$1 Million Cash from Recent Sale - Looking for Some Fresh Perspectives

MeatyOne on 12/09/2025 - 10:53

Recently sold some assets from my business and am currently sitting with $1million clear after all is said and done. I have been planning my investment portfolio for this money to support myself in retirement for awhile and am relatively comfortable with the plan, however I wanted to get some fresh input from the collective.

I am in my early 60s, and am still working with my business. I have less than 50k in super, however have 150k in a HISA and the million is also sitting in a HISA while I plan my investment mix for it. I own my PPOR outright and that is valued at $1.9million in an area with high demand should I decide to sell it, and realistically would have a buyer the day it is listed though this is not something I am planning on doing. No dependent children, no debts, no credit cards. Planning on retiring at around 67 at which point I will sell my business that has a current valuation of over $1million in an industry with reliable, high value clients.

The plan for the money:
VAS (Aus shares) 25.0% 230000
VGS (Global ex-AU) 40.0% 368000
VAP (A-REITs) 5.0% 46000
VAF (Aus bonds) 15.0% 138000
VBND (Global bonds, hedged) 15.0% 138000
Cash buffer 8.0% 80000

I'm aiming for around a 7% p/a return with returns and dividends reinvested for at least the next 3 years and to not touch any of it in that time. After 3 years I will be looking at drawing 6% p/a, and provided I can maintain at least an annual return of 5% this will support me for at least the next 30 years, though truth be told health wise, I feel like I'll be capped out at 20 years. Due to the no contribution to my super I am eligible to contribute up to $330k to a super fund as a carry forward which I may do to minimise risk to the principal. I may increase VGS and decrease VAS allocations by about 5% based on past performance, however this is still up in the air.

Given my current situation, can anyone see any flaws in the plan, or alternatively, what would your recommended allocations be so that this money can support me in my retirement. I live a relatively simple life, and I enjoy it that way.

Financial

Comments

  • brendanm on 12/09/2025 - 10:54
    +50

    I don't always have a 7 figure amount of cash, but when I do, I go to Australian premier bargain forum investment forum for advice.

    • MeatyOne on 12/09/2025 - 10:58
      +14

      To be fair, I also have an appointment with a set rate financial adviser, however I do know that there are plenty of high net worth cheapskates on OzB and this is the financial sub-forum. Besides, Whirlpool is too full of self-gratifying IT dweebs, and Reddit is full of Charlie Kirk memes today.

      • brendanm on 12/09/2025 - 11:09
        +5

        How would you know which responses are from actual high net worth individuals, vs just someone larping as one?

        • MeatyOne on 12/09/2025 - 11:23
          +19

          It's not so much who the responses are from, as what the responses are. I have a fair idea of investment strategies, and have a plan as mentioned above, as well as already booking in with a set rate adviser, however it doesn't hurt to see different perspectives, including what other ETFs people may recommend outside of Vanguard.

          • brendanm on 12/09/2025 - 11:50
            -7

            @MeatyOne: Then you could have just googled "what ETFs are available" and got the same results?

            • tonka on 12/09/2025 - 21:52
              +6

              @brendanm: You mean a jumble of AI answers derived from who knows where that may or may not be out of context. Followed by pages of optimised search results trying to sell their product?

          • RTX9090Ti on 13/09/2025 - 23:15

            @MeatyOne: Marry a 20yo Filipina wife, she and all her families will take care of your $1m.

      • Dr Phil on 13/09/2025 - 19:16
        -7

        Take it from someone in "The Know"
        Dont follow the crowd!
        You will only get average crowd returns

        Put a sizeable chunk of your $1M in GOLD for next next 2 years
        Probably 30%-40%. GOLD is currently in a massive BULL RUN.
        But nobody is talking about it. The mass media are told to keep it quiet.
        By the time Gold hits the news it will have doubled in price from where it is now.
        In AUD terms Gold is around A$5,500 an ounce. Yes thats right!.
        Last time you probably heard, it was only around A$1,100.
        And nobody is talking about it. Not until it hits A$10,000.
        And there are rumours that Trump will put the USD back on a Gold standard during his term.
        See here: https://investingnews.com/daily/resource-investing/precious-…
        and here: https://www.investing.com/analysis/trumps-monetary-reset-is-…
        And Trump is planning to issue Gold backed Bonds
        See here: https://discoveryalert.com.au/news/gold-backed-treasuries-si…
        So Gold is going to be HUGE!

        As a guide, personally I've got 45% of my super in GOLD and about 30% of my investment funds in GOLD.
        And Ive got a mate who has over $1M in Gold and Silver bars and coins.
        He is looking at selling his $4.5M house to invest substantially more into Gold.
        My brother too is invested in Gold.
        So Im not talking BS.

