If you’ve ever asked, “How much do I need to retire?” — you’re not alone. It’s easily one of the most Googled finance questions in Australia, especially on the beautiful Gold Coast where many are dreaming of warm weather, ocean views, and a well-earned rest.

But the truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all number. Retirement is personal. It’s not just about reaching an arbitrary figure — it’s about ensuring your lifestyle can be supported by your finances for decades to come.

So, let’s unpack it.

🧮 The ASFA Retirement Standards: A Starting Point

The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) provides a great benchmark:

As of 2025, for Australians aged around 65:

• Modest lifestyle:

  • Single: ~$32,500 per year

  • Couple: ~$46,000 per year

• Comfortable lifestyle:

  • Single: ~$51,000 per year

  • Couple: ~$72,000 per year

These figures assume you own your home outright and are relatively healthy. But let’s be honest — “comfortable” means different things to different people.

☕ So… What Does Your Retirement Look Like?

Before we can calculate your retirement number, we need to know what kind of life you want to live. Consider:

• Will you travel locally or overseas (and how often)?

• Do you want to support the grandkids (or kids!) financially?

• Will you downsize or stay in the family home?

• Are golf memberships and long lunches a regular thing — or more of an occasional treat?

• Do you plan to do part-time work or volunteering in early retirement?

Once we understand your ideal day in retirement, we can work backwards to determine what it’ll cost — and what you’ll need to fund it.

💰 The $640,000 Question (Or Maybe Less… Or More)

A common rule of thumb is that a retired couple owning their home might need around $640,000 in super to live comfortably. A single person might aim for $545,000.

But here’s the thing — many Australians retire with much less, and make up the difference with the Age Pension, rental income, downsizing, or even part-time work.

In fact, the Age Pension acts as a safety net, and for many Australians, it forms a significant part of their retirement income.

🧠 It’s Not Just About the Size of Your Nest Egg

There are other critical factors that impact how much you’ll need to retire:

• Longevity: We’re living longer — a good thing, but your money needs to last!

• Inflation: A coffee that costs $5 now might be $7 in ten years.

• Investment strategy: Keeping some money invested in growth assets can help extend the life of your portfolio.

• Health costs: Planning for future medical or aged care expenses is essential.

• Debt: Heading into retirement debt-free can dramatically reduce your income needs.

📊 So… How Do You Know You’re On Track?

That’s where a retirement plan comes in. We help people:

• Forecast their superannuation growth

• Calculate safe withdrawal rates

• Factor in Centrelink entitlements

• Model different retirement ages and lifestyle choices

• Reduce tax and optimise income streams

Because here’s the truth: it’s not just about how much you’ve saved — it’s about how well it’s structured.

👣 Next Steps

If you’re 10 years from retirement — or already knocking on the door — it’s never too early (or too late!) to check your progress. A personalised retirement plan can give you clarity and confidence to enjoy your next chapter without financial stress.

Ready to figure out your number and what retirement could really look like for you?
Let’s sit down, crunch the numbers, and tailor a strategy that supports the retirement you actually want to live.

📞 Book a chat with our team — and let’s turn that question mark into a plan.