions from asset sales to boost retirement savings.
- Advised the husband to contribute $11,843, saving approximately $2,013 in tax.
- Recommended salary sacrificing $3,306 per annum, delivering an additional $562 in annual tax savings.
- Consolidated super balances into their SMSF, while retaining necessary accounts for insurance purposes.
- The below figures are based on our projections on where their retirement fund will be at its current trajectory and where they could be with our advice.
Debt Reduction & Cash Flow Strategy:
- Recommended the sale of the Frankston property to avoid carrying significant debt into retirement
- Advised using proceeds from property and share sales to repay credit cards, car loans, and reduce liabilities.
- Re-structured their investment loan to interest-only repayments, allowing surplus cash to be directed toward offsetting non-deductible debt and improving flexibility.
Investment Strategy:
- Updated the SMSF investment strategy, which had not been reviewed in over 10 years.
- Transitioned to a more diversified and retirement-focused portfolio, aligned with their goals.
- Recommended establishing a high interest earning Cash Management Account within the SMSF to support investment flexibility and cash flow management.
- Introduced a cost-effective approach to investing through direct holdings in diversified funds and listed investments.
Property Planning Strategy:
- Developed a plan that allowed them to retain their Bonnie Doon holiday home for as long as possible.
- Identified that the property could be sold later in life (around age 79) to support ongoing retirement needs if required.
Insurance Strategy:
- Reviewed and removed unnecessary insurance cover for Lucy, saving approximately $4,946 per year.
- Ensured appropriate cover remained in place for Matt to protect their financial position.
Outcomes and Benefits
- Achieved a clear pathway to a debt-free retirement through strategic asset sales and debt reduction.
- Increased superannuation balances through $145,000 in contributions and ongoing concessional strategies.
- Delivered immediate and ongoing tax savings through super contributions.
- Reduced annual expenses by $4,946 through insurance optimisation.
- Improved investment performance through a modern, diversified SMSF strategy.
- Maintained lifestyle goals by retaining the holiday home while still securing long-term financial stability.
- Gained confidence and clarity around how their assets would support retirement.
Key Takeaway
This story highlights how strategic use of superannuation contributions and asset restructuring can significantly improve retirement outcomes. By taking a proactive approach, Lucy and Matt were able to reduce debt, improve tax efficiency, and create a clear, sustainable plan for retirement, without sacrificing the lifestyle they value.
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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.
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