Welcome back to the Runway to Retirement Podcast, Episode 17.

In this episode, Rob McGregor walks through six powerful questions that help you clearly define what you actually want your retirement to look like. Drawing on nearly 30 years of experience helping people plan for retirement, Rob explains why asking better questions is far more important than chasing rules of thumb or average numbers.

He shows how retirement planning is deeply personal and why your income needs, lifestyle goals, lump sum plans, family support, legacy wishes, and bucket list ideas all need to be considered together. Rob explains how these questions translate into real numbers, real trade-offs, and real decisions about work, spending, and timing.

You will learn why clarity around goals makes retirement planning easier, how trade-offs work in both positive and negative directions, and why the planning process itself often matters more than the plan you start with.

It is a practical and thoughtful episode designed to help you move from vague ideas about retirement to a clearer picture of what you want and what it will take to get there.

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.

Welcome back to the Runway to Retirement Podcast, Episode 16.

In this episode, Rob McGregor explores a question many people think about but rarely talk about openly. Should you allow for an inheritance when planning your retirement, and if so, how do you do it without feeling entitled or relying on something that may be decades away.

Rob explains why inheritance planning often sits in the background of our thinking, even if we do not consciously include it in our numbers. He walks through the key factors that matter most, including how much you may inherit, how certain it is, how far away it might be, and how your own goals and values shape the right decision.

Using three real life case studies, Rob shows how different people approach inheritance very differently. Some use it as a safety buffer to enjoy life earlier, others use it to relieve pressure while raising families, and some choose to build full independence despite knowing substantial wealth is coming later.

It is a thoughtful and practical discussion that helps you bring inheritance planning into the open, do the maths conservatively, and design a retirement plan that supports the life you want to live now and in 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.

Welcome back to the Runway to Retirement Podcast, Episode 13.

In this episode, Rob McGregor unpacks one of the biggest questions in retirement planning.

How do you know if you’ve got a good super fund?

He explains why so many Australians end up with average results from their super and how small differences in returns can add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars over time.

Rob shares a clear framework for evaluating your fund, from performance and fees to transparency and service, and introduces his FIT principle: making sure your super is Focused, Intentional, and Targeted to your goals.

You’ll also learn how to avoid the common behavioural traps that cost investors dearly, why being proactive with your super can completely change your financial future, and how to spot the warning signs of underperformance.

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.

Welcome back to the Runway to Retirement Podcast, Episode 14.

In this second part of his superannuation series, Rob McGregor continues unpacking how to evaluate whether you’re in the right super fund, this time using a real-world example. Rob walks through his step-by-step LEADER framework (List, Evaluate, Analyse, Decide, Execute, Review) and applies it to a detailed case study comparing QSuper to a low-cost index alternative.

He explains what to look for in performance, fees, transparency, and communication, and why even small differences in returns can add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars over your lifetime. You’ll also hear why some big industry funds have become less efficient as they’ve grown, what hidden risks to watch out for, and how to identify funds that are truly focused, intentional, and targeted to your goals.

It’s a practical, eye-opening episode that shows how a bit of analysis can turn “average” super into something far more powerful for your 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.

Welcome back to the Runway to Retirement Podcast, Episode 15.

In this episode, Rob McGregor takes a deep look at one of the most common questions in retirement planning: how much capital do you actually need for a good retirement. You may have heard of the 4 percent rule, a guideline that suggests you can withdraw 4 percent of your invested money each year and have it last for 30 years. Rob explains where the rule came from, how it works, and most importantly, when it is helpful and when it completely falls apart.

Drawing on long term market data, real numbers and the same calculators he uses with private clients, Rob shows why your ideal withdrawal rate depends on your investment approach, your risk comfort, and your goals. He compares conservative, balanced and growth portfolios and reveals how changing your investment assumptions can increase or reduce the amount of income you can safely draw over decades.

It is a practical and eye opening conversation that moves past simple rules of thumb and helps you think confidently about what you will need to fund the retirement you want.

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.

Welcome back to the Runway to Retirement Podcast, Episode 14.

In this episode, Rob McGregor continues our deep dive into selling assets as you approach retirement. If you listened to last week’s episode, you will remember we explored the big reasons people sell and how timing, tax and cash flow can influence your decisions.

This episode takes the next step. Rob works through a brand new case study that introduces several extra layers including age differences, the impact of Centrelink, and how downsizer contributions can be used to create better cash flow and more financial flexibility.

You will see how the right sequence of actions can reduce tax, increase super balances and even help you qualify for benefits you may not have thought possible.

It is a practical continuation of last week’s episode and shows how smart structuring can add hundreds of thousands of dollars to your long term outcome.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.