        The SMART MONEY is already moving into Gold.
        Certral banks around the world are stocking up on Gold.
        China and Russa are buying up Big

        Because with all this money printing, global debt and massive devaluation of currencies (AUD is one of the worst performing currencies in the world) GOLD is the best way to beat it all.

        You can easily invest in Gold through an ETF

        The best one is: Global X Physical Gold Structured ETF (GOLD:ASX)
        Just get onto any stick trading platform such as Commsec which I guess you are doing judging by your proposed investments
        See here for information and incredible performance of this GOLD ETF
        https://www.marketindex.com.au/asx/gold
        IN SUMMARY
        Up 30% YTD with over 4 months of going sideways this year and it looks like its taking off again
        Up 45% over 12 months
        Its beaten the ASX200 by a massive 35% over the last 12 months.

        Alternatively look at Perth Mint Gold Structured (PMGOLD:ASX) which is fully backed by Australia's Perth Mint.
        See here for more information:
        https://www.marketindex.com.au/asx/pmgold

        After 2 years if Gold has slowed down, then look at putting more of your money into your preferred funds.

        PS: Problem with investing in AU funds is the massive LONG TERM devaluation that the AUD is experiencing against ALL currencies. Yes even 3rd world currencies Im sorry to say.
        Any frequent overseas traveller will tell you how the AUD is buying less and less.

    • cloudy on 12/09/2025 - 14:39
      +3

      He could do much worse like going to a professional financial planner.

    • tonka on 12/09/2025 - 19:09
      +10

      I hate this go to response whenever anyone asks about investment.
      Useful knowledge is learning what you don't know.
      These conversations help you understand what you don't know. Then you can be wary or seek more knowledge as appropriate.

        • tonka on 12/09/2025 - 21:47
          +13

          The dude asked for 'Fresh Perspectives' not binding advice. And if you've lived a bit you would know you can't just blindly accept the advice of experts either. There are many many many people in this world that suck at their job. A pass mark in tertiary education usually means the person didn't learn half of the basic information they were taught. Examples, I've worked with more than one, very senior tax adviser that didn't understand marginal tax. I've worked with 3 different ATO superannuation auditors that didn't know how to calculate OTE. Almost all the financial planners I have encountered sell superannuation for the residual commissions, then move on without understanding the paperwork and contributions get lost.
          I expect there are some good planners out there. But I would treat them initially with a higher level of suspicion than a used car salesman, because many of them are actually insurance salesmen. And that is the kind of information you need to get from your community.

          Sometimes the gatekeeping on Ozbargain just sux a bit.

          • brendanm on 12/09/2025 - 22:33
            -2

            @tonka: I don't think you know what gatekeeping means.

            • tonka on 12/09/2025 - 23:00
              +1

              @brendanm: Right now you seem to be gatekeeping my access to the word gatekeep.

              • brendanm on 13/09/2025 - 08:34

                @tonka: Nope, the dictionary did that, not me.

  • Far Cough on 12/09/2025 - 11:01

    youre welcome to transfer me some.

    Far Cough on 12/09/2025 - 11:01 (Collapsed - Offtopic. Show)
    • jv on 12/09/2025 - 11:23
      +1

      Hi Jacinta…

      • Far Cough on 12/09/2025 - 11:31
        -1

        its Jacinda to you

  • freefall101 on 12/09/2025 - 11:09
    +4

    There is nowhere near enough info to give you advice, and nor should you post that much info on the internet.

    Depends on your situation, but I'd talk to a tax accountant as well as a financial adviser. Super contributions aren't about minimising risk, they're about minimising tax. That seems the important thing when you've got a pile of capital gains tax to deal with.

    • MeatyOne on 12/09/2025 - 11:20

      I agree in that I have with held quite a bit of information for privacy sake. Appreciate the feedback though. Yes minimising tax is also a reason I would like to make significant contributions to my super while I can. It has the added advantage of semi-protecting my assets should I wind up in a relationship in the future (though I'm old and ugly so highly unlikely).

      • freefall101 on 12/09/2025 - 12:44
        +3

        Old and ugly has never stopped guys with cash! Get a personal trainer who can get you as fit as possible, then hit up those sugar daddy sites.

        Super doesn't really protect your assets (it's more protected than a joint bank account, but AFAIK it's no different to any other independently held bank account), if you're serious on protecting from a breakup you want a binding financial agreement.

        • Ahan on 13/09/2025 - 20:42
          +1

          Super does protect your assets.

