Retirement Made Simple

by Noel Whittaker

The fastest growing demographic in Australia are retirees, with the number of people over 75 expected to double within 10 years. Retirement is often touted as a worry-free time – but it's also a time full of unique challenges.

First is the money issue – will there be enough money for a successful retirement, and what assets should you invest in. The rules regarding the age pension are continually changing – what do you need to do to maximise it. Next is superannuation, an ever-changing landscape where the performance of your fund depends on the assets you choose. A major issue is estate planning – what is the best way to handle the disposal of your assets in a tax effective way, and avoid the 17% death tax on the taxable component of your superannuation. Rising life expectancies mean the possibility of new relationships between retirement and death, but it also means one partner may suffer from dementia with all that entails. Of course, there's also the possibility of home care, and friction between siblings. Another major issue is whether you stay in the family home or downsize to another property, or even go to a retirement community.

This updated edition of Retirement Made Simple includes the major superannuation and pension changes due to take affect from July 2022; such as people up to age 75 can contribute to superannuation, people who downsize can make special downsize contributions from age 55 instead of 65, eligibility for the Commonwealth seniors health card has changed making more retirees eligible.

These are just a few of the major issues covered in Retirement Made Simple – by acclaimed financial expert Noel Whittaker, who has been writing about these issues for more than 35 years

Another gem from Australia's most trusted personal finance author. An excellent, no-nonsense guide to taking control of your future - Stephen Miles, Investment Editor, Sydney Morning Herald, The Age

Noel's greatest gift is his ability to explain complex matters in everyday terms - Des Houghton, former editor, Sunday Mail

This book fills a big gap - seniors need all the financial literacy they can get, and now more than ever - Ian Henschke, National Seniors Australia

Noel Whittaker has a rare ability to translate complex matters into plain English. This book is a must read for anybody who is retired or planning for it. - Anthony Deceglie, Editor, Sunday Times

Genres: Finance, Nonfiction, Money

432 pages, Paperback

Published September 7, 2022

Reviews

[Mark White · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never realised how complicated retirement was until I read Retirement Made Simple! There is a huge breadth of information in this book, really well presented and easy to understand. It is understandably lacking in depth but it does list sources of additional information. I have been researching other sources of retirement advice as well. They don't always agree with this book but it is at least another opinion for consideration. And it does list the many things you need to consider. One thing becomes very clear: thanks to compound interest investments you make early in your working life have a huge effect on the final outcome. So this book is an excellent resource with good advice for any stage of your life.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great information for pre retirement and also when TTRing. Updated too so very relevant.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

A self-help book, Retirement Made Simple: Everything You Need to Know (2024) by Noel Whittaker, provides information for those considering retirement. A word of caution, as with any self-help book, is to realise it's only information and personal professional advice is always recommended. Well-known Australian financial journalist, Noel Whittaker, has produced a reader-friendly and clear presentation of the various considerations of retirement in Australia. It has helpful charts, specific examples, pictures and even cartoons to illustrate salient points. Its eight chapters cover topics like investment, money, superannuation, taxation, pensions and estate planning. A worthwhile read that ends by noting the retirement goal is that of happiness and fulfilment, making for a four star rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without any inducement.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars, but would be more if this wasn’t a 2020 copy! Author gives good references on how to keep up to date & stresses the need to keep abreast of financial changes.

This information is relevant to anyone, but particularly from 15ish years away - heading to retirement age.

The final chapters also include interesting factors for ageing ‘well’ - mentally & physically.

This is a long book, but it’s not repetitive, and author uses relevant examples which help for clarity and explanation.

[Brad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jammed packed full of information. So much so, it will require several re-reads (re-listens) to soak it all in. Probably best to read once, then go back and re-read sections that are of particular interest.

[Manuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book, financial and personal advice, even health advice

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple. Comprehensive. If you're not already financially literate, you will be after reading this.

[Adel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A worthwhile read especially for Australians planning their retirement.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good instructional book which gives an overview and some details, of many aspects of retirement.

[Jojo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a book to put into to-read pile until 55. This is the book you can start at the age of 20/30s. Give you a clarity on so many financial structures in Australia and good advices.

[Colin Timbrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very practical informative read. Noel has a gift for making complex issues clear.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent easy-to-read guide to retirement.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some good info & to do lists

[Jason Andrew · Rating 2 out of 5]

wAS OK

[Leon Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing audiobook 5/5. Narration eloquent and easy listening Daniel Moore. Read again. Contains some numerical examples worth getting in textual form. Noel Whittaker teaches us how to live better as we age. He gives sound advice on wealth, health, and happiness. Very specific to Australian tax and law. Ways to minimise tax, balance risk vs reward, pros and cons of investment options and vehicles.

[Jill Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Borrowed from library - later edition currently available. Good overview of retirement issues and retirement planning.