Sources of Income over a Personal Financial Lifecycle A person’s sources of income will change depending on their stage of life.
When someone is younger and reliant on others for support, they may receive pocket money or earn wages from a part-time job when they are old enough.
As they move into adulthood, earnings are more likely to come from employment or other sources, and later in life it may come from pensions or savings.
The table below shows typical sources of income at different stages of a Personal Financial Lifecycle. Stage
Typical sources of income
Dependent < 18
Income is usually limited and comes mainly from family support or small earnings while in school.
Pocket money from parents or guardians Wages from part-time work
Income mainly comes from working, with some supports possible while studying or between jobs.
Independent 19-29
Wages or salary SUSI Student Grant Family allowance from parents Jobseeker’s Allowance
Development 30-44
Income is usually more stable as careers progress and households may have more than one income.
Wages or salary Bonuses Child Benefit
Income is often at its highest, with continued earnings and possible income from savings or investments.
Pre-Retirement 45-65
Wages or salary Interest from savings
Dividends from investments, e.g. owning shares in a company
Rental income, e.g. if someone owns a rental property or rents out a room in their home
Income usually comes from pensions and savings rather than employment.
Retirement 66+
State pension (government retirement payment) Private pension (personal retirement fund) Interest from savings Dividends from investments Rental income