          OP is a small business owner and that comes with risks.

          If he ever goes bankrupt (touch wood), superannuation is not accessible by bankruptcy trustee.

          If I were the OP, I would seriously consider making contributions in superannuation. Things to consider:

          Is th 1m in savings subject to tax? Can you make contributions to super to reduce captial gain tax from asset sale?

          Is it safer/more tax effective if my investment plan is carried out in the superannuation fund?

          I am only in early 40s but I am pretty sure you get great tax benefit on retirement, such as no capital gain tax after retirement, annual income taxed at 15%.

          Definitely seek advice.

  • JDMcarfan on 12/09/2025 - 11:10
    +4

    Go chat with a tax accountant. I'm qualified, but dont wont in the sector at all so am rusty, butif you hit the requirements many proceeds from business sale should be tax free given your age (and presumable tenure running business), which you should be able to direct into super (which can then earn tax free). I'd route as much money I can into the super account as you can, as all earnings there are tax-beneficial, and live off a stipend from Super in your HISA for holidays/fun/life.

    You've noted no dependants, so will also advise having a specific will written up too if you haven't looked at it for a while. Would want to make sure what've built up in your life goes where you want it, and not the gov.

    BTW, I'm happy to be an adopted child and financial advisor :)

  • HardQuiz on 12/09/2025 - 11:10

    You’ve never owned a credit card or just no credit cards currently?

    • MeatyOne on 12/09/2025 - 11:17

      Never had one. Never needed to. I have my typical debit cards. I know I could have been earning points on one over time, but it just never appealed to me having the debt. I purchase my vehicles, etc, in cash outright through the business.

      • cashless on 12/09/2025 - 15:56
        +7

        Credit cards, when used correctly are not debt, they are costless, delayed payment.
        Admittedly, the bonuses available over the last 20 years or so have now dried right up, but as a high-roller, you could have done extremely well if you'd got into churning cards, like many on here.

  • Fredfloresjr on 12/09/2025 - 11:21
    +7

    All in, Horse #6 this Saturday. Thank me later

    • Cluster on 12/09/2025 - 11:27
      +3

      I choose to always bet on black. Always wins 47.4% of the time.

    • MeatyOne on 12/09/2025 - 11:43
      +1

      Race 7, #6 Flemington is a sure thing. 8:1 currently. Get on it.

  • jv on 12/09/2025 - 11:22
    +1

    $1 Million Cash from Recent Sale

    💰

    • MeatyOne on 12/09/2025 - 11:24
      +3

      Not far off in terms of resemblance.

      • jv on 12/09/2025 - 11:26
        -1

        🤣

  • jv on 12/09/2025 - 11:30
    +5

    I have less than 50k in super,

    Why don't you put as much as you can in Super ???

    You need to talk to a good financial adviser, not get advice from random people on OzBargain..

    • MeatyOne on 12/09/2025 - 11:40
      -1

      That is the plan. I will max out the super contributions though at a point it makes sense for me to have the remainder in a distribution that I have access to whilst it still works for me.

      I have an appointment with a highly recommended, fixed rate adviser so I'll also see how that goes.

      Appreciate the feedback.

      • LongJohn92 on 13/09/2025 - 19:39

        I'd be trying to max out super through carry over contributions. You're early 60s and looking to retire at 67. I imagine super would be accessible from 65?
        To see a return on ETFs, most say they need to be held for approx 7 years. You could do this through super in an SMSF by investing in the options that you have listed. Taxed at a 15% rate instead of your taxable income rate.

        I recommend reading Retirement Made Simple by Noel Whittaker.

  • DingoBilly on 12/09/2025 - 11:44
    -1

    Realistically you're probably ahead of 95%+ of the posters on here and if anything you should be giving advice to others.

    From my perspective I'm much more comfortable with risk and would drop the bonds and cash and just keep it all in vas/vgs. I'm not confident you'd hit 7% returns with such a heavy bond weighting, and I don't really think its worthwhile having it there. Yes, it's more stable but your returns will be pretty bad. I'm comfortable with putting it in higher risk assets in the long term even through retirement.

    The only other thing I'd consider is the bonds/cash/reits is a bit needlessly complex. I'd just pick one, likely the global and just stick it all in there. But that's me, I hate having to manage and deal with various splits of different items.

    • MeatyOne on 12/09/2025 - 11:48

      Yeah, I did think that, and I'm not adverse to risk, however I thought bonds may be a little safer with the current state of world politics, haha. Then again, I also though of using the bond portion and just buying bullion outright. At the moment I have the balance split between 4 HISA to maximise sign up offers, etc, while I wait for my appointment with the adviser. I do think taking that bond amount of putting it into VGS would be the better option to maximise returns, though I may also just move it around HISA's as an easy access option in an emergency while still maintaining similar returns.

