When it comes to superannuation, it pays to start planning as early as possible, so you know exactly what you're in for as you approach retirement.
Figures released by the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia show that on average, people do not have enough in their superannuation for what they deem to be a comfortable retirement.
If you're keen to figure out how much you can expect to have in your superannuation when you retire, be that at age 60 or later, there are plenty of calculators around; however, I'd suggest the Federal Government's MoneySmart website as the one to use.
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How much income can I generate from my superannuation?
Looking at a lump sum of $800,000, the good news is that it's well above the $630,000 ASFA says you need for a comfortable retirement as a single person.
Keep in mind that ASFA assumes you own your own home and draw a part of the Age Pension.
So how much could you expect to earn from your $800,000 in investments?
If you are simply drawing dividends and not drawing down any of the capital, the sums are quite simple.
If you can earn a 10% yield – which would be ambitious – you would earn $80,000, while if you were earning a 5% yield, the amount would be $40,000.
I'd suggest a yield somewhere between these two is achievable, so let's assume a 7.5% return, which would return $60,000.
What makes this even more realistic is that once you are retired, your tax rate on your superannuation drops to zero, and you get the full benefit of franking credits.
This means that if a share pays a 5% yield, the retiree receives a yield of 7.14% once franking credits are added back in.
Franking credits compensate shareholders for tax already paid by the company.
Which shares generate good income streams?
So, what are some shares that might be worth owning if you're aiming for these sorts of returns?
A consistent high dividend payer is Universal Store Ltd (ASX: UNI), which is currently paying right on 5%, while Regal Partners Ltd (ASX: RPL) just declared an improved first-half dividend and is paying an annualised rate of 9.7%.
The Betashares Australian Dividend Harvester ETF (ASX: HVST) is paying 5.54%, while another dividend-focused fund, WAM Income Maximiser Ltd (ASX: WMX), is paying 4.29%.
Among the blue-chip shares, BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP) is paying 3.72%, while Telstra Ltd (ASX: TLS) is paying 4.43%, and Woodside Energy Group Ltd (ASX: WDS) is paying 4.89%.
So as you can see, there are plenty of companies paying healthy dividends, which can help you attain your income aspirations.
