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Retire Right

Glen Jamesβ€’www.retireright.com.au

Retire Right is an Australian Retirement podcast.


You only retire once, so retire right.


Brought to you by the podcast, 'money money money'.

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Episodes

325 spouse super splitting, pension accounts for inheritance, motorhomes & Centrelink + more

In today's community Q&A, Glen James and Martin McGrath unpack: πŸ‘‰ what is spouse super splitting and who would this strategy suit πŸ‘‰πŸΌ can/should anon open a new pension account for an inheritance? πŸ‘‰πŸ½ when to fill out a notice of intent to claim for a super contribution πŸ‘‰πŸΎ can my motorhome be deemed my primary residence for Centrelink purposes? If you’d like to chat with someone about your personal situation, reach out to our team so we can connect you with a professional: https://www.r...

Jun 25, 2025β€’35 min

324 when to cancel life insurance, do I still need it, how much do I need + more

If you’ve paid off the mortgage, the kids are grown, and retirement is on the horizon, you might be wondering... do I still need life insurance? In this episode, Glen and insurance adviser Phil Thompson from Skye Wealth dig into how to know if you're overinsured, how to reduce premiums without going cold turkey, and the real reasons people hang onto cover (even when they might not need to). Plus, when income protection and disability cover might still be worth it in your 50s and 60s. Considering...

Jun 18, 2025β€’41 min

323 how the $3m super tax works and when it may impact you

Glen & Martin unpack how the proposed $3 million super tax (Division 296) actually works. They cover who’s likely to be affected, how the tax is calculated (including the controversial unrealised gains), and what options you might consider if you’re close to the threshold. Covered in the episode: πŸ‘‰πŸΌ who the $3m tax applies to (and who it doesn’t) πŸ‘‰πŸ½ how the tax is calculatedβ€”including unrealised gains πŸ‘‰πŸΎ when this could start and why the date might shift πŸ‘‰πŸΏ tax planning options: keep...

Jun 11, 2025β€’56 min

322 understanding WRAP accounts for wealth accumulation & retirement

In this episode, Glen and Vince Scully break down WRAP accounts and how they can be used for wealth accumulation and retirement planning. They discuss their benefits, tax advantages and features, and how they provide greater control and flexibility compared to traditional superannuation funds. They also clear up common misconceptions and explain when a WRAP account may be beneficial based on your financial situation and retirement goals. Glen and Vince cover: πŸ‘‰ what exactly is a WRAP account? οΏ½...

Jun 04, 2025β€’1 hr 3 min

321 selling your investment property? how to slash your tax bill using super

Got a rental property you’re thinking of selling before retirement? In this episode, Glen and Martin break down how to use your super to reduce your capital gains tax. They touch on: πŸ‘‰ how capital gains tax works when selling an investment property πŸ‘‰πŸΌ using concessional contributions to reduce your tax bill πŸ‘‰πŸ½ what carry-forward rules let you do (and who qualifies) πŸ‘‰πŸΎ the bring-forward rule and using non-concessional contributions πŸ‘‰πŸΏ when it makes sense to prioritise super over mortgage...

May 28, 2025β€’39 min

320 retirement sweet spot: upgrade home, draw down super & boost Centrelink pension (real case study)

In this episode, Glen and Martin walk through a real case study where a couple in their early 70s boost their Centrelink age pension by upgrading their home and drawing down super. They break down how the rules work and how strategic planning can improve cash flow without reducing lifestyle. To see the visuals head to our YouTube channel! Glen & Martin discuss: πŸ‘‰ upgrading the home to reduce assessable assets πŸ‘‰πŸΌ using super drawdowns to access more age pension πŸ‘‰πŸ½ case study: before and ...

May 21, 2025β€’38 min

319 resigning at 60 to access super early + nerd out on super components (preservation, taxable, non-taxable, ESPs)

In today's episode Glen and Martin answer a listener question about quitting a casual job at age 60 and what that means for accessing super. Plus, they dive deep into the behind-the-scenes super components that can affect tax, estate planning and insurance. They touch on: πŸ‘‰πŸ» when quitting a job at 60 lets you access super πŸ‘‰ the difference between preservation age and conditions of release πŸ‘‰πŸΌ how β€œtaxable” vs β€œnon-taxable” super components actually work πŸ‘‰πŸ½ why eligible service dates (ESDs)...

