What to do with a redundancy payment
Redundancy is an all too common event in the lives of many people these days. Those who experience redundancy need to cope with a lot of psychological, social and economic challenges, as they adjust to new circumstances and make decisions about future directions.
Some may see it as an opportunity to retire early, or take a hiatus from work. Others may see it as a chance to make a career change or to reduce work commitments. Still others will find that it puts them under significant financial pressure and they may need to make adjustments to their lifestyle.
Understanding your redundancy payout
The lump sum payment your employer pays you upon redundancy is usually made up of a combination of a tax free component, an employment termination payment, unused annual leave, unused long service leave and outstanding salary payments. The complexity of these components and your particular financial situation means that there are a range of issues you need to consider, including:
• how your payment will be taxed
• how long before you need to return to the work force – if at all
• how you intend to cope or adjust your basic living expenses
• what Centrelink payments you may be entitled to
• how will your retirement savings be affected
So what are your choices?
To assess all these factors, it is wise to speak with a financial planner and a tax adviser to ensure that all the bases are covered and that tax saving opportunities are not lost. The wrong decisions could cost you real dollars so getting advice can help you understand the consequences.
In the initial stages, it may be best to deposit funds in a high interest savings account, until advice is sought and more considered decisions can be made on investment and/or spending.
Of course you may also be tempted to treat yourself with something that you otherwise would not be able to afford, such as a holiday or a new car. It may well be a valid choice for you to spend on such luxuries, but try to delay this until you have made a proper assessment.
Will you need the money for living expenses?
If you are intending to look for work and still have significant family and living costs to take care of, you may need to keep funds on hand to cover basic living expenses. Refreshing your personal budget could be a wise move so that you can identify opportunities to reduce expenses and project how long the redundancy payment will last.
Using the funds to reduce debt
Paying down a mortgage or other personal debts may be a valid course of action in some cases, but it will depend on the type of debt you are repaying and your wider financial situation. Generally speaking, if debt repayment is appropriate for your situation, you should only pay off non-deductible debt and high-interest credit cards and personal loans.
Paying down some of your mortgage may also be a possibility, especially if you have an offset/redraw facility on your mortgage that allows you to save on mortgage interest without losing access to the funds. Your financial planner will be able to recommend if debt reduction is the right strategy for you.
Topping up your super
Using redundancy funds to top up your super may be worthwhile, especially if you are approaching retirement age. Your financial planner can help you assess if this is the best option for you.
Holding the funds for emergencies
If you do not already have an emergency savings fund (equivalent to, say, 3 months’ salary), then it may be worth considering setting one up with your redundancy money, rather than investing it in assets that are not easily accessible. This can give you the flexibility to take care of medical emergencies, a crisis with a family member or other pressing needs that may suddenly arise.
Investing in wealth creation
Another possible option is to invest your redundancy payout into growth assets that can boost your longer term wealth creation, such as shares, a managed fund or property. Of course tying up funds in this way will depend on your liquidity needs, age and tax position, among other factors, so see a financial planner to determine whether investing the money is best for your financial situation.
Take the next step
To discuss your financial situation, make an appointment with a Bridges financial planner.
We have an established alliance with Bridges, to provide our customers with financial advice. Bridges has been helping Australians with financial advice for 30 years.
A Bridges financial planner will develop a plan specifically for you; one that’s tailored to your needs and circumstances to help you achieve your goals.
To make an appointment with a Bridges financial planner, please use our application form or contact us. The initial consultation is complimentary and obligation free.
Bridges Financial Services Pty Ltd (Bridges). ABN 60 003 474 977. ASX Participant. AFSL 240837.
This is general advice only and has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situation and needs. Before making an investment decision based on this information, you should assess your own circumstances or consult a financial planner or a registered tax agent.
Examples are illustrative only and are subject to the assumptions and qualifications disclosed.
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In referring customers to Bridges, Cape Credit Union does not accept responsibility for any acts, omissions or advice of Bridges and its authorised representatives.
