What To Do With Your Super at Retirement: 3 Options Explained

(26) If you have super heading into retirement, you are about to face one of the most misunderstood decisions in the Australian system. Most people assume starting an account-based pension is the right first move. For some Australians, it is — but for those with balances under $200,000, that assumption can quietly cost more than $20,000 a year in Age Pension income they were actually entitled to. Bob walks through the three real options — pension, lump sum, or staying in accumulation — and explains how your balance and home ownership status determine which approach genuinely fits you. Includes a plain-English look at sequence of returns risk, the assets test thresholds for July 2026, and a three-step framework for making the decision without needing a financial advisor. Timestamps: 00:00 – what to do with super at retirement and why the decision matters 02:13 – small balance strategy: when a lump sum beats starting a pension 07:51 – minimum drawdown rules and sequence of returns risk explained 12:02 – overcoming status quo bias and the cost of doing nothing 14:51 – three-step framework for choosing your super withdrawal strategy 18:52 – key takeaways and which zone determines your retirement approach Hashtags: #superannuationaustralia #agepensionaustralia #superatretirement #retirementplanning #australianretirement