I'm doing some 'what if' calculations on the benefits of cashing out Super and putting the $ into a bank account. Some people would hold smaller Super funds in cash - is this a good idea for amounts of about $200,000.
Age 66 married and homeowner. Full age pension = $29,182.
Option A $200,000 in Super – no other assets or income. Minimum Draw Down of 5% = $10,000
Income test - $6968 of income is allowed without impacting Age Pension. Balance reduced by 50c in the $1 10,000 – 6,968 = 3032 / 2 = 1,516 reduction in Age Pension. Income Test = Age Pension of $27,217
Asset Test Assets are under the threshold of $273,000 so no reduction. Asset Test = Age Pension of $29,182
Lower of the two tests = $27,217 Plus $10,000 from Super = $37,217
Option B Transfer Super to cash deposit account. Earn 3% on bank interest Take $6,000 as income. Income test - No impact as at income threshold. Asset Test - No impact as below Asset threshold. Age Pension = $29,182. Plus income of $6,000 from bank = $35,182
Conclusion End result $2000 less income, but $10,000 more in assets.
After 20 years the deposit account would be worth $200,000 whereas if left in Super the balance would be about $100,000
Is the above correct? Anyone up for the challenge to validate, or show the error in the thinking?
