Money

Super & retirement

Ask an expert

Opinion

I got $700,000 from downsizing my home. How should I invest it?

Paul Benson Money contributor September 7, 2025 — 5.01am

My mother, who is 67, has just downsized. The difference between the sale and purchase price has left her with about $1 million. She is planning to put $300,000 into her super as per the rules.

That leaves her with about $700,000. Keeping this money in the bank means she is no longer entitled to the pension she was previously getting of about $1100 a fortnight. Is she better to live off the balance or should she invest the money in some other way?

Your question raises a couple of interesting elements. The first is that downsizing, while typically an excellent idea, does have the negative consequence of harmin

See Full Page