    • Daniel Plainview on 12/09/2025 - 12:20
      +4

      Respectfully I strongly disagree. While the OP said he's wanting 7% return - I think his specifics would indicate there should be more of a focus on capital preservation than capital growth. Dumping as you say 'all in VAS/VGS' would be far too risky when he's already stated he's looking to start drawing down in a few years.

      He has this lump sum, money in HISA's, PPOR and a business sale - so growing it isn't going to be paramount unless he's going through $$$ like it's nobody's business.

      Diversification and having one part of your portfolio underperforming is more than fine when you've accumulated as much wealth. The last thing he wants is seeing China has invaded Taiwan and that he's lost 60% of his holdings value in a week.

      • DingoBilly on 12/09/2025 - 13:27
        -2

        Completely understand the conservative and safe view. I think it's good if you want the stability and peace of mind.

        Otherwise I personally just think over 20-30 years it's irrelevant even if ww3 happened - you'd still want to have held stocks rather than bonds in that period so no point putting money in the low performing fund. You'll initially be better off but in the long term be worse off.

        Up to OP to decide which way to go and what their risk profile is and expected length of retirement.

        • Daniel Plainview on 12/09/2025 - 14:15
          +2

          It's not about conservative/safe vs risky/high returning - thats overly simplistic. This is an early 60's, with no dependants. Net worth seems likely to be closing in on $5m. Is looking to start reducing and living off investments in 3yrs.

          You stated all in VAS/VGS, there recommended investment timeline by Vanguard themselves is significantly beyond 3yrs - and such an approach implies doing outside of super being most likely.

          Agree, OP needs to pick approach but your approach is going to be a lot more volatile, prone to issues and really all for what upside for the OP? If it was 10yrs+ ago I would agree, but now….I think that would be more likely to fail than succeed. :-)

  • JimB on 12/09/2025 - 12:06
    +2

    I'd be looking to put as much of it into super as possible using both catch up concessional and non-concessional contributions.

    Your financial planner will be able to help you.

    If it was me and have a minimum of 5 years before retirement, I wouldn't invest in Bonds/Cash.

  • Daniel Plainview on 12/09/2025 - 12:08
    +1

    Questions

    1. Why go with that mix of Vanguard products rather than one of their simple premade ones? e.g VGND. Much easier to stuff up a DIY one unless you're a disciplined and experienced investor.

    2. You're in 60's and as you say have stuff all super. One of the few perks of being that age is being able to put your super to pension mode and pay 0% tax. Have you considered sticking as much as possible into your super account (which will still be in accumulation phase) - you will likely have plenty of unused non-concessional caps to use up plus concessional as well. Then when you get as much in as you can - change it to pension, you will have to draw down at 4% - but as you're still working open another super account and have this in accumulation for your ongoing contributions and to put funds into as soon as you have more cap room and for your downsizer contribution etc.

    Investing in here will be at lower tax than your marginal rate, is a tax free vehicle so you really SHOULD be using this in some capacity - that you are not at all is missing a lot of $$$.

    You're doing well financially - but I think you're missing simple moves that would make a lot of difference and nickel and diming for advice here (I mean I'm all for free forum advice but here is NOT the place - unless wisecracks from 15yr olds is your thing).

    Setting up market investments NOW, when you're overlooking super and are indicating you want to draw down at 6% in a few years is too risky IMHO - I think you run the risk of a big correction and then having to either not draw down at all - or selling at prices way below what you bought. I would have more of a focus on maintaing what you have and do it from inside super than being quite as aggressive outside of it. You don't need the risks at this point. :-)

  • CharlieSheen on 12/09/2025 - 12:33
    +6

    I am not a financial adviser so I can only say what I'd do if I was in your shoes, but if I was I'd max out your Superannuation contributions until you turn 67 just for the tax deduction and this will be able to grow tax free effectively. Since your balance is below 500k as well, look into carry forward contributions for your superannuation. If you haven't utilised the consessional contribution cap within the last 5 financial years, you'll be able to utilise this too.

    Any extra cash you have ontop of this, chuck this into the Index Funds that you've listed. 30% bonds seems about right for now, but when you actually hit retirement age, I'd rebalance this to 40% maybe even 50% if you're being conservative.

    • mskeggs on 12/09/2025 - 19:50
      +1

      This is pretty good advice.
      I'll double down on the super advice.
      You seem to think that super is locked away, but it isn't at your stage of life.
      Google transition to retirement super and you will see you can greatly reduce the tax on any work income you earn, and the tax on earnings from your million.

