Runway to Retirement

When’s the Right Time to Sell Investments in Retirement?

Welcome back to the Runway to Retirement Podcast, Episode 13.
 
In this episode, Rob McGregor explores one of the biggest decisions many people face as they approach retirement, whether and when to sell assets.
 
Drawing on real case studies and decades of experience, Rob explains the key reasons people sell investments near retirement; paying off debt, simplifying life, freeing up income, or getting more into super. He shares how timing, tax, and structure can make a major difference to your financial outcome, and why selling strategically can sometimes add hundreds of thousands to your long-term position.
 
You’ll also hear how to use Rob’s LEADER framework to make confident, well-timed decisions about selling property, shares, or business assets, and how to link every move back to your broader retirement plan.
 
It’s a thoughtful and practical look at one of the most important (and emotional) financial choices you’ll make on your way to retirement.
 
Each Week Runway to Retirement will be exploring what it means for your journey toward a secure and enjoyable retirement. Whether you’re just starting to plan or already on your way, we’re here to share insights and perspectives to help you feel more confident about your future.
 
Learn more on our website: https://www.runwaytoretirement.com.au
Download our free guide The 5 Essential Steps to an Awesome Retirement here (bonus walkthrough video): https://www.runwaytoretirement.com.au/5ESARChecklist
The How Much Calculator - Every Financial Plan Starts by Looking Ahead. Access our How Much Calculator to identify your income needs in retirement and the assets you would need to make this a reality: https://www.runwaytoretirement.com.au/howmuchworkshop
COMING SOON – Build Your Financial Plan Over a Weekend. Leverage smart strategies for your unique situation, retire with confidence and style.

Why most investors are better off with index funds.

Welcome back to the Runway to Retirement Podcast, Episode 12.
In this episode, Rob McGregor explains why index funds have become one of the most powerful and reliable tools for long-term investing.
He breaks down how they work, why they often outperform active fund managers, and what makes them such a simple, low-cost way to grow your super and retirement savings.
Rob also explores when it might make sense to blend index funds with other strategies and how to check whether your current super investments are truly performing as well as they should.
Each Week Runway to Retirement will be exploring what it means for your journey toward a secure and enjoyable retirement.
Whether you’re just starting to plan or already on your way, we’re here to share insights and perspectives to help you feel more confident about your future.
Learn more on our website: https://www.runwaytoretirement.com.au
Download our free guide The 5 Essential Steps to an Awesome Retirement here (bonus walkthrough video): https://www.runwaytoretirement.com.au/5ESARChecklist
The How Much Calculator - Every Financial Plan Starts by Looking Ahead. Access our How Much Calculator to identify your income needs in retirement and the assets you would need to make this a reality: https://www.runwaytoretirement.com.au/howmuchworkshop
COMING SOON – Build Your Financial Plan Over a Weekend. Leverage smart strategies for your unique situation, retire with confidence and style.

Retirement Planning: Pay Off Debt or Invest More?

Welcome back to the Runway to Retirement Podcast, Episode 11!
In this episode, Rob McGregor explores whether you should prioritise paying off your mortgage as you approach retirement. He explains how the best choice depends on your personal situation, interest rates, recent market returns, and tax considerations. Rob breaks down simple frameworks and real-life case studies to help you understand when paying off debt is a smart move versus investing more in super or other opportunities. Learn how to weigh guaranteed returns from mortgage repayment against potential investment growth and discover strategies like debt recycling. Tune in for practical advice to make confident decisions about managing your money as retirement nears.
Each Week Runway to Retirement will be exploring what it means for your journey toward a secure and enjoyable retirement. Whether you’re just starting to plan or already on your way, we’re here to share insights and perspectives to help you feel more confident about your future.
Learn more on our website:
https://www.runwaytoretirement.com.au
Download our free guide The 5 Essential Steps to an Awesome Retirement here (bonus walkthrough video):
https://www.runwaytoretirement.com.au/5ESARChecklist
The How Much Calculator - Every Financial Plan Starts by Looking Ahead. Access our How Much Calculator to identify your income needs in retirement and the assets you would need to make this a reality:
https://www.runwaytoretirement.com.au/howmuchworkshop
🚀 COMING SOON – Build Your Financial Plan Over a Weekend. Leverage smart strategies for your unique situation, retire with confidence and style.

