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Retirement Doesn’t Happen Overnight — And Neither Should Your Planning
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering “When should I talk to someone about retirement?” — you’re not alone.
At MLS Financial in Penrith, we regularly speak with people across Penrith who are unsure when to seek retirement advice. Some think it’s too early. Others wait until the last minute. The truth? The earlier you start, the better your outcomes.
Whether you’re 10 years out or already retired, there’s real value in getting professional guidance. Here’s how to know when it’s the right time to speak to a financial planner about retirement.
✅ 1. When You’re 10+ Years Out: Laying the Groundwork
If retirement is still a decade away, now is the time to start building strong foundations.
An MLS financial planner in Penrith can help you:
- Understand how much you’ll need in retirement
- Maximise superannuation contributions and tax benefits
- Create a strategy for debt reduction
- Set investment goals that align with your future lifestyle
Starting early gives you time to grow your wealth, adjust course if needed, and reduce financial stress later.
🟢 Best for: Professionals in their 40s or 50s looking to get ahead.
✅ 2. When You’re 5–10 Years Out: Fine-Tuning Your Strategy
As retirement gets closer, it’s time to sharpen your focus. This is often when we help clients shift from accumulation to preparation.
In this phase, we look at:
- Whether you’re on track to retire when you want to
- Optimising super through contribution strategies
- Exploring transition-to-retirement income streams
- Reviewing investment risk and cash flow projections
- Starting conversations about Centrelink eligibility
This is where a tailored retirement plan starts taking shape.
🟢 Best for: Clients 5–10 years from retirement who want clarity and direction.
✅ 3. When You’re 1–5 Years Out: Structuring Retirement Income
In the final years before you retire, it’s critical to get your income strategy right. You’ve worked hard to build your nest egg — now it’s time to plan how you’ll use it.
At MLS Financial in Penrith, we help with:
- Converting super into account-based pensions
- Deciding how much you can safely draw
- Accessing Centrelink entitlements and concessions
- Managing tax implications of retirement
- Reviewing insurances and estate planning
By planning ahead, you can retire with confidence, not uncertainty.
🟢 Best for: People preparing to leave the workforce in the near future.
✅ 4. When You’ve Already Retired: It’s Not Too Late
WEven if you’re already retired, there’s still a lot an MLS Financial planner can help with:
- Structuring withdrawals for tax efficiency
- Reviewing your income strategy regularly
- Managing investment portfolios
- Navigating aged care or downsizing
- Supporting Centrelink reporting and administration
Retirement is a journey, not a one-time event. Having an ongoing relationship with a financial planner means your strategy can evolve as life does.
🟢 Best for: Retirees who want to make the most of what they’ve built.
Signs It’s Time to See an MLS Financial Retirement Planner Now
Not sure if it’s the right time? Here are a few signs it’s worth booking a chat:
- You’re unsure if your super will be enough
- You want to retire but don’t know if you can afford to
- You’ve received a redundancy offer or are considering leaving work
- You’re approaching Age Pension age and need help navigating Centrelink
- You’ve got multiple super funds or investments but no clear plan
Work With a Retirement Planner in Penrith
At MLS Financial, we’ve helped individuals, couples and families in Penrith and Western Sydney take control of their retirement — whether it’s years away or already begun.
We offer:
- Personalised retirement income strategies
- Superannuation and investment advice
- Centrelink support and administration
- Ongoing financial planning as life changes
Let’s Talk About Your Retirement
Whether you’re just getting started or nearly ready to retire, the best time to seek advice is now.
📞 Call MLS Financial on 1300 791 800
📩 Or get in touch online to book a no-obligation chat.
We’ll help you retire on your terms — with clarity, confidence and peace of mind.
Disclaimer:
This information is general in nature and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider speaking to a qualified financial planner before making any financial decisions. MLS Financial and Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd do not accept responsibility for actions taken based on this content.