      Given the very substantial tax savings available, this is likely to dwarf any additional return from higher risk investments as a start.

      You could conceivably be paying no tax on the earnings from more than half of your assets, and they are available to withdraw as a lump sum at any time.

      If you have heirs with similarly low super you might consider helping them to get more into super now, as an early inheritance that they will have access to later.

      There are also concessions especially directed at your situation of small business owner with a low super balance to transfer business assets into super. A common strategy is to transfer an asset like a factory or shop into your super, then pay your superfund high rent to get more of your money into the tax shelter.

      • mskeggs on 12/09/2025 - 20:02

        As for what investments to select in tax sheltered super, I would personally be cautious about shifting into shares quickly.
        At some point there will be a reckoning when the AI bubble bursts (over 35% of the US equity market value is absurd) and you will be a lot happier if you have dollar cost averaged into shares over a few years (and other investments!) than it you put it all in and the market crashes the next day.
        Unfortunately, at this very moment bonds, gold and real estate all seem correlated to a high stock market, which is traditionally not the case. But it means these things that traditionally move a bit inversely, or independently of shares are also high. So they are also vulnerable to a correction, though not as much as shares.

        Also worth remembering that the bubbles finish with a blow off. It is really common for a final year of 20%+ before a decline, so you can miserably watch your safer money miss out on huge returns in the last stages.

        It is hard to find stuff that is cheap to buy right now.

  • Stealtho on 12/09/2025 - 12:40
    +2

    I would sell everything now and go and live in Bali

  • onetwothreefour on 12/09/2025 - 12:52

    I have less than 50k in super

    How does this happen to someone in their 60's? 5 years of earning $60k should get you about that much in super.

    You've obviously done financially well in all other areas just wondering why/how you have such a small super balance.

    • wetsandwich on 12/09/2025 - 13:11
      +4

      Business owners notoriously don't pay into theirs a lot of the time.

      • MeatyOne on 13/09/2025 - 13:25

        This is it right here. It's stupid I know, however the asset that I sold was my 'super' so to speak. I invested in something that I knew would generate income for the business, but also appreciate in value due to the nature of my business, and lack of particular resources. Essentially I cleared 1 million after fulling using the asset, and eventually selling it.

    • Salternative on 12/09/2025 - 13:16
      +2

      He's self employed and looks to have been that way all his life.
      When you are s/e there is no compulsory contribution to super and it can be better use of cash to reinvest it into the business/maintain cash flow/better opportunities.
      Once you transition into retirement age, you can easily make it up by contributing large sums with tax and CGT benefits, if your assets have grown outside of super ,so dont feel bad for him .

      • onetwothreefour on 12/09/2025 - 13:31

        Thanks for the explanation.

      • MeatyOne on 13/09/2025 - 13:26

        As mentioned above, this is essentially it.

    • hazzad on 13/09/2025 - 09:07

      Self employed don't have to contribute. Me and wife have less than 50 k in super between us on our early 50s. Believed that paying down debt was priority and that has paid off for us. Paid off our house and close to paying off our investment. I aim to retire by 60 and actually enjoy life whilst I can.

  • wetsandwich on 12/09/2025 - 13:10
    -2

    Do the exact opposite of any and all advice you read on here, and that's not financial advice.

  • Duckie2hh on 12/09/2025 - 14:07

    That flex.

  • Nonce on 12/09/2025 - 14:58
    +1

    having a million in your 60s is pretty normal

    time>money

  • cashless on 12/09/2025 - 15:50

    I have less than 50k in super

    That's the bit you really need to fix, all your other proposals will result in CGT activity

  • MrThing on 12/09/2025 - 18:48

    Bitcoin

  • tonka on 12/09/2025 - 19:21
    +3

    Why are you waiting to sell your business? I would suggest your next move is start the process on selling that now while you are confident in market and can seek best price. The new owner may want you to stay on for a while, maybe transition from full-time to part time as an employee, maybe retire before 67. You have enough assets to justify spending more of your time learning and being thoughtful in how you manage them. And start work on the retirement bucket list with a few years of extra youth.

  • Trying2SaveABuck on 12/09/2025 - 21:01
    +1

    i feel like this is enough money to seek professional advice

  • Muppet Detector on 12/09/2025 - 22:39

    The things I've learned about watching my parents and in laws in retirement is

    1) They all lived a damn lot longer than anybody ever thought they would (My dad is 103, FIL is 96 for example)

    2) Being old is very expensive

    3) Old people seem to have an increasing number of costly health issues that seem to be more expensive than if you were younger. (Even old people band aids are more expensive than non fragile skin bandaids).

