Separation can change your plans but it doesn’t have to derail your future. Here’s how to take back control and move forward with clarity.
Finding yourself suddenly single later in life, whether through separation, divorce, or loss, can be emotionally and financially unsettling. It often brings a wave of questions about the future, especially around retirement, lifestyle, and whether your superannuation is still enough to support the next stage of life.
“When life changes unexpectedly, it’s natural to feel uncertain about your financial future,” says Christine Swanson, Owner and Financial Adviser at Prominent Financial. “But this can also be a time to reset, regain clarity, and make smart decisions that help you move forward with greater confidence.”
One of the biggest concerns for many people in this situation is whether they are still on track for retirement. According to the latest ASFA Retirement Standard, a single person aged 65 to 84 who owns their home needs around $54,840 a year to enjoy a comfortable retirement lifestyle, while couples need around $77,375 a year. ASFA also estimates that a single person retiring at 67 may need around $630,000 in super, while a couple may need around $730,000, assuming they draw down their savings over time and receive a part Age Pension.
If those numbers feel daunting, you are not alone. The important thing is not to panic, but to take stock of where you are now and focus on the practical steps that can help strengthen your position from here.
Get the basics right
A good starting point is making sure your super is organised and working effectively for you. That means understanding how your super works, consolidating accounts where appropriate, checking your fees, reviewing your investment option, and making sure your beneficiary nominations are up to date. After a major life change, these details matter more than ever.
Look for opportunities to rebuild
If you are still working, even part-time, there may be ways to boost your super through salary sacrifice or personal contributions. Small, consistent additions can still make a meaningful difference over time, especially when combined with compound growth. Depending on your broader financial position, there may also be opportunities to contribute from savings or proceeds from a property settlement.
Reassess your career and income
For some people, separation becomes a turning point that prompts a fresh look at career goals, earning potential, and financial independence. Increasing your income, returning to work, or reassessing your next professional chapter may not only improve your day-to-day cash flow, but also create more capacity to rebuild long-term retirement savings.
Review your investment strategy
Not all super funds or investment options are the same. If retirement is still several years away, keeping too much in conservative assets may limit your long-term growth. On the other hand, if retirement is close, your investment mix should reflect both your comfort with risk and your need for stability. This is where personalised advice can be especially valuable.
Make sure you are protected
When you are single, protecting yourself financially becomes even more important. Reviewing your insurance cover, including life, TPD and income protection, can help ensure that if something unexpected happens, your plans are not completely derailed. The right cover can provide reassurance at a time when financial resilience matters most.
Final Thought
Starting again later in life can feel overwhelming, but it can also be an opportunity to create a financial future that feels more aligned, more secure, and more intentional.
“You do not need to have everything figured out straight away,” Christine says. “What matters is taking that first step, understanding your options, and putting a plan in place that reflects your life now, not the life you had before.”
If you’ve found yourself suddenly single and want to better understand your super, your retirement outlook, and your options from here, Prominent Financial can help you make sense of the next steps in a clear and supportive way.
Prominent Financial Services — where smart decisions start.
📚 Sources
- Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia – Retirement Standard (latest quarterly update)
- ASIC MoneySmart – Superannuation and retirement planning guidance
