Inflation-proofing your retirement | the advisory

or retirees, inflation is more than a headline risk because they often lack a wage that automatically rises with the cost of living. Challenger’s Aaron Minney says two in three retirees are worried about the cost of living, with higher prices also raising concerns about whether savings will last five or ten years into retirement. While equities can provide strong real returns during the accumulation phase, retirement is more about the income they generate. Minney notes that Australian dividends have risen 18% over the past decade, compared with a 35% increase in the cost of living. That gap can force retirees to draw down capital, highlighting the need for a broader inflation strategy. The age pension provides some inflation protection but remains a safety net, meaning retirees may need additional sources of income. Inflation-linked and lifetime income products can help cover a baseline of essential spending, while dividends and market-linked investments can provide longer-term growth. Minney says retirees don't need to put everything into one strategy, with the key being to find the right balance between security, flexibility and growth.