    4) If you ever need aged care or nursing homes, anything fit for human consumption is extremely expensive.

    5) Even dying is damned expensive.

  • tenpercent on 12/09/2025 - 23:12

    $1 Million Cash from Recent Sale

    What was/will be the tax on that? I shudder to think.

    • MeatyOne on 13/09/2025 - 13:22

      That's post tax. A lot of concessions due to length of time it was held for, etc, so tax was minimal on it. That's 1 mil clear.

  • hazzad on 13/09/2025 - 09:03
    +4

    My only advise is that, why retire at 67 when you are sitting on those assets and cash in hand? I'd be retiring now and enjoy the rest of your life. If nothing else, life has tonight me that anything can be around the corner heath wise. If you are on a position to retire and enjoy the rest of your life, id do it earlier rather than later.

    • tenpercent on 13/09/2025 - 16:20
      +1

      My only advise

      Classic Ozbargain.

    • hazzad on 14/09/2025 - 11:41

      I really need to learn to proof read my replies though I'm sure people got the just of my reply.

      • Muppet Detector on 14/09/2025 - 14:31

        I'm sure people got the just of my reply.

        Do you mean, "got the gist of my/your reply"?

  • retiree on 13/09/2025 - 09:22

    Super non-concessional bring forward is $120k pa for 3 years, so $360k contribution possible. Also if you have less than 500k in super you can potentially contribute up to $150k as a catch up concessional contribution. You will pay 15% tax on this though. So potentially an immediate 510k into super. Toss some more in in 3 years time.

    Re the portfolio, given the price of gold and the likely interest rate differential between oz and the USA, I'd probably hedge some of your vgs and split it with vgad. As the aud rises against the usd, that will lower vgs returns (vgd is over 70% in the us market). Also you can currently buy asx listed australian govt bonds paying about 4.8% currently. A better option to vaf in my opinion.

    It all depends on your risk profile and how you define risk. Do you think of risk as losing capital, or risk of missing out on returns by being too conservative. Personally I would toss more into the market. I'm in my 60s retired and have my own smsf.

    • igorekh on 14/09/2025 - 15:43
      +1

      asx listed australian govt bonds paying about 4.8%

      Just realised how little I know about govt bonds. Which ones are paying about 4.8%? What's the easiest way to find them?

  • Chewy2221 on 13/09/2025 - 09:55

    By all means, talk to a financial advisor. Be aware that many of them are sales people for particular financial products. If you wanted to get a totally independent opinion, then you could make an appointment with Centrelink's financial information service. They are free of charge and will give you a detailed report outlining your options. Good luck with your deliberation.

  • LFO on 13/09/2025 - 10:35
    +1

    I am in my early 60s, and am still working

    Option 2: Retire now.

    Once again, one of the officers killed in Victoria was planning to retire weeks after, with everything planned and ready for the big event. Tragic.

    Now is safest.

  • countryboy on 13/09/2025 - 11:03
    -1

    I would not recommend putting all of your money into super. I always tell my clients that you don't control your money in super, the government does. It can and does change the rules around super all of the time. People are kidding themselves if they think that super is going to be as tax effective and generous in the future. The government's fiscal position is a mess and higher taxes on super are coming one way or another.

    I would be asking questions around the certainty of your business sale at 67 for $1m. How likely is this? What are the tax implications (do you qualify for any of the small business CGT concessions?). If you are definitely getting $1m at age 67, then that influences what you do now with your existing $1m.

    Properly structured you can probably keep as much as $500k invested in your personal capacity and still pay no tax (although ETFs or funds which distribute realised capital gains will not help you there - you want to be able to control the tax outcomes).

    But hey, what would I know, I'm just an 'insurance salesman' who is in it for the 'commissions'…..

    • tonka on 13/09/2025 - 14:06

      Could you give an industry perspective on the different types of financial advisers, perhaps their bias and limitations vs strengths. Eg from friends, if they have advice from accountants it's often around negative gearing or even family trusts. Banking industry will be all about super etc.

      • countryboy on 13/09/2025 - 15:25
        +1

        Not many bank planners left, so not much to say there. It's really now (to generalise):

        the industry fund advisers (their advice is to never leave your fund, no matter what, and put everything into super)
        accountants (who mostly want to limit your tax, not much emphasis on making money)
        large company advisers (usually linked to an in-house platform and in-house products)
        independent boutique advisers (usually no links to any other company, often no platforms involved, usually focus on the wealthy)
        Huge generalisations, but that's roughly it in my opinion.

