We are running the race to retirement riches backward
And the planning for it? That usually happens just before people stop working – often too late to reshape anything meaningful.
But for a growing number of Australians, it's not retirement itself that shapes their future. It's the decade or so before it. That's the window where you still have time to make strategic decisions – about money, work, lifestyle, and how you want the next 30 years to feel.
The problem is that the word retirement still sounds like the end. It feels old. And for many people in their 50s, thinking too far ahead feels uncomfortable. They put off planning, or assume their super will take care of itself, or just hope things will work out.
But by the time they're ready to engage, they're often left asking, 'why didn't I know this sooner?'
The truth is, the best retirements don't start at 65 or 67. They start in your 50s, with practical decisions that give you more flexibility and less pressure – now and later.
That might mean getting serious about salary sacrificing or topping up your super while you're still earning well and getting it into the position where, if it compounds at a long-term return rate of 7 to 10 per cent over 15 years ahead, before you retire, that it will be 'enough'. And you can even forecast that in your late 40s or 50s.
It could mean getting the mortgage under control as early as you can once the kids are (finally) off your hands. Or thinking differently about your home versus investment mix, and perhaps choosing to downsize and shift money into superannuation once the downsizing window, which so many people are unaware of, opens at the age of 55. That's when the government allows you to put in up to $300,000 per person from the sale of your principal residence if you've owned it for 10 years or more.
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The Advertiser
44 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
Police warn motorists ahead of Harbour Bridge rally
Pro-Palestinian protesters will march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge after a court authorised a rally, as police scramble to ensure they have the resources to monitor the event. Thousands of protesters are expected at the demonstration to highlight what the United Nations has described as "worsening famine conditions" in Gaza. NSW Police on Saturday urged all protesters to act peacefully and respectfully, warning the rally would be watched closely. Supreme Court Justice Belinda Rigg rejected a police application to shut down the Sunday march on public safety grounds. Organised by the Palestinian Action Group Sydney, the protest has garnered support from activists nationwide, human rights and civil liberties groups as well as several MPs and public figures such as former Socceroo Craig Foster. Justice Rigg in her judgment said arguments the rally would cause disruption on the bridge were not sufficient to bar the protest. "It is in the very nature of the entitlement to peaceful protest that disruption will be caused to others," she said. She noted there was significant support for the march from hundreds of organisations including Amnesty International, various churches, the Jewish Council of Australia, the nurses and midwives association and other trade unions. The decision means protesters will have legal immunity and protections from offences like blocking or obstructing traffic or pedestrians. Police were "scrambling" to alert road users that the bridge would be closed for the protest but would have the "whole gamut" of officers there to monitor the demonstration, acting deputy commissioner Peter Mckenna said. "We are there to keep everyone safe ... we will have police right along the route, and we'll be making sure this is done as safely and peacefully as possible," he told reporters on Saturday. "Anyone who thinks they're going to come along and hijack this protest or do the wrong thing, police will take swift action." Mr Mckenna said his concerns about public safety had not changed and he urged people to avoid the city as there would be disruptions. "We will call upon these organisers to really speak to the people coming in to this protest to ensure they do listen to us, that they work with us so we can do our very, very best to make sure people are kept safe," he said. Greens MP Sue Higginson described the court decision as a win for humanity and a defeat for the "anti-protest Minns Labor government". "The court was crystal clear that a protest being inconvenient does not mean it can be stopped. In fact, that's the whole point of the protest," she said. Protesters are expected to march from the CBD to North Sydney, with the bridge closed from 11.30am to about 4pm. In solidarity with their interstate peers, protesters in Melbourne are also gearing up to rally through the city's CBD, aiming to reach the King Street Bridge. Meanwhile, more than 60 per cent of Australians want tougher government measures to stop Israel's military offensive in Gaza, a poll has found. Respondents to the YouGov survey published on Friday and commissioned by the Australian Alliance for Peace and Human Rights believe Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's condemnations of Israel have fallen short. More than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed including more than 17,000 children, according to local health authorities, with reports of dozens of people dead in recent weeks due to starvation. Israel's