Page 3 - FWP Wealth-Adviser-Issue-121 (FWP)
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ISSUE 121
                                                                                                        SEPTEMBER 2025

        •  Ensure government benefits and age pension entitle-    As you contemplate your own journey to retirement,
           ments are factored in                                consider the power of getting organised, prioritising re-
           Many providers and community organisations offer di-  payments, making the most of your assets, and seeking
        rect support for those facing hardship, including phone and   the support of a qualified adviser. Breaking the chains of
        online helplines (like the National Debt Helpline), hardship   debt before retirement isn’t just liberating—it may be the
        teams at banks, and specialist financial counsellors.   most effective investment you can make for a peaceful and
           There are considerable psychological benefits as well.   prosperous future in Australia.
        Regular check-ins foster accountability, and the right adviser
        brings clarity when navigating emotionally charged deci-
        sions—such as weighing lifestyle sacrifices against financial   References
        security. Without financial advice, only 45% of homeowners   •  AMP. (2025). “7 tips to reduce your debts before you retire.”
        with a mortgage are confident they will be able to retire   •  JBS Financial. (2013). “6 Smart Ways to Reduce Debt Before
        debt-free. However, after receiving advice, confidence levels   Retirement.”
        jump to 63%.                                            •  AustralianSuper. (2025). “Manage Debt To Prepare For Retirement.”
                                                                •  Australian Unity. (2014). “Planning for retirement when you’re still in
        Conclusion: A Call to Action for a Debt-Free             debt.”
        Retirement                                              •  MoneySmart (ASIC). (2025). “Get debt under control.”
           The dream of a carefree retirement is worth defending—  •  Wealth Factory. (2025). “Financial Advice In Minimising Debt In
        but it relies on taking practical steps as early as possible.   Retirement.”
        There is no one-size-fits-all path to eliminating debt before   •  Colonial First State. (2025). “Financial advice critical as more
        retirement. For some, it will mean early, disciplined bud-  Australians retire with debt.”
        geting and consolidation; for others, strategic use of assets   •  Unconditional Finance. (2025). “Debt Recycling in Retirement | Keep or
        and professional guidance. The one universal truth is that   Pay Off the Loan?”
        action—thoughtful, proactive, and sustained—makes all the
        difference.













































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