May 14, 2025β€’41 min

318 rethinking retirement: structure, purpose and smart money moves

Retirement isn't a full stop anymore, it's a new rhythm. In this episode, Glen sits down with Kat McPhee from Aware Super to unpack how Aussies are redefining retirement, why so many feel anxious about money, and how to plan for a future that's flexible, confident and uniquely yours. They discuss: πŸ‘‰πŸΎ why retirement anxiety is on the rise πŸ‘‰πŸΏ finding structure and purpose after full-time work πŸ‘‰πŸ» how to 'un-retire' or ease into part-time πŸ‘‰ key watchouts when drawing from super πŸ‘‰πŸΌ tools to ...

May 07, 2025β€’36 min

317 is there a death tax, recontribution strategy pitfalls & downsizer contributions

In today’s episode, Glen and financial adviser Martin McGrath tackle your retirement questions, including: πŸ‘‰πŸΌ is there a death tax in Australia? πŸ‘‰πŸ½ how can I use recontribution strategies to minimise tax? πŸ‘‰πŸΎ help! my downsizer contribution wasn't approved! If you’d like to chat with someone about your personal situation, reach out to our team so we can connect you with a professional: https://www.retireright.com.au/get-help Sign up to the Retire Right newsletter here: https://email.retirer...

Apr 30, 2025β€’49 min

316 income streams & annuities in retirement

In today’s episode Glen James and financial adviser Martin McGrath discuss key points from a Grattan Institute report which details a simpler super system that would allow retirees to stress less, spend more, and enjoy their retirement years. Glen and Martin also explain what annuities are and how they can be used in your retirement strategy. For more on annuities check out the episode below. Read the Simpler Super report here: https://grattan.edu.au/report/simpler-super/ 🎧 Listen to the annuit...

Apr 23, 2025β€’41 min

315 what to do right now, upfront & ongoing advice fees + financial advice for a 90 year old

In today's episode Glen and financial adviser Martin McGrath chat about what to do with your money during this uncertain economic climate, how much financial advice costs and why it could save you from making huge money mistakes in retirement. They also discuss one listener's question about her 90yo grandad. If you’d like to chat with someone about your personal situation, reach out to our team so we can connect you with a professional: https://www.retireright.com.au/get-help Sign up to the Reti...

Apr 16, 2025β€’45 min

314 what to do when markets suddenly fall & you want to retire soon

Stop! Don't panic! I ask you to pause and step back and not do anything out of fear when it comes to investing and your superannuation. Episode on YouTube with presentation: https://youtu.be/xHNAhZrtBNE?si=dQHe3-9tjw52NyOO Perth Live Show tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/m3-live-in-perth-tickets-1295263831989 John's Property Masterclass in Perth: https://events.humanitix.com/perth-property-workshop-25 The Quick-Start Guide to Investing (book): https://amzn.to/4iQ9qua =======================...

Apr 06, 2025β€’1 hr 4 min

313 how long will your retirement savings actually last?

How much super do you need for a comfortable retirement? Glen and financial adviser Nathan Fradley break it down with real life numbers, covering: πŸ‘‰ how much the age pension pays & who qualifies πŸ‘‰πŸΌ the impact of homeownership on retirement savings πŸ‘‰πŸ½ super balances - will $500k, $1M, or $1.5M last? πŸ‘‰πŸΎ why spending in retirement feels different (and how to plan for it) πŸ‘‰πŸΏ how Centrelink payments change as your super runs down If you want to see the numbers in action, check out the ep...

Apr 02, 2025β€’37 min

2025-2026 Federal Budget chat (with economist Mike Read) + BTS of the lockup

Michael Read is the Financial Review's economics correspondent, reporting from the federal press gallery at Parliament House. He was previously an economist at the Reserve Bank of Australia and at UBS. If you’d like to chat with someone about your personal situation, reach out to our team so we can connect you with a professional: https://www.retireright.com.au/get-help Sign up to the Retire Right newsletter here: https://email.retireright.com.au/ 🏑 Join the retire right facebook group: https:/...

Mar 26, 2025β€’1 hr 3 min

312 mortgage broker Q&A (cut-off age for a loan, parental guarantees, bridging finance + more)

Got mortgage questions in retirement? Mortgage broker Rachelle Kroon from Sphere Home Loans joins Glen in this episode to unpack your questions. The touch on: πŸ‘‰ what’s the cut-off age for a new loan? πŸ‘‰πŸΌ can you refinance in retirement? πŸ‘‰πŸΎ how parental guarantees work if you're retired πŸ‘‰πŸ» bridging finance - is it still a thing and is it worth it? If you’d like to chat with someone about your personal situation, reach out to our team so we can connect you with a professional: https://www.re...