campaign began after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, reportedly killing 1200 people and taking 250 hostages. Pro-Palestinian protesters will march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge after a court authorised a rally, as police scramble to ensure they have the resources to monitor the event. Thousands of protesters are expected at the demonstration to highlight what the United Nations has described as "worsening famine conditions" in Gaza. NSW Police on Saturday urged all protesters to act peacefully and respectfully, warning the rally would be watched closely. Supreme Court Justice Belinda Rigg rejected a police application to shut down the Sunday march on public safety grounds. Organised by the Palestinian Action Group Sydney, the protest has garnered support from activists nationwide, human rights and civil liberties groups as well as several MPs and public figures such as former Socceroo Craig Foster. Justice Rigg in her judgment said arguments the rally would cause disruption on the bridge were not sufficient to bar the protest. "It is in the very nature of the entitlement to peaceful protest that disruption will be caused to others," she said. She noted there was significant support for the march from hundreds of organisations including Amnesty International, various churches, the Jewish Council of Australia, the nurses and midwives association and other trade unions. The decision means protesters will have legal immunity and protections from offences like blocking or obstructing traffic or pedestrians. Police were "scrambling" to alert road users that the bridge would be closed for the protest but would have the "whole gamut" of officers there to monitor the demonstration, acting deputy commissioner Peter Mckenna said. "We are there to keep everyone safe ... we will have police right along the route, and we'll be making sure this is done as safely and peacefully as possible," he told reporters on Saturday. "Anyone who thinks they're going to come along and hijack this protest or do the wrong thing, police will take swift action." Mr Mckenna said his concerns about public safety had not changed and he urged people to avoid the city as there would be disruptions. "We will call upon these organisers to really speak to the people coming in to this protest to ensure they do listen to us, that they work with us so we can do our very, very best to make sure people are kept safe," he said. Greens MP Sue Higginson described the court decision as a win for humanity and a defeat for the "anti-protest Minns Labor government". "The court was crystal clear that a protest being inconvenient does not mean it can be stopped. In fact, that's the whole point of the protest," she said. Protesters are expected to march from the CBD to North Sydney, with the bridge closed from 11.30am to about 4pm. In solidarity with their interstate peers, protesters in Melbourne are also gearing up to rally through the city's CBD, aiming to reach the King Street Bridge. Meanwhile, more than 60 per cent of Australians want tougher government measures to stop Israel's military offensive in Gaza, a poll has found. Respondents to the YouGov survey published on Friday and commissioned by the Australian Alliance for Peace and Human Rights believe Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's condemnations of Israel have fallen short. More than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed including more than 17,000 children, according to local health authorities, with reports of dozens of people dead in recent weeks due to starvation. Israel's campaign began after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, reportedly killing 1200 people and taking 250 hostages. Pro-Palestinian protesters will march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge after a court authorised a rally, as police scramble to ensure they have the resources to monitor the event. Thousands of protesters are expected at the demonstration to highlight what the United Nations has described as "worsening famine conditions" in Gaza. NSW Police on Saturday urged all protesters to act peacefully and respectfully, warning the rally would be watched closely. Supreme Court Justice Belinda Rigg rejected a police application to shut down the Sunday march on public safety grounds. Organised by the Palestinian Action Group Sydney, the protest has garnered support from activists nationwide, human rights and civil liberties groups as well as several MPs and public figures such as former Socceroo Craig Foster. Justice Rigg in her judgment said arguments the rally would cause disruption on the bridge were not sufficient to bar the protest. "It is in the very nature of the entitlement to peaceful protest that disruption will be caused to others," she said. She noted there was significant support for the march from hundreds of organisations including Amnesty International, various churches, the Jewish Council of Australia, the nurses and midwives association and other trade unions. The decision means protesters will have legal immunity and protections from offences like blocking or obstructing traffic or pedestrians. Police were "scrambling" to alert road users that the bridge would be closed for the protest but would have the "whole gamut" of officers there to monitor the demonstration, acting deputy commissioner Peter Mckenna said. "We are there to keep everyone safe ... we will have police right along