September is almost here, which makes now a good time to think about where fresh money could go next.

The good news is that investors do not need to make a big call on one company to improve their portfolio.

ASX exchange traded funds (ETFs) can provide exposure to dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of shares in a single trade.

With that in mind, here are three ASX ETFs that could be worth considering next month.

iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

The iShares S&P 500 ETF could be a great starting point for many Australian investors.

This fund tracks Wall Street’s famous S&P 500 Index, which is home to many of the largest listed companies in the United States.

That means investors can gain exposure to businesses involved in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, healthcare, payments, consumer brands, industrial products, financial services, and entertainment.

One of the strengths of this ETF is that it does not rely on a single theme. The US market has a deep collection of companies that sell into global markets, reinvest heavily, and have long records of adapting as the economy changes.

For Aussie investors, this can be a simple way to look beyond the local share market and own a slice of some of the world’s most important businesses.

Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF (ASX: ASIA)

Another ASX ETF to look at in September is the Betashares Asia Technology Tigers ETF.

This fund offers exposure to large Asian technology companies across areas such as semiconductors, ecommerce, digital payments, online entertainment, gaming, and internet platforms.

This could be an attractive part of the market because Asia is not just a manufacturing base or a consumer region. It is also home to technology companies that are deeply involved in how the digital economy is built and used.

There are risks. Regulation, geopolitics, currencies, and market sentiment can all create volatility. But for investors wanting technology exposure outside the United States, this ETF offers a focused way to get it.

Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF (ASX: RBTZ)

A final ASX ETF for investors to consider is the Betashares Global Robotics and Artificial Intelligence ETF.

This fund is aimed at companies involved in robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, drones, and related technologies.

What I like about this area is that it is not just about software on a screen. Robotics and automation can change how factories operate, how warehouses move goods, how hospitals handle work, how farms lift productivity, and how logistics networks become more efficient. That gives the ETF exposure to a long-term shift in the real economy.

It will almost certainly not be a smooth ride. The theme can attract excitement, and valuations can move around quickly. But over the long term, machines doing more work in more places could be a powerful investment trend.

The post 3 amazing ASX ETFs for Aussie investors in September appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why every Aussie investor should own one of these ASX ETFs
• 15% for 10 years: Is this ASX ETF a no-brainer buy?
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• How much is needed in superannuation to target a $40,000 annual passive income?
• Is $2 million really the new superannuation target?

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Betashares Capital – Asia Technology Tigers Etf. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) shares just became an even more attractive passive income buy.

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) supermarket giant delivered the good news to investors this morning with the release of its full year FY 2026 results.

With full year profits and revenue rising, Coles lifted its final dividend payout by more than 15% from last year.

Now, if you follow along with Coles shares, you’ll know this stock has long been popular with passive income investors for its lengthy track record of paying two fully franked dividends per year. Even during the pandemic-addled year of 2020.

And while there are higher yielding stocks, Coles shares, currently trading for $22.43 apiece, have also gained around 8% over the past 12 months. That’s worth keeping in mind, as even a high-yielding ASX stock that loses significant share price value could see your wealth go backwards.

Before we dig into the numbers, also be aware that one of the two figures we’re using below come from Cole’s interim dividend, which was paid out on 30 March.

That means we’re working partly with the pending dividend yield and partly with a trailing yield. Future yields may be higher or lower depending on a range of company specific and macroeconomic factors.

With that in mind…

Buying Coles shares for a $5,000 annual passive income

Coles paid a fully franked 41 cents per share interim dividend in March.

Today, the ASX 200 supermarket declared a fully franked 37 cents per share dividend.

If you want to bank that passive income payout, you’ll need to own Coles shares at market close on 2 September. The stock trades ex-dividend on 3 September. You can then expect to see that Coles dividend land in you bank account on 22 September.

In total then, Coles has (or shortly will have) paid out 78 cents in fully franked dividends over the past year. That’s up 13% from the company’s FY 2025 payouts.

So, for you $5,000 yearly passive income stream, you’d need to buy 6,411 shares today.

At the current share price, that represents an investment of $143,799.

Coles shares trade on a fully franked dividend yield of 3.5%. Taking those franking credits into account, the ASX 200 stock trades on a grossed-up yield of 5.0%.

What’s the latest from the ASX 200 supermarket?

For FY 2026, Coles reported a 2.8% year on year increase in sales revenue to $45.58 billion.

And driving the increased passive income payout, the company achieved a 13.7% lift in net profit after tax (NPAT) to $1.26 billion (excluding significant items).

The post How many Coles shares do I need to buy for $5,000 a year in passive income? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why is everyone talking about Coles, Ramelius Resources and Woodside shares on Tuesday?
• Coles Group grows profit and dividend as Supermarkets shine in FY26
• 5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Tuesday
• 7 ASX 200 shares with reaffirmed buy ratings this week
• Is the Coles share price good value?

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

In Australia, the average age of retirement is 65 years old. But did you know you can access your superannuation a lot earlier, at age 60?

That’s because, at age 60, you’re officially at preservation age. Which means if you’ve ceased working, you’re eligible to start your retirement and begin drawing down on your superannuation balance.

Of course, the only catch is that you’ll need enough in your super to fund a comfortable retirement lifestyle. 

But what could a comfortable retirement starting at age 60 actually look like? 

Let’s investigate.

What does a ‘comfortable retirement’ mean?

The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) divides retirement into two broad lifestyle categories: comfortable and modest.

A comfortable retirement is defined as one that enables retirees to maintain a good standard of living well beyond the Age Pension and a modest retirement. It budgets for expenses such as top-tier private health insurance and regular leisure activities. It allocates funds for home repairs or renovations, the occasional meal out, and perhaps even an annual holiday.

Meanwhile, a modest retirement is defined as being able to cover expenses just slightly above what the full Centrelink Age Pension would provide from age 67.

How much does a comfortable retirement cost?

ASFA estimates that a comfortable retirement will cost around $55,923 per year for single Australians. A couple living together can expect to spend around $78,566 per year combined.

In order to fund this lifestyle level, ASFA has calculated that at age 67, single Australians will need around $630,000. Couples will need a combined superannuation balance closer to $730,000.

But the catch is that these figures are based on the understanding that you’ll retire at age 67, that you will only need to fund around 10 years of retirement, will be eligible to receive a part Age Pension, and you own your home in full.

So, if you want to retire at a much earlier age of 60, you’ll need to work towards a different goal to be able to fund those extra seven years.

I want to retire at age 60. How much superannuation do I need?

Your annual costs will be around the same: $55,923 per year for single Australians and $78,566 per year combined for a couple living together.

But, as I mentioned above, you’ll need to fund an additional seven years that ASFA figures haven’t accounted for.

I’ve done a quick calculation to work out the amount you actually need in your superannuation to retire at age 60 and maintain the same comfortable quality of life.

At age 60, singles will need to have closer to $1 million in their superannuation. Meanwhile, couples will need a combined balance of around $1.3 million at the same age. 

But note, if you don’t own your home outright, you’ll also need to consider how you’ll pay your mortgage or rent.

Is your superannuation on track to retire early?

The post How much do I need in my superannuation to retire comfortably at age 60? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

More reading

• Why is everyone talking about Coles, Ramelius Resources and Woodside shares on Tuesday?
• Bell Potter says this ASX biotech could nearly double in value
• Buy, hold, sell: DigiCo Infrastructure REIT, CBA, Telstra shares
• 3 amazing ASX ETFs for Aussie investors in September
• How many Coles shares do I need to buy for $5,000 a year in passive income?

Motley Fool contributor Samantha Menzies has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.