Australian Finance Podcast ETFs vs Mortgage: Where’s Your Money Best Spent? – Q&A
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Oct 3, 2025 This week’s guest is James Phelan, a senior financial adviser at Rask, known for his insights on superannuation and investment strategies. He discusses how the Age Pension interacts with superannuation, shedding light on eligibility and strategies. Listeners learn what happens to super when someone dies without a will and the nuances of debt recycling. James and Gemma debate whether to focus on paying down a mortgage or investing in ETFs, emphasizing a balanced approach. Plus, they unpack the concept of wrap accounts and what to ask financial advisers.
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How Age Pension And Super Interact
- The Age Pension is a means-tested government payment that checks both assets and income and pays the lower assessed amount.
- Super counts in the asset test after age 67 and many retirees receive a mix of pension plus personal retirement assets.
Use Partner Age Gaps To Maximise Pension
- Do consider shifting asset allocations between partners if one reaches pension age earlier to potentially maximise Centrelink entitlements.
- Review this with a financial adviser to align timing and asset placement with pension tests.
Nominate Your Super Beneficiaries
- Do set a valid binding nomination on your super fund to ensure your wishes are followed after death.
- Check and update nominations annually, and ensure nominated people are eligible beneficiaries.