the route, and we'll be making sure this is done as safely and peacefully as possible," he told reporters on Saturday. "Anyone who thinks they're going to come along and hijack this protest or do the wrong thing, police will take swift action." Mr Mckenna said his concerns about public safety had not changed and he urged people to avoid the city as there would be disruptions. "We will call upon these organisers to really speak to the people coming in to this protest to ensure they do listen to us, that they work with us so we can do our very, very best to make sure people are kept safe," he said. Greens MP Sue Higginson described the court decision as a win for humanity and a defeat for the "anti-protest Minns Labor government". "The court was crystal clear that a protest being inconvenient does not mean it can be stopped. In fact, that's the whole point of the protest," she said. Protesters are expected to march from the CBD to North Sydney, with the bridge closed from 11.30am to about 4pm. In solidarity with their interstate peers, protesters in Melbourne are also gearing up to rally through the city's CBD, aiming to reach the King Street Bridge. Meanwhile, more than 60 per cent of Australians want tougher government measures to stop Israel's military offensive in Gaza, a poll has found. Respondents to the YouGov survey published on Friday and commissioned by the Australian Alliance for Peace and Human Rights believe Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's condemnations of Israel have fallen short. More than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed including more than 17,000 children, according to local health authorities, with reports of dozens of people dead in recent weeks due to starvation. Israel's campaign began after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, reportedly killing 1200 people and taking 250 hostages. Pro-Palestinian protesters will march across the Sydney Harbour Bridge after a court authorised a rally, as police scramble to ensure they have the resources to monitor the event. Thousands of protesters are expected at the demonstration to highlight what the United Nations has described as "worsening famine conditions" in Gaza. NSW Police on Saturday urged all protesters to act peacefully and respectfully, warning the rally would be watched closely. Supreme Court Justice Belinda Rigg rejected a police application to shut down the Sunday march on public safety grounds. Organised by the Palestinian Action Group Sydney, the protest has garnered support from activists nationwide, human rights and civil liberties groups as well as several MPs and public figures such as former Socceroo Craig Foster. Justice Rigg in her judgment said arguments the rally would cause disruption on the bridge were not sufficient to bar the protest. "It is in the very nature of the entitlement to peaceful protest that disruption will be caused to others," she said. She noted there was significant support for the march from hundreds of organisations including Amnesty International, various churches, the Jewish Council of Australia, the nurses and midwives association and other trade unions. The decision means protesters will have legal immunity and protections from offences like blocking or obstructing traffic or pedestrians. Police were "scrambling" to alert road users that the bridge would be closed for the protest but would have the "whole gamut" of officers there to monitor the demonstration, acting deputy commissioner Peter Mckenna said. "We are there to keep everyone safe ... we will have police right along the route, and we'll be making sure this is done as safely and peacefully as possible," he told reporters on Saturday. "Anyone who thinks they're going to come along and hijack this protest or do the wrong thing, police will take swift action." Mr Mckenna said his concerns about public safety had not changed and he urged people to avoid the city as there would be disruptions. "We will call upon these organisers to really speak to the people coming in to this protest to ensure they do listen to us, that they work with us so we can do our very, very best to make sure people are kept safe," he said. Greens MP Sue Higginson described the court decision as a win for humanity and a defeat for the "anti-protest Minns Labor government". "The court was crystal clear that a protest being inconvenient does not mean it can be stopped. In fact, that's the whole point of the protest," she said. Protesters are expected to march from the CBD to North Sydney, with the bridge closed from 11.30am to about 4pm. In solidarity with their interstate peers, protesters in Melbourne are also gearing up to rally through the city's CBD, aiming to reach the King Street Bridge. Meanwhile, more than 60 per cent of Australians want tougher government measures to stop Israel's military offensive in Gaza, a poll has found. Respondents to the YouGov survey published on Friday and commissioned by the Australian Alliance for Peace and Human Rights believe Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's condemnations of Israel have fallen short. More than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed including more than 17,000 children, according to local health authorities, with reports of dozens of people dead in recent weeks due to starvation. Israel's campaign began after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, reportedly killing 1200 people and taking 250 hostages.
