Client Case Study: Margaret “Maggie” Lawson
Client Overview
- Name: Margaret “Maggie” Lawson
- Age: 66
- Location: Newcastle
- Status: Retired nurse, single, living independently
- Goal: Achieve financial peace of mind and long-term security without becoming a burden to family.
Before Engaging True North Lifestyle
- Owned her apartment (debt-free).
- Held super and investment balances exceeding Age Pension asset test limits, meaning no pension eligibility.
- Portfolio was moderate growth-focused, not optimised for income stability.
- No formal estate or aged-care planning in place.
- Concerned about long-term health costs and capital depletion.
After True North Lifestyle Planning
Centrelink-Optimised Structure
- Restructured her assets and super to access ~$15,000 p.a. of the full single person’s Age Pension, without compromising lifestyle.
- This extended the longevity of her retirement funds by reducing portfolio drawdowns.
Income and Investment Strategy
- Shifted to a low-risk, income-focused portfolio, balancing secure annuity-style income with flexible access to liquid assets.
- Created a guaranteed income stream that grows with inflation.
- Projected portfolio longevity extended by 8–10 years, even under conservative assumptions.
Estate & Aged Care Planning
- Implemented a structured plan for aged-care funding and estate efficiency, ensuring her assets can support her needs long-term.
Quantified Impact
- $15,000 p.a. in new Age Pension income secured.
- 20% reduction in required annual portfolio drawdown.
- Extended capital longevity by approximately 8–10 years.
- Maintains full access to funds for lifestyle, health, or in-home support.
Outcome
Maggie now enjoys complete financial independence with clarity, confidence, and security. She continues annual reviews to stay on track, and enjoys the freedom to travel, volunteer, and live life on her own terms.
“True North didn’t just help me manage my money, they helped me find confidence again.”