This article describes how investing too conservatively can see your money running out way too soon. It also mentions the effects of interest rates on your savings.
There’s a common view that as you approach retirement you should tilt your investment portfolio towards more conservative investments. This means favouring things like term deposits, annuities, and cash management trusts, while reducing exposure to more volatile assets such as shares and property. The thinking is that preservation of capital is key, as without an earned income it is hard to recover from any downturns in the share or property markets.
In the days of high interest rates this might have been a good strategy, but when interest rates are at record lows and with life expectancies long, being too conservative with investments can see the money running out way too soon.
Peter plans to retire on his upcoming 63rd birthday. He has $600,000 in super and wants this to provide him with an income of $50,000 per year. If his net return is 3% pa, Peter’s nest egg will last for just over 15 years[1]. The problem is there’s a good chance Peter will live into his late 80s or even 90s. To give his savings a chance of lasting until he is 90 (27 years), Peter will need to target a net return of 7% pa.
Chasing higher returns does involve taking on greater risk. However, for a well-designed portfolio the great moderator of investment risk is time. Even over just 10 years it’s much more likely that a ‘growth’ portfolio will meet Peter’s needs rather than a more conservative one.
Just because you stop working doesn’t mean your money should too. To ensure your nest egg keeps working hard through your retirement, talk to your financial adviser.
[1] Does not take account of any age pension entitlement
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/life-expectancy-death/deaths-in-australia/contents/life-expectancy
The purpose of this website is to provide general information only and the contents of this website do not purport to provide personal financial advice. Denaro Wealth strongly recommends that investors consult a financial adviser prior to making any investment decision. The contents of the Denaro Wealth website does not take into account the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any person and should not be used as the basis for making any financial or other decisions. The information is selective and may not be complete or accurate for your particular purposes and should not be construed as a recommendation to invest in any particular product, investment or security. The information provided on this website is given in good faith and is believed to be accurate at the time of compilation.