Pets, Parents & Adult Kids: Embracing Life’s Changes in Retirement

Welcome back to the Runway to Retirement Podcast, Episode 10!
In this episode, Rob McGregor discusses the unpredictable life events that often disrupt retirement plans, like caring for pets, aging parents, and supporting adult children. Drawing on nearly 30 years of experience, he shares real-life stories that highlight the importance of flexibility and contingency in retirement planning. Rob emphasises regularly reviewing and adapting your plan to accommodate life’s surprises, ensuring you can maintain your lifestyle and financial security despite the unexpected twists retirement can bring.
Each Week Runway to Retirement will be exploring what it means for your journey toward a secure and enjoyable retirement. Whether you’re just starting to plan or already on your way, we’re here to share insights and perspectives to help you feel more confident about your future.
Learn more on our website:
https://www.runwaytoretirement.com.au
Download our free guide The 5 Essential Steps to an Awesome Retirement here (bonus walkthrough video):
https://www.runwaytoretirement.com.au/5ESARChecklist
The How Much Calculator - Every Financial Plan Starts by Looking Ahead. Access our How Much Calculator to identify your income needs in retirement and the assets you would need to make this a reality:
https://www.runwaytoretirement.com.au/howmuchworkshop
🚀 COMING SOON – Build Your Financial Plan Over a Weekend. Leverage smart strategies for your unique situation, retire with confidence and style.

Industry Super Funds: What They’re Not Telling You

Welcome back to the Runway to Retirement Podcast, Episode 9!
In this episode, Rob takes a deep look at seven major concerns surrounding industry super funds in Australia, acknowledging their important role since the introduction of compulsory super but highlighting emerging risks as they grow larger and more complex. He discusses issues including the funds’ increasing size leading to complacency, governance challenges with union-linked boards, the opacity of private asset valuations, and the potential dangers of expanding private credit investments. Rob points out that many new members may be unknowingly overpaying for assets due to valuation smoothing and warns about a lack of transparency that makes it difficult to fully understand where funds are invested. With industry super funds merging underperforming funds to hide poor results and relying on long-term averages, he encourages listeners to critically review their super strategies and demands greater accountability from fund managers to protect members’ retirement savings.
Each Week Runway to Retirement will be exploring what it means for your journey toward a secure and enjoyable retirement. Whether you’re just starting to plan or already on your way, we’re here to share insights and perspectives to help you feel more confident about your future.
Learn more on our website:
https://www.runwaytoretirement.com.au
Download our free guide The 5 Essential Steps to an Awesome Retirement here (bonus walkthrough video):
https://www.runwaytoretirement.com.au/5ESARChecklist
The How Much Calculator - Every Financial Plan Starts by Looking Ahead. Access our How Much Calculator to identify your income needs in retirement and the assets you would need to make this a reality:
https://www.runwaytoretirement.com.au/howmuchworkshop
🚀 COMING SOON – Build Your Financial Plan Over a Weekend. Leverage smart strategies for your unique situation, retire with confidence and style.

The Big Three: Purpose, Meaning & Connection in Retirement

Welcome back to the Runway to Retirement Podcast, Episode 8!
In this episode, Rob explores the crucial but often overlooked transition from work to retirement how to thoughtfully replace the purpose, meaning, and social connections that many derive from their careers. Drawing from his 25+ years of experience, he shares practical frameworks and real-life examples to help retirees plan a fulfilling and happy life beyond finances alone. You’ll learn how to assess your current sources of purpose and connection, set meaningful goals, and design a retirement lifestyle that suits your personality and relationships. Whether it’s finding new hobbies, volunteering, family, or embracing learning and travel, this episode guides you to create a retirement that truly enriches your quality of life.
 Each Week Runway to Retirement will be exploring what it means for your journey toward a secure and enjoyable retirement. Whether you’re just starting to plan or already on your way, we’re here to share insights and perspectives to help you feel more confident about your future.
Learn more on our website:
https://www.runwaytoretirement.com.au
Download our free guide The 5 Essential Steps to an Awesome Retirement here (bonus walkthrough video):
https://www.runwaytoretirement.com.au/5ESARChecklist
The How Much Calculator - Every Financial Plan Starts by Looking Ahead. Access our How Much Calculator to identify your income needs in retirement and the assets you would need to make this a reality:
https://www.runwaytoretirement.com.au/howmuchworkshop
🚀 COMING SOON – Build Your Financial Plan Over a Weekend. Leverage smart strategies for your unique situation, retire with confidence and style.

Unlocking $100K a Year in Retirement: What Works Best

Welcome back to the Runway to Retirement Podcast!
In this episode, Rob explores a range of ways Australians can generate $100,000 per year in retirement, comparing the capital required for strategies like Australian or international shares, residential and commercial property, diversified portfolios, cash, and combinations that include Age Pension, reverse mortgages, or rental income from a family home. He explains how investment returns, legacy goals, and starting assets all shape the best approach and highlights that there’s no single answer, just a need for clear planning tailored to individual circumstances. Practical examples, pros and cons, and tips for getting started make this a must-listen for anyone mapping out their own retirement runway.
 
 Each Week Runway to Retirement will be exploring what it means for your journey toward a secure and enjoyable retirement. Whether you’re just starting to plan or already on your way, we’re here to share insights and perspectives to help you feel more confident about your future.
 
Learn more on our website:
https://www.runwaytoretirement.com.au
 
Download our free guide The 5 Essential Steps to an Awesome Retirement here (bonus walkthrough video):
https://www.runwaytoretirement.com.au/5ESARChecklist
 
The How Much Calculator - Every Financial Plan Starts by Looking Ahead. Access our How Much Calculator to identify your income needs in retirement and the assets you would need to make this a reality:
https://www.runwaytoretirement.com.au/howmuchworkshop
 
🚀 COMING SOON – Build Your Financial Plan Over a Weekend. Leverage smart strategies for your unique situation, retire with confidence and style.

