Updated
Updated · Markets Insider · Jul 21
Approved Financial Planners Launches Retirement Tool for Australians 45+ as $630,000 Gap Shapes Planning
Updated
Updated · Markets Insider · Jul 21

Approved Financial Planners Launches Retirement Tool for Australians 45+ as $630,000 Gap Shapes Planning

2 articles · Updated · Markets Insider · Jul 21

Summary

  • Approved Financial Planners has released a retirement planning assessment for Australians aged 45 and older, designed to show how far they are from their goals and what steps to take next.
  • The tool targets a widening planning gap as longer retirements, inflation and market swings increase pressure on savings, while compulsory superannuation alone often falls short of a comfortable retirement.
  • ASFA estimates a single homeowner aged 67 needs $630,000 in super and couples need $730,000 as of February 2026, underscoring the shortfall between mandatory contributions and retirement needs.
  • Research cited in the launch says 75% of Australians who started planning before 40 report a comfortable lifestyle, versus 44% who began after 60; advised clients also report stronger retirement readiness.
  • The firm says the assessment complements professional advice rather than replacing it, aiming to move Australians from awareness to action across early-career, mid-career and pre-retirement stages.

Insights

Can a simple retirement assessment actually improve financial outcomes, or does the real problem run deeper than advice and super strategy?
Is your super really enough for retirement, or are homeowner benchmarks hiding a bigger gap for renters and late starters?