Mar 19, 2025β€’51 min

311 deep dive: aged care & changes from 1 July

Big changes are coming to aged care from 1 July, and we've got aged care expert Rachel Lane back to break it all down. Glen and Rachel dive into what’s changing, how it affects costs and care, and what you need to know if you or a loved one might need aged care in the next few years. They touch on: πŸ‘‰ major reforms coming to aged care in July πŸ‘‰πŸΌ why aged care is getting more expensive πŸ‘‰πŸ½ understanding home care vs residential care πŸ‘‰πŸΎ how Government support is changing πŸ‘‰πŸΏ the financial mi...

Mar 12, 2025β€’51 min

310 making $500K last before accessing super, super tax deductions & shifting to defensive assets

Today's Q&A is packed with great questions from the Retire Right community and Glen is joined by financial adviser Nathan Fradley to unpack them: πŸ‘‰ what to do with a $500k property sale before retirement πŸ‘‰πŸΌ can you claim a tax deduction on extra super contributions? πŸ‘‰πŸ½ when should you start shifting your super to more defensive assets? πŸ‘‰πŸΎ plus, estate planning, pension strategies & more If you’d like to chat with someone about your personal situation, reach out to our team so we c...

Mar 05, 2025β€’57 min

309 deep dive: lifestyle villages vs retirement villages

Thinking about downsizing but confused by the options? Rachel Lane, Australia’s leading aged care expert, joins Glen to break down the differences between lifestyle villages and retirement villages. They cover on: πŸ‘‰πŸΌ how contracts and fees differ πŸ‘‰πŸ½ whether you own the home, the land, or neither πŸ‘‰πŸΎ the real deal with exit fees and capital gains πŸ‘‰πŸΏ what to check before signing the dotted line πŸ‘‰ how to know if a village is the right fit for you Downsizing Made Simple by Rachel Lane & ...

Feb 26, 2025β€’1 hr 5 min

308 retiring overseas, small business and super, selling land + more

In today's Q&A episode, Glen and financial adviser Vince Scully from Life Sherpa discuss community questions, touching on: πŸ‘‰ tax and retiring overseas πŸ‘‰πŸΌ how small business owners can access super in retirement πŸ‘‰πŸΎ investing inside vs outside of super πŸ‘‰πŸ½ whether selling a block of land before retirement makes sense If you’d like to chat with someone about your personal situation, reach out to our team so we can connect you with a professional: https://www.retireright.com.au/get-help Si...

Feb 19, 2025β€’45 min

307 here is a good way to F up money (family loans + estate planning case study)

Loaning money to family can get messy, fast. In this episode, Glen shares a real life case study where a son wants to help his dad out of a financial mess by buying his house at a discount. But what seems like a good deed could wreck Centrelink benefits, estate planning, and family relationships. If you’d like to chat with someone about your personal situation, reach out to our team so we can connect you with a professional: https://www.retireright.com.au/get-help Sign up to the Retire Right new...

Feb 12, 2025β€’27 min

306 superannuation investments & asset allocation either side of retirement (with an economist)

What should you do with your super as you approach retirement? Economist Brian Parker from Australian Retirement Trust joins Glen to break it all down. They chat about: πŸ‘‰πŸΌ the magic numbers of 60, 65, and 67 πŸ‘‰πŸ½ how to invest super in your 50s and beyond πŸ‘‰πŸΎ managing risk as you move into retirement πŸ‘‰πŸΏ why super is your money (and safer than you think) πŸ‘‰ common mistakes to avoid in drawdown phase If you want more insights from Brian, check out his deep dive on the economy in episode 805 o...

Feb 05, 2025β€’46 min

305 avoiding CGT on property? accessing super while still working, growth or defensive in retirement + more

In today's Q&A, Glen and Martin discuss your questions about: πŸ‘‰ can you leapfrog investment properties to avoid capital gains tax? πŸ‘‰πŸΌ can you access super at 60 while still working? πŸ‘‰πŸΎ what circumstances define "ceasing employment?" to access your super πŸ‘‰πŸ½ what investment strategy should you have for your super as you near retirement? If you’d like to chat with someone about your personal situation, reach out to our team so we can connect you with a professional: https://www.retirerig...

