Retirement Planning
24 hours Face to Face + blended + Swinburne Online
One Semester or equivalent
Hawthorn, Online
Available to incoming Study Abroad and Exchange students
Overview
The unit aims to develop an understanding of retirement planning with a particular focus on the superannuation industry. Students are introduced to the complex world of superannuation saving industries in Australia and the process of transferring this wealth into a retirement plan. Government regulations and policies applicable to the superannuation industry will be discussed. The unit will cover topics such as superannuation funds, regulatory framework, investment decisions, superannuation taxation issues, allocated pensions, and aged care planning.
Requisites
Teaching periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date
Teaching Period 3
Location
Online
Start and end dates
03-November-2025
08-February-2026
08-February-2026
Last self-enrolment date
16-November-2025
Census date
28-November-2025
Last withdraw without fail date
02-January-2026
Results released date
03-March-2026
Teaching Period 2
Location
Online
Start and end dates
06-July-2026
04-October-2026
04-October-2026
Last self-enrolment date
19-July-2026
Census date
04-August-2026
Last withdraw without fail date
25-August-2026
Results released date
27-October-2026
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Evaluate the nature of the Australian superannuation industry including the use of a range of retirement products and structures
- Analyse the taxation on superannuation funds and the impact of the various regulatory bodies on the financial planning industry
- Develop strategies and recommendations on superannuation and retirement planning based on clients’ specific requirements
- Assess the financial implications of significant retirement events including aged care considerations and death benefit taxation
- Work effectively in teams
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus Class | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| Online Lecture | 1.00 | 12 weeks | 12 |
| Unspecified Activities Independent Learning | 9.50 | 12 weeks | 114 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Swinburne Online
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning | 12.50 | 12 weeks | 150 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment | Individual | 40 - 60% | 1,2,3,4 |
| Assignment 1 | Individual | 20 - 30% | 3,4 |
| Assignment 2 | Group | 20 - 30% | 1,2,3,4,5 |
Content
- Background of Australia superannuation system and regulation
- Types of superannuation funds and taxation
- Contributions and transfers to superannuation funds
- Superannuation guarantee scheme
- Self-managed superannuation funds
- Superannuation benefit payments and provision/conditions to release
- Social security safety net
- Aged care planning
- Retirement income streams
- Retirement planning issues: death, divorce and, complaints
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.