        • tonka on 13/09/2025 - 16:57

          Cheers.

        • netjock on 14/09/2025 - 18:24
          +1

          accountants (who mostly want to limit your tax, not much emphasis on making money)

          Because most public accountants haven't even worked in a business. They actually have a problem with any maths that is not this or next tax year so don't expect them to be able to forecast difference between inflation vs investment returns.

          I did the course tax agents are required to do and if that is what they need then there isn't much in it. Most accounting firms and their so call business advisers / fractional CFOs are just crash courses given by CPA / IPA / ICAA.

          They are also not allowed to advise on anything requiring a AFSL so the safest is to tell people to buy property for negative gearing if you want to reduce tax but I've had a few complaints especially during COVID people buy property and now with high rates they can't afford it but it was accountant's advice.

          Family trusts are just another avenue to make fees. For 90% of businesses it is not worth it. My local barber got sold a family trust by their cousin who is an accountant. It is him and his wife and underaged kids. Obviously not told that any dividends paid to the kids over $416 will be taxed at 66% up to $1307 then 45% tax.

    • Daniel Plainview on 13/09/2025 - 17:03
      +1

      Respectfully, if we care going to play the 'the govt may change rules in the future' game - then EVERYTHING is potentially in flux. And where does that get us? Stuck.

      So really as with any critical decision you deal with what is known now, hypothesising beyond that is a tad moot.

      Super is by far the best place for the vast majority of funds - as the costs of investing can be very low, it can be very simple (as I don't think the OP is an overly experienced investor) and it's tax free. INdexed options via someone like Hostplus will see incredibly low costs.

      Don't take this so personally….alas many financial advisors are bodge city, I have had a run in with one myself (back when I was very naive on financial matters and gouged us with undisclosed trailing commission products that were utterly horrible and impossible to justify as best for our interests rather than his) - and alas they give folks like you who 'are' good a bad rep. Plus what they often want for whats essentially a 'cookie cutter' solution is crazy $$$ when figured out on an hourly rate for the work - as very few folks are truly unique and require a brand new solution to be set up just for their specific needs.

      • ferry594 on 13/09/2025 - 22:04

        That's a dumb attitude to have, in this case. I generally agree about "everything" being in flux, but the issue is that if you stick it in super it's locked up either with a super fund, or a domestically registered SMSF. Those are your options.

        If it's in an investment account, there's nothing stopping you from being able to move it elsewhere should you decide to. And better yet, if it's in crypto or a funds manager based overseas, the government can't even regulate that.

        However like you mention, the cost of this flexibility is the higher tax burden.

        • Daniel Plainview on 14/09/2025 - 11:04

          Dumb attitude? Pot calling the kettle black much.

          How the &%^* is it 'locked up' in super - when the OP is of an age where they could literally withdraw it overnight as a lump sum? You're equating it as if the OP has not already MET the conditions of preservation.

          For all intents and purposes once set up the super fund would be little different from a HISA for the OP.

          This completely laughable perceived loss of flexibility is simply not real - and putting forward crypo as a solution is ironic being that you're telling others putting into super is dumb.

  • Dack Smith on 13/09/2025 - 11:58

    I heard cryptocurrencies like bitcoin give investors over 20% return, maybe consider that as well.

  • Brainwhacker on 13/09/2025 - 12:48

    Strongly suggest minimising tax position , property will give you higher returns , congrats on the sale

  • TheMindsetTraveller on 13/09/2025 - 13:42
    +2

    What is your life goal? Then work out how you strategically make your investments support those goals?

    I had clients who were happy to be sitting on a $4M PPOR and have access to an aged pension plus savings. Rather than downsize and have a million or two to do the heck the wanted, but were happy to live quite frugrally moving forward. No overseas trips planned, happy to just be low profile, low risk and just live a monotomous life.

    Then I had another client who had $500k and wanted to live on a (third world) beach sipping on $1 coconuts all day.

    Both were workable, its just we don't know what you want to do. Maybe you want to travel the world, follow the PGA Tour or go to 22 countries and go to every F1 race in the season, or just do nothing in Australia. They all come with different sets of costs and then we can work out how to position your investments.

    • netjock on 14/09/2025 - 18:14

      Lots of people don't want to think about it until it is too late.

      I ask all clients even the 20 somethings to start thinking about what retirement will look like. Easier to let investment compound starting early. You can change your mind later. Problem is when you are 55yo and find you don't have enough and need to scrounge around for more money when you neither have the physical or mental capacity.