Super is the foundation of Retirement Investments: Lets Talk about Why

Welcome back to the Runway to Retirement Podcast, Episode 6.
Superannuation is the foundation of a confident retirement for many Australians but so many people overlook its real strengths. In this episode, Rob explains why super isn’t just another investment, but a powerful, flexible structure that enables most Aussies to build tax-free wealth, gain asset protection, and manage their estate plans more effectively. He unpacks how super delivers incredible tax savings (especially once you’re retired), why the right investment strategy for your fund matters, and common misconceptions that hold people back from using super to its full advantage.
You’ll learn how to make the most of super’s unique benefits, including the magic of tax-free growth and income, the rules around accessing your funds and Real-life examples show just how significant the difference can be, highlighting planning strategies for pre-retirees in their 50s and 60s. Rob’s practical knowledge and clear explanations will give you confidence to put super at the centre of your retirement plan and help ensure your financial runway is on track for the future.
 Each Week Runway to Retirement will be exploring what it means for your journey toward a secure and enjoyable retirement. Whether you’re just starting to plan or already on your way, we’re here to share insights and perspectives to help you feel more confident about your future.
Learn more on our website:
https://www.runwaytoretirement.com.au
Download our free guide The 5 Essential Steps to an Awesome Retirement here (bonus walkthrough video):
https://www.runwaytoretirement.com.au/5ESARChecklist
The How Much Calculator - Every Financial Plan Starts by Looking Ahead. Access our How Much Calculator to identify your income needs in retirement and the assets you would need to make this a reality:
https://www.runwaytoretirement.com.au/howmuchworkshop
🚀 COMING SOON – Build Your Financial Plan Over a Weekend. Leverage smart strategies for your unique situation, retire with confidence and style.

Your Retirement Number: Calculating Capital with Confidence

Welcome back to the Runway to Retirement Podcast, Episode 5.
How much capital do you need for a fulfilling retirement? In this episode, we follow up last week’s income chat by stepping you through exactly how to figure out the nest egg that will fund the retirement you want, for as long as you need it. Rob explains why average numbers just don’t cut it and helps you go beyond statistics with a practical, personalised approach.
You’ll get clear guidance on all the real factors that matter: your income targets, potential investment returns, legacy intentions, home plans, Centrelink eligibility, and any expected inheritances. Discover how to balance your goals with your actual resources, see common trade-offs (like housing changes or working longer), and use simple tools and examples to model your own plan. Make your retirement plan work for you, with confidence and clarity, not just the averages.
Each Week Runway to Retirement will be exploring what it means for your journey toward a secure and enjoyable retirement. Whether you’re just starting to plan or already on your way, we’re here to share insights and perspectives to help you feel more confident about your future.
Learn more on our website:
https://www.runwaytoretirement.com.au
Download our free guide The 5 Essential Steps to an Awesome Retirement here (bonus walkthrough video):
https://www.runwaytoretirement.com.au/5ESARChecklist
The How Much Calculator - Every Financial Plan Starts by Looking Ahead. Access our How Much Calculator to identify your income needs in retirement and the assets you would need to make this a reality:
https://www.runwaytoretirement.com.au/howmuchworkshop
🚀 COMING SOON – Build Your Financial Plan Over a Weekend. Leverage smart strategies for your unique situation, retire with confidence and style.

How to Work Out Your Retirement Number (Without the Confusion)

Welcome back to the Runway to Retirement Podcast, Episode 4.
How much will you really need to live a good life in retirement? In this episode, we cut through the noise and tackle the vital question: what’s the right income for a happy, fulfilling retirement? Drawing on expert insights and real-life examples, Rob explains why standard averages don’t tell your story and helps you figure out your actual spending needs based on your lifestyle, goals, and dreams.
You’ll learn practical steps to estimate your own retirement income, the key mistakes to avoid, and how to account for your bucket list stage, active years, and future care.
Each Week Runway to Retirement will be exploring what it means for your journey toward a secure and enjoyable retirement. Whether you’re just starting to plan or already on your way, we’re here to share insights and perspectives to help you feel more confident about your future.
 Learn more on our website:
https://www.runwaytoretirement.com.au
Download our free guide The 5 Essential Steps to an Awesome Retirement here (bonus walkthrough video):
https://www.runwaytoretirement.com.au/5ESARChecklist
The How Much Calculator - Every Financial Plan Starts by Looking Ahead. Access our How Much Calculator to identify your income needs in retirement and the assets you would need to make this a reality:
https://www.runwaytoretirement.com.au/howmuchworkshop
🚀 COMING SOON – Build Your Financial Plan Over a Weekend. Leverage smart strategies for your unique situation, retire with confidence and style.