Maximising retirement income through Age Pension optimisation

Client Profile

The Challenge

This couple had been clients of the Propel accounting firm for many years. When John was ready to retire and Mary was considering it, they came to us with a simple but weighty question: do we actually have enough?

• Multiple super funds — confusing, expensive, and misaligned with their conservative risk profile

• Their asset structure was limiting their Age Pension entitlements — costing them tens of thousands per year

• No clear understanding of how super pensions and government payments interact

• Uncertainty about whether their $65K income target was achievable

Our Strategy

• Consolidated multiple super funds into streamlined accounts — simplifying their financial affairs and reducing fees

• Implemented a strategic 'sheltering' strategy: moved funds from John’s pension account to Mary’s accumulation account — significantly improving their assets test position

• Optimised John’s Age Pension entitlements while keeping funds fully accessible

• Reviewed and realigned their investment portfolios to match their conservative risk preference — including accommodation of term deposits

• Made tax-effective concessional contributions to her super

• Structured income streams to work in harmony with Age Pension payments

The Results

Key Takeaway

Many Australians don't realise there are legitimate, rule-compliant strategies to significantly increase Age Pension entitlements. The difference between an optimised and unoptimised structure can be tens of thousands of dollars per year — and hundreds of thousands over a retirement.

Is this Relevant to you?

This approach may suit you if you are:

• Approaching or recently entered retirement

• Unsure whether you're maximising your Age Pension entitlements

• Managing multiple superannuation accounts

• Wanting to understand whether you have enough to retire comfortably

• Already a client of the accounting firm and want integrated advice

Book a call with one of our financial advisers today to see if you can optimise your Age Pension entitlements