Jan 29, 2025β€’40 min

304b caravanning Q&A (what to do with your home, long service leave, budgeting for trip costs + more)

In today's bonus episode Glen and Martin go deeper on your questions about planning a caravanning trip around Australia. They touch on: πŸ‘‰ what to do with your home while travelling πŸ‘‰πŸΌ strategic ways to use long service leave to fund your trip πŸ‘‰πŸ½ budgeting for fuel and other costs πŸ‘‰πŸΏ dealing with waste πŸ‘‰πŸΎ managing the β€˜holiday mindset’ on the road πŸ‘‰πŸ» and the challenge of balancing flexibility and booking parks in advance If you’d like to chat with someone about your personal situation,...

Jan 23, 2025β€’43 min

304 we packed up and hit the road: our caravan adventure across Australia

Ever dreamt of hitting the road and exploring Australia? In today's episode, Glen chats with Retire Right cohost, Martin McGrath who shares how he and his family turned that dream into reality... twice! Plus, we play an audio clip from listener of the show Colin who shares his caravanning experience! Martin shares his top tips, lessons learned, and what it really costs to caravan across the country, including: πŸ‘‰πŸΎ the planning process: from gear to finances πŸ‘‰πŸ» budgeting for the big trip (and ...

Jan 22, 2025β€’51 min

303 property strategies for retirement (downsizing, sidesizing, renting & investing)

In this episode, Glen and John Pidgeon, cohost of this is property, unpack smart strategies for managing property as you approach retirement. They cover: πŸ‘‰ how downsizing can free up cash πŸ‘‰πŸΌ the growing trend of sidesizing πŸ‘‰πŸ½ renovating with resale in mind πŸ‘‰πŸΎ balancing lifestyle and property goals πŸ‘‰πŸΏ tips for leveraging investment properties πŸ‘‰πŸ» and why planning ahead is key for a smooth transition Check out John's book, Sort Your Property Out & Build Your Future at sortyourpropert...

Jan 15, 2025β€’44 min

302 retirement planning & strategies for singles + a $2M portfolio

In today's episode, financial advisers Martin McGrath and Wayne Terry tackle retirement planning strategies and considerations for singles and widows, focusing on how to make the most of your assets. They also dive into a scenario of retiring with a $2M portfolio - unpacking whether to set up a pension, live off a managed fund, or rely on cash income. If you’d like to chat with someone about your personal situation, reach out to our team so we can connect you with a professional: https://www.ret...

Jan 08, 2025β€’31 min

301 retiring before 60, structuring property ownership, CGT strategies + more

To kick off the new year financial advisers, Martin McGrath and Wayne Terry answer your questions about: πŸ‘‰ funding your pre-super years if retiring before 60 πŸ‘‰πŸ½ best way to structure joint investment property ownership πŸ‘‰πŸΎ CGT strategies for moving shares into super If you’d like to chat with someone about your personal situation, reach out to our team so we can connect you with a professional: https://www.retireright.com.au/get-help Sign up to the Retire Right newsletter here: https://email...

Jan 01, 2025β€’41 min

245 money, retirement & investing risks + how to mitigate them

Retirement comes with its fair share of uncertainties, but understanding the risks can help you retire confidently. In this episode, Glen chats with Ben Marshanβ€”former financial adviser and head of policy at the Financial Planning Association (FPA)β€”to unpack some of the biggest risks retirees face and how to tackle them. With years of experience helping clients and advisers navigate retirement, Ben shares valuable insights on how to approach this crucial life stage. They touch on: πŸ‘‰ longevity r...

Dec 25, 2024β€’1 hr 4 min

244 do I need a financial adviser, inheriting shares & tax + testamentary trusts

In one of our final community Q&As for the year, Glen and Martin chat about: πŸ‘‰ why you may or may not need a financial adviser πŸ‘‰πŸΌ tax implications for inheriting shares and holding vs selling πŸ‘‰πŸ½ and using testamentary trusts in estate planning If you’d like to chat with someone about your personal situation, reach out to our team so we can connect you with a professional: https://www.retireright.com.au/get-help Sign up to the Retire Right newsletter here: https://email.retireright.com.a...

Dec 18, 2024β€’28 min

243 investment bonds, transfer balance cap, invest inside or outside of super + is super safe?

In today's episode Glen and financial adviser Martin McGrath answer your questions about: πŸ‘‰ the transfer balance cap πŸ‘‰πŸΌ investment and education bonds for kids πŸ‘‰πŸ½ is super really as safe as everyone thinks? πŸ‘‰πŸΎ investing in ETFs inside vs outside of super If you’d like to chat with someone about your personal situation, reach out to our team so we can connect you with a professional: https://www.retireright.com.au/get-help Sign up to the Retire Right newsletter here: https://email.retireri...

Dec 11, 2024β€’35 min
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