The Financial System Inquiry’s interim report is right to criticise the current retirement income system as it lacks choices to manage risk in retirement, an accountant body said.
The Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) said many retirees do not know how to manage investments, inflation and the longevity risks that come with retirement.
“Simply put, many retirees do not have adequate knowledge or guidance to support sound decisions of when and how to draw down their retirement savings to cater for the remaining years of their lives,” IPA CEO Andrew Conway said.
He said the super system would improve if inducements to draw super benefits as a lump sum were clamped down, and incentives to take on annuities and other pension products for retirement income were urged.
“People need to treat superannuation upon retirement as a long term financial stream, not a sudden windfall gain,” Conway said.
He added annuities will shield retirees against cost of living risks and will be a source of income for the long term.
The super fund has launched Retirement Manager, a digital advice tool helping members plan income, spending, and retirement confidence with integrated support.
APRA has warned retail super trustees that financial adviser involvement in recommending platform products does not diminish their obligations, as regulators turned the spotlight on the Shield Master Fund and First Guardian Master Fund during a meeting with fund CEOs.
AMP’s chief economist has unveiled a wish list for the Australian government’s Economic Reform Roundtable.
Australian retirees could increase their projected annual incomes between 3 and 51 per cent by incorporating personal and household data into their retirement income strategies, according to new research.