Prime Time with Bec Wilson

Within just a fortnight, almost every key number in Australia’s retirement system has either changed, or is about to. The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia, known as ASFA, has just updated its retirement benchmarks for the first time in three years. And the shift is significant. I sit down with ASFA CEO Mary Delahunty to explain all of the changes.  You can find the new ASFA retirement standards here: https://www.superannuation.asn.au/consumers/retirement-standard/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The incredible Australian writer Kathy Lette joins me to talk about travelling boldly through Europe on river and ocean cruises. Viking's Explorer Sale is on now! Visit vikingcruises.com.au See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the very first edition of the Prime Time Book Club!  Join me as I dive into our first pick, 'The Art of Spending Money' by Morgan Housel.  And you can join the conversation too! Subscribe and leave me a comment on our weekly newsletter - primetimers.net  Or on our Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/epicretire/ Recommend a book, tell me what you thought of this months pick and read along with us.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the past year, I've watched a surge of social media ads urging people to review and switch their super often with urgent language suggesting you're losing money every day you delay. This week, ASIC confirmed that it is reviewing advice licensees that use something called 'lead generation' arrangements, especially where they may be encouraging people to switch their super unnecessarily. In this episode, I speak to ASIC Commissioner Alan Kirkland who's leading the review. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is cognitive decline inevitable as we age? In this episode, I speak to the 2026 Senior Australian of the year and world leading dementia researcher, Professor. Henry Brodaty, about all the ways you can look after your brain and prevent cognitive decline.  Henry Brodaty is Professor of Ageing and Mental Health at UNSW Sydney and Co-Director of the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing. You can find out more about Henry's work here: https://www.unsw.edu.au/cheba  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I sit down with program producer Gen Rule to discuss the SIX biggest fears people have when it comes to retirement... as nominated by YOU. In part TWO of this topic we cover: Spending money Inflation & Government changes  Isolation & loneliness  You can order a copy of my new book;  'Prime Time' via AMAZON here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Prime-Time-lessons-new-midlife/dp/0733652212 Follow us on social media and via email Get in touch with Bec here: Bec@primetimers.net  Sign up for the Prime Time Podcast Newsletter at www.primetimers.net  - Get our newsletter with detailed podcast notes sent directly to your inbox every week.   Order your copy of Prime Time: 27 rules for the new midlife here: https://amzn.to/3G0yxfh Or follow Bec on social here:  @becwilsonepic on Facebook @epicretirement on Instagram  Read Bec’s syndicated newspaper column in Nine Newspapers (The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age) each week here: https://www.smh.com.au/by/bec-wilson-p536ww NEARING RETIREMENT?  Join The Epic Retirement Club – on Facebook. facebook.com/groups/epicretire  Sign up for the Epic Retirement weekly newsletter at epicretirement.net  Get Bec Wilson’s bestselling book How to Have an Epic Retirement to learn about the six pillars of an epic retirement as you approach and prepare for your future retirement years. https://amzn.to/3G0yxfh Visit Bec’s website at epicretirement.com.au to learn more about her workSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I sit down with program producer Gen Rule to discuss the SIX biggest fears people have when it comes to retirement... as nominated by YOU. In part one of this topic we cover the first THREE:  Running out of money Running out of time & health  Loss of identity  You can order a copy of my new book;  'Prime Time' via AMAZON here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Prime-Time-lessons-new-midlife/dp/0733652212 Follow us on social media and via email Get in touch with Bec here: Bec@primetimers.net  Sign up for the Prime Time Podcast Newsletter at www.primetimers.net  - Get our newsletter with detailed podcast notes sent directly to your inbox every week.   Order your copy of Prime Time: 27 rules for the new midlife here: https://amzn.to/3G0yxfh Or follow Bec on social here:  @becwilsonepic on Facebook @epicretirement on Instagram  Read Bec’s syndicated newspaper column in Nine Newspapers (The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age) each week here: https://www.smh.com.au/by/bec-wilson-p536ww NEARING RETIREMENT?  Join The Epic Retirement Club – on Facebook. facebook.com/groups/epicretire  Sign up for the Epic Retirement weekly newsletter at epicretirement.net  Get Bec Wilson’s bestselling book How to Have an Epic Retirement to learn about the six pillars of an epic retirement as you approach and prepare for your future retirement years. https://amzn.to/3G0yxfh Visit Bec’s website at epicretirement.com.au to learn more about her workSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I sit down with Sue West, a leadership and transition coach who helps people navigate big changes in work and life. But what I love most about Sue is her own story how she's built her coaching business, flourish after 50, and redefined what success, purpose and energy look like in this stage of her life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I chat with Drew Meredith, financial advisor & director at Wattle Partners, to explain Australia's proposed new super tax (Division 296) and exactly who will be hit with the higher rate.     See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What role does the Age Pension REALLY play in your retirement? Services Australia’s Justin Bott returns to unpack how it fits into a smart, sustainable retirement plan. You can order a copy of my new book;  'Prime Time' via AMAZON here  Follow us on social media and via email Get in touch with Bec here: Bec@primetimers.net  Sign up for the Prime Time Podcast Newsletter at www.primetimers.net  - Get our newsletter with detailed podcast notes sent directly to your inbox every week.   