Experts’ roadmap promises to hyper-charge retirement income

Retirement income experts Optimum Pensions have announced the launch of a new book that promises financial planners a range of new, real-world strategies to support their retiring clients’ income needs.

The new book, Life: Solving the longevity equation, authored by Optimum’s retirement product experts David Orford, Jim Hennington and Peter Rowe, covers the evolution of the retirement planning landscape, providing, they say, “expert solutions to the uncertainty around lifespan and the challenges posed by rapidly increasing life expectancy.

The book’s authors boast that insights from the book give financial planners the tools and insights to potentially increase their individual clients’ retirement income by 15% to 30%.

Among the book’s key features include:

• An in-depth exploration of the challenges associated with increasing life expectancy.
• Practical insights and solutions for balancing client retirement lifestyle expectations with the array of retirement income options available in the Australian market.
• Actionable steps and key principles for implementing successful retirement income strategies.
• Real-world case studies that illustrate effective approaches that financial planners can readily apply.

Commenting on the book’s launch co-author and Optimum managing director David Orford said: “We recognise the critical role financial planners play in helping individuals navigate the complexities of retirement planning”.

“Our book aims to empower financial planning professionals with the tools and knowledge needed to create robust retirement income strategies tailored to the unique needs of their clients – thus increasing client engagement and satisfaction.”

Co-author Peter Rowe, Optimum’s general manager, added: “In an era of increasing life expectancy, it is essential for financial planners to stay ahead of the curve.

“Our guide offers a roadmap to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by changing longevity, ensuring that clients can enjoy a secure and fulfilling retirement.”

Orford, an actuary by training and superannuation sector expert, was founder of Financial Synergy, a leading provider of superannuation administration software. The firm was sold to IRESS back in 2016, where he served as chair of retirement incomes.

Rowe, a 35-year veteran of the super industry, is a former managing director of wealthtech firm FNZ and chief operating officer of Vision Super. He is also a life member of the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA).

Hennington serves as Optimum’s head of innovation, recognised by the firm as a “thought leader on retirement income strategy and modelling”.

Optimum Pensions, launched in 2017, is uniquely geared to provide retirement income solutions and thought leadership specifically developed to address longevity risk.