Seniors save for rainy day

The National Seniors’ Australia Social Survey, in conjunction with Challenger, asked seniors about their current financial situations and what they expected in the future.

Nearly 3,000 seniors responded to the survey, and the results have been released in the report Over 50s: Still not confident about their retirement income.

“Less than half the people surveyed believe their super will last their retirement and nearly three-quarters (74 percent) say they want to maintain minimum savings levels,” says National Seniors’ Director of Research, Professor Philip Taylor.

“They believe the money should be put aside for unforeseen expenses such as medical costs, home and car repairs, and to pay for aged care – if they need it.” 

The report also highlights how many retirees are not well prepared to manage their finances in retirement. Jeremy Cooper, Challenger’s Chairman, Retirement Income, observed that many retirees are not comfortable in managing their finances in retirement. 

“Unfortunately for many Australian retirees there is a limited availability of suitable tools, help and guidance for them to manage their retirement income. This reduces their peace of mind and we should be able to do better.”

Only a small minority indicated their money should be handed down to their families.

“Only around one in five people said a motive for saving was to make a bequest,” Prof Taylor says. “So, older people do not have the levels of disposable income as some news reports would have us believe and any suggestion they are just keeping their cash under the mattress, earmarked for the children’s inheritance, is nonsense.

“Most older people are saving for a rainy day, and in their later years, these tend to strike more frequently.

“But they don’t want taxpayers to have to pay their expenses either. Rather, they are aiming to foot the bill themselves as part of a dignified retirement.”