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For previous generations of Australians, retirement usually meant ceasing work and hoping to live long enough to qualify for the age pension. Apart from the family home and personal belongings there were usually no substantial assets to leave behind for children or other family members. Superannuation has changed all of that.

‍The super impact

Superannuation became compulsory more than 20 years ago, and as a result, retirement funds have grown exponentially. There is an abundance of retirement income products that offer more choice in how super is managed. Accessing the age pension is becoming harder, which places clear responsibility on the newest generation of retirees to be at least partially self-funded.

Intergenerational wealth management

The earlier concept of a ‘family’ was “Mum, Dad and 2.4kids”. This traditional family structure now encompasses single-parent families, same-sex parents and blended families, to name a few.

Compared to earlier generations, there are a lot more factors to take into account when managing money.

Is a Will really necessary?

It can be confronting to think about who gets what when you’re no longer here so it’s easy to ignore this task. However, the upside of being properly organised now is that your loved ones will have certainty and clarity about your wishes after you have gone.

DIY will kits are available, but it’s not very expensive to have these important documents properly drafted, executed and stored by a solicitor or trustee.

Put your trust in a trust

You can also use your Will to establish a testamentary trust. This is a type of legal arrangement which becomes operational upon death. These trusts offer flexibility regarding the distribution of income and assets, and the structure may provide tax advantages too.

Testamentary trust structures are commonly used to protect the interests of beneficiaries with special needs, such as being a legal minor or in poor health. They can also be used by will-makers who have complex family, financial or business arrangements.

Dependent child pensions

These can be quite a tax-effective way for a dependent child to inherit a parent’s superannuation and any linked life insurance. To make sure that a child pension can be activated when it’s needed, the superannuation fund needs to have already noted the child as a beneficiary to their parent’s account. As not all superannuation funds provide this option, it pays to seek advice in this area.

We know this can be an unpopular topic but it’s crucial to protect your assets and care for your dependants after you’ve moved on. Talk to us and your solicitor today to make sure your next generation handles your wealth as per your wishes.