Anh and Susan both retired five years ago, when Anh was 60 and Susan was 61

They've always been quite comfortable financially and own an investment property which is rented out full time. Before retiring, they spoke with their Industry SuperFund's financial planner about how to maximise their income in retirement, who mentioned that with an investment property worth around $500,000 and super balances of $350,000 and $450,000, they wouldn't have access to the Government Age Pension.

Instead, a combination of the rental returns and regular income via their super could be a good option. They would receive regular payments and the balances of their Industry SuperFund would continue to grow until they draw down on all of it.

Here's what that looked like:

• When they retired, Susan's super balance was $350,000 and Anh's was $450,000. Both were converted to income stream accounts with their Industry SuperFund.
• At the same time, their investment property was worth around $500,000 bringing an average annual income of around $26,282.
• Over the past five years they've withdrawn a combined amount of on average around $44,177 each year from their super.
• In that time, their balances have in fact grown to $432,280 and $555,934 respectively, because they benefitted from the average Industry SuperFund investment return of 9.57% over five years (2020-2025).

Anh and Susan continue to meet regularly with their Industry SuperFund financial planner to review their options and plan the best way to draw down on their savings throughout retirement.

Susan and Anh's numbers

Susan and Anh are not actual members. Their stories have been created for illustrative purposes.

Modelled outcomes by SuperRatings show 5-year average net benefit results taking into account historical earnings, fees and drawdown amount of 5% p.a. of the main balanced investment options of 7 Industry SuperFunds retirement income products during the first 5 years of retirement. Example assumes the average 5 year Industry SuperFund investment return of 9.57% p.a., starting balances of $450,000 and $350,000, starting ages of 60 and 61, home is owned, not eligible for the Age Pension, married, investment property worth $500,000 with 5% yield increasing annually with inflation. Modelling as at 30 June 2025. Performance (Net Benefit) modelling is based on actual reported returns over the stated period. Capital growth will not continue throughout retirement. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Returns may fluctuate over time and can vary significantly from year to year. Outcomes vary between individual funds. Consider a fund’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and your personal financial situation, needs or objectives, which are not accounted for in this information, before making an investment decision. For more details about the SuperRatings modelling see the Assumptions page.