Mei-Win, 65, and Steven, 68, had big dreams for retirement, but were short of the cash they needed to live life to the full. Here’s how downsizing helped them achieve their goals in retirement.
Buying a campervan and touring Australia had always been on Mei-Win and Steven’s bucket list, while they had paid off the family home and had no debts, they didn’t have a lot in savings. How could they achieve their dream retirement and travel the country?
As empty-nesters, Mei-Win and Steven were living in a big home, with big costs. After talking to a licensed financial adviser, the couple decided that downsizing — or “rightsizing” as it’s also known — was a sound financial move. A smaller home would not only unlock the equity they’d built up over the years, it would also help them to save money on rates, utilities and maintenance. This in turn would free up additional cash for fun pursuits, such as travel, and life’s little luxuries.
The first step Mei-Win and Steven took was to purchase a smaller and more manageable home in the same suburb. Next, any profit from the sale went straight to investments — some liquid, others longer-term. Their licensed financial adviser recommended the following products to diversify the couple’s income options in retirement:
The couple also invested in the FuneralPlan bond, which allows them to put money aside for their funeral expenses, taking the burden off their children.
By downsizing and implementing some smart investment strategies that made the most of the equity they had built in their home, Mei-Win and Steven now have the income they need for a more comfortable lifestyle. Says Steven: “We’ve bought our caravan and are all set to go. If we hadn’t downsized, travelling around Australia would still be a pipe dream.
Downsizing could make all the difference to your retirement lifestyle. Listed below are a few tips and considerations to help you decide whether this approach is right for you.
