Retirement Income Strategy
Accumulating wealth for retirement is one challenge. Turning that wealth into a reliable income that lasts the rest of your life is another — and one that most people are not adequately prepared for.
Retirement Income Strategy
Turning your savings into income that lasts a lifetime.
You can’t eat capital gains. The transition from saving to spending is the most complex financial challenge most people will face and getting it wrong can have lasting consequences. We help you get it right.
Introduction
Have you got a plan to not outlive your money? Where do you invest for both safety and return in a world of low interest rates? How do you balance spending capital and interest so it lasts? Do you have someone to call when market volatility makes you anxious?
With over 30 years’ experience helping New Zealanders navigate the transition into and through retirement, we understand the complexities of retirement income planning. Our clients are invested across more than 45 countries, and we apply that global perspective to every income strategy we build.
What's Included
One of the most common challenges we see is clients who have accumulated significant wealth — in property, investments, or both — but have no clear plan for how to convert that wealth into income. As we often say: you cannot eat capital gains.
A well-constructed retirement income strategy gives you certainty about your spending power — so you can make decisions with confidence, enjoy the retirement you have worked for, and stop worrying about whether the money will last.
Income drawdown strategy across all assets
We develop a sequenced drawdown plan that covers all your income sources — KiwiSaver, investment portfolio, property, NZ Super, and any other assets — optimised for tax efficiency and sustainability.
Longevity and inflation protection
We build strategies specifically designed to address the twin risks of living longer than expected and of inflation eroding your purchasing power over time — the two risks most commonly underestimated in retirement planning.
Flexibility to adapt as life changes
Retirement income needs change over time. Healthcare costs rise, travel plans evolve, and family circumstances shift. We build flexibility into your income strategy from the outset and review it regularly to keep it aligned with your life.
Coordination with NZ Superannuation
We factor New Zealand Superannuation into your income strategy from day one, helping you understand how and when it interacts with your investment income, and how to structure your drawdowns around it most effectively.
What people say about Collaborative Consulting
“I got to know John whilst working with him in developing his company’s brand principles to strengthen the emotional connectedness with his clients. During this period, I gained a deep understanding of John’s ethics and strong desire to help people both through the good times and the bad times.
His strongest desire is to make a tangible difference for his clients and future generations of their family. John has a strong sense of family, he believes strongly in wanting to contribute back to the community.
I can honestly say I have not met a financial adviser where money is not the financial driver for him, it’s much more personal, it’s about making a difference. I’d recommend anyone who wants certainty in their financial investments talk to John.”
Michael Major BA (Hons) MDM
Property Development Consultant, Future Proofing Strategist
“John is the consummate professional in the Financial Planning and Investment sector. He has walked the talk, having successfully grown and lead businesses to achieve dramatic results. Through it all, he has helped people reach their personal and professional goals and engages with them comprehensively to ensure they achieve what they need to.
There’s no nonsense with John – if you want to succeed, he will help you do it and in doing so, you will meet and be assisted by one of the nicest and most professional people I know, who also lives by a set of principles steeped in integrity. A hard thing to find these days!
I strongly recommend you contact John and get to know him. You won’t regret it.”
Warren Cummins
Managing Director, Dale Carnegie Auckland and BRS Management
“Choosing someone to look after your money is an important decision especially if you are like me and have no idea about investments.
When I left my marriage I had money from the sale of the house. As I was now on my own financially I understood that I needed to ensure that not only was my money going to be safe but would also be working for my future.
I met with a few financial advisers but none of them really instilled me with confidence. I was feeling a bit lost and frightened about making the wrong decision.
Pam Martin
Arbonne Independent Consultant
“We are all specialists in our own area of business. We love referring our clients to an equally dedicated specialist, John Milner of Collaborative Consulting Ltd.
John has been able to help our clients leverage and re-invest their hard-won gains, made both personally, and in business. John has been working in his area of Investment Expertise for a long- time, so has ridden all of those waves in the marketplace. He is committed to helping clients mitigate their investment risk, and in these days and times, his level-head and thorough but relatable approach to Investment are exactly what we all need.
He makes investing simple, effective and takes the worry away.”
James Kelso
CPA, Director, Kelso Marsh Consulting Ltd
“I have known for some time now as part of my business networking group. From the start I have been impressed by John’s professionalism and his knowledge base. John takes what he does seriously and is quite clearly very dedicated to serving his clients well.
I have no trouble recommending him to anyone in need of sound financial advice.”
Rory Laubscher
Corporate Photography Specialist Firefly Photography
Our Process
When you work with us, we use our proven 3-step system. By understanding your situation and the goals you want to achieve, we work out a unique plan to help you get there smoothly.
Retirement income strategies that give you real certainty
Years of experience building retirement income strategies for New Zealanders navigating the transition from work to a fulfilling, financially secure retirement.
We are here to help you maximise your returns and make your money work hard for you. By understanding your situation and the goals you want to achieve, we can build a retirement income strategy that gives you genuine confidence about your financial future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about retirement income planning that isn’t answered here? Get in touch — we’re happy to help.
What is a retirement income strategy?
A retirement income strategy is a plan for converting your accumulated savings and investments into a reliable income stream that lasts for the rest of your life. It covers how much to draw down, from which assets, in what order, and how to adjust over time as markets and circumstances change.
How do I know how much income I will need in retirement?
We work through your expected living costs in detail — both essential expenses and discretionary spending. We then project what your assets and investments can sustainably provide and identify any gaps that need to be addressed before or during retirement.
What is the biggest risk to retirement income?
Longevity risk — the risk of outliving your money — is the central challenge of retirement income planning. Inflation, poor market timing, and unexpected healthcare costs compound this. We build strategies specifically designed to manage all of these risks simultaneously.
How do you structure income from different assets?
We look at all your assets — KiwiSaver, investment portfolio, property, annuities, New Zealand Superannuation — and develop a sequencing strategy that maximises tax efficiency and sustainability. The order in which you draw down from different sources matters enormously.
What role does NZ Super play in a retirement income strategy?
New Zealand Superannuation is a guaranteed, inflation-adjusted income stream that forms a foundation for most retirement income plans. We factor NZ Super into your strategy from day one and help you understand when and how it interacts with your other income sources.
How often do you review my retirement income strategy?
We conduct formal reviews at least annually and more frequently if your circumstances or market conditions warrant it. Retirement income planning is not a one-time exercise — it requires ongoing attention and adjustment.
What is the first step?
A conversation where we explore your retirement income situation, your goals, and how we might help. There is no obligation and no cost for the initial meeting.
Related financial advice and wealth management services
With Collaborative Consulting by your side, we can help across a broad range of financial planning needs.
Retirement Success
Comprehensive retirement planning that encompasses your income strategy alongside investment management and risk protection.
Legacy Planning
Ensure your retirement income strategy leaves room for the legacy you want to build alongside funding the life you want to live.
KiwiSaver Advice
Make sure your KiwiSaver is optimally positioned to contribute to your retirement income from day one.