AllAfrica
an hour ago
- AllAfrica
No, Australia isn't becoming a more violent country
Almost every day, it seems we read or hear reports another family is grieving the murder of a loved one in a street brawl, another business owner is hospitalized after trying to fend off armed robbers, or shoppers simply going about their business are confronted by knife-wielding thugs. The way media and politicians talk, it seems as if we are in the middle of an unprecedented violent crime crisis. But are we? The short answer is: no. Although the numbers fluctuate from year to year, Australia is less violent today than in previous years. It is difficult to make direct comparisons over decades because the way crimes are defined and recorded changes (especially for assault). For crimes like domestic violence, the statistics are extremely hard to compare over time but even so, prevalence appears to have declined (although only about half of all women who experience physical and/or sexual violence from their partners seek advice or support). However, if we consider homicide and robbery (which have been categorised much the same way over time), the numbers have been falling for decades. Yes, knives and bladed weapons have been in the news recently, but this does not mean they are being used more often. Reliable, long-term statistics are not always available, but the ones we have show the use of weapons has declined over time. Interestingly, this seems to have nothing to do with the weapons themselves. For instance, armed robbery and unarmed robbery both rise and fall in about the same way, at about the same time. Homicide follows a similar pattern. Not all crimes are reported to police, but self-reported statistics show the same trends. Relative to ten years ago, Australians now are less likely to say they have experienced physical or threatened face-to-face assault in the previous 12 months. Places with greater socioeconomic disadvantage typically experience more violence. In Queensland, for instance, Mt Isa has higher violent crime rates than affluent areas of Brisbane. Despite differences between places, there is generally less violence than there used to be. Nobody knows quite why violence is decreasing. This is not just happening in Australia but across many developed nations. Suggestions include better social welfare, strong economies, improved education, low unemployment, women's rights and stable governance. Also, new avenues have opened up that carry less risk than violent crime – such as cyberfraud instead of robbing a bank. There is no clear, compelling explanation. Yet when we consider Australia's responses when violence does occur, measures such as bans (for example, on machetes), more police powers and more (or longer) prison sentences have become the fallback. Evidence shows these types of reactions achieve little, but in an environment of endless 'crisis' it is almost impossible to make good decisions. This is made even harder in circumstances where victims and activists push politicians to implement 'feel-good' policies, regardless of how ultimately fruitless those will be. One thing remains the same: violent crime is primarily committed by younger men (who are also likely to be victims). Ethnicity and migration are also recurrent themes. Just as young Italians with switchblades were the focus of moral panic in the 1950s and 60s, migrants from places such as Africa and the Middle East are now held up as a danger. Ethnicity/migration history data is not always recorded in crime statistics, but the information we do have suggests a more complex picture. Factors such as exposure to warfare and civil strife can certainly play a role in people's use of violence. However, unemployment, poverty, poor education and involvement with drugs and/or gangs tend to play a much larger part. If society is less violent, why are public reactions to violence seemingly becoming more intense? Incidents that would have received little attention a decade ago now dominate public debate and single incidents – no matter how rare or isolated – are enough to provoke sweeping legislative and policy changes. Violence is political currency. The more the specter of violence is emphasized and exaggerated, the more power people are willing to give to authorities to do something to fix it. This is also about psychology: the better things get, the more sensitive people tend to be to whatever ills remain and resilience can crumble when something bad does happen. Pandering to this by rushing to make people feel safer – while politically irresistible – has unintended consequences. When another incident occurs, as it always does, people feel even more vulnerable because they were led to believe the problem had been 'fixed.' This creates a never-ending cycle of superficial responses while underlying issues are ignored. We cannot legislate or politicise our way out of violence. The best responses are ones that identify and address actual root causes and look at the circumstances that surround violence – rather than fixating on the violence itself. This means moving away from emotional reactions and taking a clear look at why violence occurs in the first place. Until this happens, any further reductions in violence are more likely to be good luck than good management. Samara McPhedran is principal research fellow, Violence Research and Prevention Program, Griffith University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Perth Now
2 hours ago
- Perth Now
Reality of keeping dogs in apartments