Order your copy of Prime Time: 27 rules for the new midlife here: https://amzn.to/3G0yxfh Or follow Bec on social here:  @becwilsonepic on Facebook @epicretirement on Instagram  Read Bec’s syndicated newspaper column in Nine Newspapers (The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age) each week here: https://www.smh.com.au/by/bec-wilson-p536ww NEARING RETIREMENT?  Join The Epic Retirement Club – on Facebook. facebook.com/groups/epicretire  Sign up for the Epic Retirement weekly newsletter at epicretirement.net  Get Bec Wilson’s bestselling book How to Have an Epic Retirement to learn about the six pillars of an epic retirement as you approach and prepare for your future retirement years. https://amzn.to/3G0yxfh Visit Bec’s website at epicretirement.com.au to learn more about her workSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode I sit down with very a special guest Michelle Bridges; One of Australia's most loved personal trainers & health communicators.  I wanted to start the year with a very clear health message, especially for the ladies, to give you an un-intimidating fitness plan AND share everything you need to know about starting your perimenopause journey.  You can find Michelle's latest book, 'The Perimenopause Method: The only menopause guide you'll ever need' at all book retailers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Malcolm Wood (Head of Institutional Research and Asset Allocation at Ord Minnett) and I look forward 2026 to decode what the data is really saying about the economy and how everyday investors should be looking at the year ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Merry Christmas Prime Timers! 🎄In this special BOXING DAY edition, I'm tipping out the mail bag and answering YOUR questions! From super jargon, confusing financial advice & housing dilemmas - to solo ageing & some beautiful real life stories of people transitioning to retirement in their own way.  I chat with program producer Gen Rule to answer your most frequently asked questions of the year.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a VERY SPEICAL edition for Epic Retirement month, I sit down with the legendary Julie Goodwin, who shot to fame & success after winning the first season of MasterChef Australia in 2009. In the years since then, Julie has spoken openly about her mental health & wellbeing struggles. In this episode, Julie tells me how she began to re-build her life, bit by bit, & slowly rediscover her sense of joy.  You can find more information about Julie Goodwin's upcoming tour 'Your Time Starts Now' here: https://juliegoodwin.com.au/tour/ This episode contains discussions about sensitive issues, including suicide and mental health. If anything we talk about is difficult for you, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I sit down with Xavier O'Halloran, CEO of Super Consumers Australia, to discuss their latest retirement savings targets to tell you exactly how much you need to save to retire in 2026.  You can find that report from Super Consumers Australia here: https://superconsumers.com.au/journalism/how-much-do-you-need-to-save-for-your-retirement/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I talk about finding your purpose a lot - but how do you ACTUALLY do that? Especially if you've lived a life where career and family was your main purpose. In this episode, I speak to Marcus Riley - author of 'Booming' and international ageing expert. Marcus is a global voice in positive ageing, finding purpose and seeking out your passions in retirement.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I tell you exactly how you can start setting your own personal and financial goals BEFORE you hit retirement; With the help of Maurizio Lombardi, Executive Manager of Advice at Hostplus!  This episode is thanks to Hostplus - who are passionate about everyone retiring with confidence. Hostplus has engaged Industry Fund Services Limited (IFS) ABN 54 007 016 195, AFSL 232514 to facilitate the provision of personal financial advice to members of Hostplus, including via the web-based platform SuperSmart. Advice is provided by Hostplus financial planners who are authorised representatives of IFS. Fees may apply. For further information about the cost of personal advice and SuperSmart eligibility criteria visit hostplus.com.au/adviceThis information is general advice only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider if this information is appropriate for you in light of your circumstances before acting on it. Consider the PDS and TMD available on our website before deciding. Issued by Host-Plus Pty Limited ABN 79 008 634 704 as trustee for the Hostplus Superannuation Fund ABN 68 657 495 890.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I'm back with Ian Fryer from Chant West to tell you exactly how to analyse if your super fund is performing the way it should be, what to look out for and picking the good from the bad.  Find out MORE about the Epic Tick here: https://www.epicretirement.net/epictickSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I've been working really hard on getting a new & improved version of 'How to have an Epic Retirement' to you by Christmas - and I'm so excited to tell you it's here!! In this episode, I sit down with my publisher Sophie Hamley from Hachette, to talk about the UPDATED secrets to having an Epic Retirement.  The fully revised edition of How to Have an Epic Retirement lands on 25 November 2025 across Australia and New Zealand. Published by Hachette, this new release updates the original bestseller with fresh guidance across all six pillars of modern retirement - time, financial confidence, health, happiness, travel and home-as-you-age. And the book is now written for both Australia and New Zealand. It reflects the latest systems, strategies and real-world insights for today’s retirees and pre-retirees, making it the most up-to-date roadmap for building an epic life after work. Available wherever you buy books.  Order both of Bec’s books now on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/4a6QgPpSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For my first guest of epic retirement month, I chat to financial adviser Peita Diamantidis from Caboodle Financial Services to find out HOW you can build financial confidence, working through the emotional side of spending money and figuring out what ENOUGH actually looks like.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.