Retirement is not the end of earning — it is the beginning of smart income planning. If you are 60 or above, your biggest question is simple:
👉 Where should I invest my money so it stays safe, gives regular income, and lasts for life?
As your retirement advisor, I’ll explain everything step by step, just like an interactive guide.
Let’s begin with Best retirement investment for age 60+.
What Retirement Investment Really Means After 60
At age 60+, retirement investment is not about high risk or quick profit. It is about:
- Protecting your savings
- Creating steady monthly or yearly income
- Reducing tax
- Making money last 20–30 years
For example, if you have $500,000 saved at retirement, you don’t want it to disappear in 10 years. You want it to pay you regularly while still growing slowly.
💡 Advisor Tip:
At this age, income + safety matter more than aggressive growth.
How Much Money Do You Really Need in Retirement?
Before choosing investments, let’s do a simple calculation.
Assume your monthly retirement expenses are:
- Housing & utilities: $1,200
- Food & groceries: $600
- Medical & insurance: $400
- Travel & lifestyle: $300
Total monthly expense: $2,500
Yearly expense: $2,500 × 12 = $30,000
So, your retirement investments should generate at least $30,000 per year, without reducing your main savings too fast.
Best Retirement Investment For Age 60+
Superannuation – The Base of Retirement Income
Superannuation is one of the best retirement investments for age 60+ because of tax benefits and long-term growth.
Why Super Works Well After 60
- Tax-free withdrawals (in many cases)
- Professionally managed
- Suitable for steady income
- Easy to convert into pension
Example Calculation
Let’s say you retire with $600,000 in super.
If your super grows at 5% per year:
$600,000 × 5% = $30,000 per year
That alone can cover your basic expenses.
💡 Advisor Tip:
At 60+, shift super investments toward balanced or conservative options.
Account-Based Pension – Turning Savings Into Income
An account-based pension converts your super into regular income payments.
Why It’s Ideal for Age 60+
- You choose how much to withdraw
- Income is often tax-free
- Remaining balance continues to grow
Example
- Super balance: $600,000
- Annual withdrawal: $35,000
- Growth rate: 5%
Even after withdrawing $35,000, part of your money still grows, helping your savings last longer.
💡 Advisor Tip:
Withdraw only what you need — not the maximum allowed.
Annuities – Guaranteed Income for Life
If you fear running out of money, annuities are one of the safest retirement investments.
What Makes Annuities Special?
- Guaranteed income
- No market risk
- Ideal for essential expenses
- Peace of mind
Example Calculation
- Investment amount: $400,000
- Annuity payout rate: 5%
$400,000 × 5% = $20,000 per year guaranteed
This can cover food, utilities, and medical costs — no matter how long you live.
💡 Advisor Tip:
Use annuities for needs, and flexible investments for wants.
Self-Managed Retirement Investments (For Experienced Investors)
Some retirees prefer controlling their investments themselves.
Who Should Consider This?
- Savings above $250,000
- Basic investment knowledge
- Willingness to manage or hire help
Example Portfolio
- 40% bonds → 3% return
- 40% dividend stocks → 7% return
- 20% cash → 2% return
Average return ≈ 5.2%
On $500,000:
$500,000 × 5.2% = $26,000 per year
💡 Advisor Tip:
Control is good — but discipline is more important than returns.
Fixed Income Options for Stability
Fixed-income investments are excellent for retirees who want low risk.
Benefits
- Predictable income
- Capital protection
- Low stress
Example
- Investment: $300,000
- Fixed return: 4%
$300,000 × 4% = $12,000 per year
Combine this with other income sources to create balance.
How to Build a Balanced Retirement Investment Plan
The best retirement investment for age 60+ is not one option — it’s a combination.
Sample Retirement Portfolio ($700,000)
| Investment Type | Amount | Annual Income |
| Account-based pension | $300,000 | $15,000 |
| Annuity | $250,000 | $12,500 |
| Fixed income | $100,000 | $4,000 |
| Cash reserve | $50,000 | Safety buffer |
Total estimated income: $31,500/year
This covers expenses and keeps money safe.
Tax Advantages After Age 60
One big advantage after 60 is lower or zero tax on retirement income.
What This Means for You
- Pension income may be tax-free
- Lump sum withdrawals may have no tax
- More money stays in your pocket
Example
If you earn $35,000 per year from retirement investments and pay 0% tax, your real income stays $35,000 — unlike salary income.
💡 Advisor Tip:
Tax efficiency is as important as returns.
How Long Will Your Retirement Money Last?
Let’s calculate sustainability.
- Savings: $600,000
- Annual withdrawal: $30,000
- Growth rate: 5%
With smart withdrawals, your money can last 20–25 years or more.
If you mix guaranteed income (annuities) with growth investments, your risk reduces even further.
Common Mistakes Retirees Should Avoid
Many retirees lose money due to simple mistakes:
- Investing too aggressively
- Withdrawing too much too early
- Ignoring inflation
- Keeping all money in cash
💡 Advisor Tip:
Your retirement plan should change as you age — not stay fixed forever.
Best Retirement Investment Strategy for Age 60+
If I had to summarize the best approach, it would be:
- Use super or pension for tax efficiency
- Add annuities for guaranteed income
- Keep fixed income for stability
- Maintain cash reserves for emergencies
This creates income, safety, and peace of mind.
Also Read: 9 Worst Ways People Try To Cut Taxes
Final Advisor Advice
Retirement is not about how much you earned — it’s about how wisely you invest what you saved.
The best retirement investment for age 60+ is one that:
- Pays you regularly
- Protects your capital
- Reduces stress
- Supports your lifestyle
Plan slowly, invest wisely, and always think long-term.