  • 2esc on 13/09/2025 - 14:08
    +1

    Down size(cheaper), retire now, enjoy life now 67 can be too late for a lot of people.

  • snorkey on 13/09/2025 - 14:09
    -2

    i'm not into crypto myself but an approach could be to put a very small % (say under 5%) into a mix of bitcoin/ethereum/xyz stock(s) of your choice (e.g NVDA / HOOD / PLTR / TSLA / MSFT / OCTO)… risky (hence the very small %) but could give larger payout

  • dono2 on 13/09/2025 - 15:15

    From Grok - Recommended Allocations and Strategy for $1M

    1. Super Contribution: Move $330k to super as a deductible concessional contribution (taxed at 15%). Invest in a balanced option (e.g., Vanguard LifeStrategy 70% Growth).

    2. Remaining $670k Portfolio (plus existing $150k HISA):

      • VGS (Global ex-AU Shares): 43% (~$288k) – Higher for global diversification.
      • VAS (Aus Shares): 20% (~$134k) – Reduced to limit home bias.
      • VAP (A-REITs): 5% (~$34k) – Unchanged for property exposure.
      • VAF (Aus Bonds): 17% (~$114k) – Slight increase for stability.
      • VBND (Global Bonds, Hedged): 17% (~$114k) – Matches VAF for balance.
      • Cash Buffer (HISA): 8% of $1M ($80k) – Keep for emergencies.

    3. Execution:

      • Buy ETFs via low-cost platform (e.g., CommSec).
      • Rebalance annually to maintain targets.
      • At 67, add business sale proceeds (~$1M+): 50% to super (non-concessional), rest to portfolio.
      • Draw 4.5-5% p.a. ($50-60k, inflation-adjusted) from 67 for 20+ years.
      • Monitor via Sharesight or Vanguard tools; adjust for market/health changes.

    Expected Return: 6.0-6.8% nominal p.a. Supports $50-60k annual draw with high 20-year success rate.

  • johnwinds on 13/09/2025 - 15:33

    You could try Chef Linguini’s restaurant

  • RiseAndRuin on 13/09/2025 - 21:29
    +1

    First ask yourself how safe your investments are in Australia in the long term, considering the communist agenda the government is pushing and everything else that's going on…

    • tenpercent on 13/09/2025 - 22:47

      Do you suppose there is somewhere safer that is not subject to the same agenda?

      • RiseAndRuin on 14/09/2025 - 11:43
        +1

        There are countries that don't tax foreign income, or that have zero or low tax visas. Personally, I'm looking at SEA, but it's not for everyone due to the climate, language, etc… There are also countries in Europe where conditions are far better than here, but you would have to check when you're somewhat ready to make the move, as things can change over time (e.g. Portugal), however in general the gap with Australia will only widen.

        Basically what you'd want to look into is how you can move your money into a (preferably USD based) brokerage e.g. IBKR, as anything there would be considered foreign assets/income in many countries, then you'd likely pay no capital gain taxes, except from what might be taxed at the source (e.g. the US retains 30% of dividends) which you can however use as tax credit if you have any local source of income, e.g. rental properties.

        This is not financial advice.

  • peterw1 on 13/09/2025 - 22:27

    put the 360 into super as it is non concessional, no entry tax, only 15% tax on earnings, rest do as u suggested. As u r over 60 you can access the super if needed with some conditions. From age 65 you can access for lump sums if needed with no issues. I would also get a zero fee credit card now while u r working. Once u r retired u likely will travel and having a credit card with zero fee and fee free international purchase like bendigo bank card will be useful. may also consider private health insurance if u don't have, in case of emerging health issues. Also get ur will sorted now.

  • bocca on 13/09/2025 - 22:57

    SNP500

  • movieman on 13/09/2025 - 23:04

    Your plan overall seems steady, but probably a little annoying tracking the investments come tax time.

    Why not load up on super whatever is beneficial (including reaching previous year's caps).

    Then keep a solid % in cash - say your 10-15%.

    And the balance do a 50/50 split in VAS/VGS.
    That way you've got good overall coverage of global markets, a simple strategy (easier to manage tax time and deciding what to sell when you draw down), and flexibility with a slightly larger emergency fund to tide you over.

  • V2L on 14/09/2025 - 10:14
    -2

    you're making it too complicated.. just throw it all in DHHF or VDHG
    DHHF has lower MER and greater growth potential, VDHG is better for income and more defensive if you are nearing retirement age

    • V2L on 14/09/2025 - 23:21

      presumably the neggers have no idea what makes up DHHF/VDHG

  • Purp on 14/09/2025 - 12:16

    so dumb, don't come to ozbargain with this shit geez.

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