Aussie FIRE | Financial Independence Retire Early

43. FI case studies: Retiring now, investing with kids, and using SMSFs

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Jul 18, 2025

Dive into diverse financial strategies through enlightening case studies! Discover how to navigate the complexities of home buying in today’s unpredictable market. Explore tactics for balancing investing with parenting responsibilities. Learn about the ins and outs of self-managed super funds, including their benefits and costs. Plus, hear real-life stories that highlight the transition to semi-retirement and the importance of tailored financial planning. Engage with the community and empower your investment journey!

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ADVICE

Model Super In Today's Dollars

Roll forward super balances conservatively when planning and treat future values in today's dollars.
Assume modest real returns (e.g., ~5%) to avoid overestimating future spending power.

ADVICE

Invest Some House Cash Prudently

If you plan to buy in 3–4 years, split cash into shorter- and longer-horizon ETFs rather than holding everything in cash.
Use lower-risk ETFs (some bond allocation) for near-term goals and grow surplus cash via equities.

ANECDOTE

Leaving Sydney Is A Big Lifestyle Trade-Off

Hayden reflects that many Sydneysiders won't leave despite high prices, while others happily move regionally for lifestyle and affordability.
He frames the trade-off as giving up potential income for lifestyle and more home time.

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Imagine being a sci-fi film buff in the year 1986.

In the prior several years, you would have been treated to the original Star Wars trilogy, a slew of new Star Trek films, the cult hit Blade Runner, and – who could forget? – the 1979 classic, Alien.

Now, after seven years of waiting, you’re finally being treated to a James Cameron-directed Alien sequel. But this time, it won’t simply be ONE alien. Oh, no… this time, it’s going to be AlienS. That’s right, they’ve gone from the singular to the plural. The film saga has forever changed, and as a viewer, you’ve changed with it.

Today, Aussie FIRE listeners can expect to witness a similar metamorphosis. In the past, we have run Case Study episodes. Now, in this moment, we branch into the realm of the plural.

Yes, you read that right. This episode will feature…

…Case Studies.

Want to know what’s required to retire now? We have a case study for that. Interested in balancing investments with parenting? Thanks to that little “ies” at the end of “Case Stud”, we have the opportunity to explore that too. What about the wild world of SMSFs? Such is the joy of the plural, we can squeeze in that case study as well!

Are you ready? Excellent. Let’s take these case studies into their young James Cameron era.

FI Case Study Request Form

Pearler

Strong Money Australia

Original Aussie FIRE e-book

Strong Money Australia’s audiobook

Disclaimer

Any advice is general and does not consider your financial situation needs, or objectives, so consider whether it’s appropriate for you. You should also consider seeking professional advice before making any financial decision.

Pearler is an Authorised Representative #1281540 of Sanlam Private Wealth Pty Ltd AFSL #337927. Read the FSG available from https://pearler.com/financial-services-guide

If you are considering any of the products we spoke about during the show, be sure to read the Product Disclosure Statement & Target Market Determination available from the product issuer’s website before deciding.

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