We want to retire, but our rent is $65k a year. What should we do?

March 29, 2026 — 5:01am

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I’m 66, earning $150,000 with $930,000 in super and considering retirement this year. My wife, who is 62, works full-time for about $95,000 and has $430,000 in super. We have an investment property worth $750,000 with a mortgage of $120,000 on it. I also have a blue-chip share portfolio worth $250,000 into which I recycle all dividends. We rent the Sydney home we live in for $1250 a week.

When I retire I’m worried that my superannuation pension would only just cover our rent. This might force me to sell some assets to “break even”, cash-flow wise. Can you suggest a strategy that doesn’t involve downsizing or moving out of the city?

Given your current super balances, income from super will be about $68,000 a year. Your rent is $65,000 a year. So your concern mostly definitely is a valid........

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