A financial adviser and columnist shares answers to his top 5 FAQs
From super and mortgages to market dips — financial advisor, Craig Sankey, answers the top five questions about retirement.
There’s no shortage of questions when it comes to retirement — but according to financial advisor and columnist Craig Sankey, there are five that come up again and again.
Craig joins me this week to unpack the most common questions he’s received after five years of writing a retirement advice column for The New Daily. He’s also a technical leader and advisor at Industry Fund Services — the advice partner behind many of Australia’s industry super funds — so he knows exactly what everyday Aussies are asking as they head toward retirement.
From how much super you really need, to the mortgage vs. super debate, to how to handle your money once you actually retire — this episode is full of practical, thoughtful advice for anyone planning their next chapter.
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:
Highlights of the conversation:
How much super do I need to retire well? It’s the most common question Craig hears and the answer is rarely one-size-fits-all. He explains why your retirement age and lifestyle expectations matter just as much as your balance.
What should I be doing now to set myself up for the future? From salary sacrifice and spouse contributions to co-contributions and cashflow habits, Craig shares the high-impact strategies that many Australians overlook, especially on lower or middle incomes.
Mortgage or super: where should the money go? Should you pay off your home or boost your super? Craig helps unpack the trade-offs, including the financial, tax and emotional considerations that make this one of retirement’s most personal decisions.
What should I do when the market goes down? Market volatility can shake confidence especially if retirement is near. Craig explains how to focus on what you can control, why panic selling is a trap, and how long-term strategies (and a cool head) usually win out.
What happens to your super when you retire? A lot of people think the compounding ends once they stop working. Not true. Craig explains how income streams work, how to set up flexible drawdowns, and why many people are more invested — and still growing their wealth — long after their last pay cheque.
How do I make sure I don’t run out of money? We dig into one of retirees’ biggest fears — running out of funds too soon — and explore how to approach retirement planning with confidence, even if your super balance isn’t huge.
From Bec’s Desk
We did it - we shipped hundreds of copies of the new edition of How to Have an Epic Retirement yesterday to those who are taking our next Epic Retirement Flagship Course. It’s a new edition of the book that won’t be in stores until the 25th November. Our course participants are getting an early copy - signed too.
It’s the soft launch of of this new edition of the book into the world. There’s more than 100 new pages in the book, with new lessons, and the inclusion of New Zealand into the book too.
And that’s what’s kept us crazy busy this week. That and audiobook recording. I’m finished the Aussie edition. Now I’m recording the UK editon that comes out on the 10th December. Fun times! Until the weekend - make your Prime TIme count! And if you’re looking for me - I’ll be making some retirements epic this week.
If you have a question - send it through. And make sure you follow me on Facebook for more reels as answers.
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