A few weeks ago, a video of Harry the corgi pacing anxiously back and forth while trapped on a tiny balcony simultaneously captured and tore hearts apart across the country. The thought of an innocent pup unable to enjoy life while their owners are cramped in a tiny apartment is enough to make many people shudder. While Harry the corgi has since found his new forever home with loving new owners, his story is far from the only one. As the housing crisis and the cost-of-living crisis continue, many more Australians are choosing to downscale and live in apartments – and taking their pets with them. However, with a smaller floorplan and little room to run around outside, it can be easy for dogs to become anxious while living in cramped spaces. Here is how you can ensure your pet is living its fullest life while in an apartment. Distressing footage of a dog on a tiny apartment balcony in Melbourne went viral last month. TikTok/ heliabdollahi Credit: Supplied The dog has since been rehomed and won't be spending any more time trapped on a balcony. TikTok/ heliabdollahi Credit: Supplied Are apartments safe for pets? Generally speaking, living with a dog in an apartment is very safe, as long as the pets' needs are met. PetWell co-founder Ayda Hornak said this 'all comes down to routine'. 'As long as they're getting daily exercise (both physical and mental) appropriate to their breed, age, and temperament, there's no reason why apartment living should be an issue,' she told NewsWire. She said some dogs might even prefer living in an apartment, as long as their owner was 'attentive'. It's also important to consider the size and layout of an apartment before welcoming a furry friend into the mix, as the layout may not be conducive to a healthy pet lifestyle. 'Newer buildings are often more pet-friendly, with features like outdoor areas, pet wash stations, or even on-site dog parks,' Ms Hornak said. She said 'location is key' to ensuring your pet is happy living in an apartment. 'Apartments near walking tracks and dog parks offer more stimulation than a suburban backyard in most cases,' she said. Living in an apartment is becoming more popular – and pets are coming too. NewsWire/Sarah Matray Credit: News Corp Australia Following apartment rules Your Strata Property strata lawyer Amanda Farmer said while most states across Australia allowed pets in apartment buildings, and landlords were banned from barring pet ownership, pet owners also had to comply with the rules of the building. 'Those rules might require the resident to notify the body corporate that they're keeping a pet, make sure the animal is restrained on a lead when on the common areas, and ensure their pet doesn't disturb other residents,' she told NewsWire. She said the most common complaint among other residents was 'excessive barking'. 'I've seen these issues resolved or avoided with good routines, appropriate exercise for the dog, and respectful communication with neighbours,' she said. Following apartment rules are essential to keep other residents happy. NewsWire / Monique Harmer Credit: News Corp Australia Not all breeds are apartment-friendly Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, meaning some need more outside entertainment than others and are less likely to adapt well to apartment living. Naturally, many may think the smaller the dog is, the better they are suited for living in a smaller space. However, Ms Hornak said this wasn't always the case. She said smaller breeds like pugs and spaniels were excellent options for those living in an apartment or smaller space. Some may think all small dogs are suited for apartments – think again. NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard Credit: News Corp Australia Larger dogs like kelpies and border collies require plenty of outside time, so living in an apartment may not be the best choice. 'These breeds are bred to work all day, so if they don't get adequate stimulation, they can develop behavioural issues,' Ms Hornak said. 'That said, it's not just about breed, it's about whether you're able to meet the individual dog's needs with daily enrichment, exercise, and company.' For those looking for a bigger dog that doesn't require too much exercise, Ms Hornak suggested opting for a great dane. 'This might surprise some people,' she told NewsWire. '(Great Danes are) typically calm, low energy, and love a good nap. They don't need as much exercise as you'd think.' Many big dog breeds aren't ideal for apartment living. NewsWire / Martin Ollman Credit: News Corp Australia Working full-time and owning a pet A very common issue for Australians who live in an apartment with a pet is the amount of time they spend together. When combined with a full-time job, a dog spending hours alone in a small space can lead to 'anxiety, destructive behaviour, and even depression'. Ms Hornak said apartment dwellers should seek to take their dogs out 'three-to-four times a day' in addition to their walks, as they need 'time to sniff, explore, play, and stretch their legs'. She also suggested playing 'soft classical music' when leaving the house for extended periods of time. Leaving dogs alone on the balcony all day and night is not the answer, either. 'I don't believe any dog, whether they live in an apartment or a house with a large backyard, should be left alone for eight to 10 hours a day without some form of interaction or stimulation,' she said. 'If you work full-time, options like hiring a dog walker, sending your pup to doggie day care or arranging for a neighbour or friend to drop in can make a big difference. 'It's about creating a balance and ensuring they feel secure, engaged, and not forgotten.' Spending outside time with your dog can maintain a healthy mind. NewsWire / Nicki Connolly Credit: News Corp Australia Dogs can live wonderful lives inside apartments, as long as they go outside to play regularly. NewsWire / Glenn Campbell Credit: News Corp Australia Best practice for keeping pets in an apartment Keep them active – 'And I don't just mean a quick toilet break,' Ms Hornak said. 'Dogs need time to sniff, explore, stretch their legs, and just be dogs.' Stick to a routine – Having a predictable schedule for food, walks and play can help keep dogs feeling safe and secure. Keep your home safe and quiet – Create a small space with the dog's favourite toys and a blanket that smells like its owner to create a warm and safe environment when dogs are alone. Make play interesting – Use puzzles that encourage dogs to play and explore, such as treat-dispensing toys and short training sessions. This can help entertain the dog and tucker them out. 'A mentally stimulated dog is a calmer, happier dog,' Ms Hornak said.
