Superannuation Advice QLD: What to Review for the Year Ahead

Superannuation is an ever-moving landscape influenced by market movements, regulation, and your personal financial circumstances. Each of these factors can meaningfully impact your retirement outlook, your asset management, and even your tax planning strategies.

That’s why now is an ideal time to take stock of your position and understand what might influence your financial decisions over the next 12 months. A periodic review helps ensure your super is working hard rather than sitting idle, and that your strategy is still in line with your goals.

Here’s what to check regarding your super for peace of mind. 

Check where Your Super Stands

Before you jump into planning mode, it helps to focus first on taking stock of your current funds and balances. 

Confirm your total super balance across all funds, including any lost or unclaimed super recorded with the ATO. Once you have a total figure, a qualified local financial planner can help you compare it to appropriate benchmarks so you can see what a “modest” or “comfortable” retirement income looks like at different ages.

If retirement is approaching, this baseline becomes even more important. It allows you to map out your future intentionally rather than making assumptions.

Take Stock of Your Fund Type 

In a recent episode of our Pacific Wealth Podcast, we explored why your super fund should reflect your goals, not just your job title or industry. Many Australians begin with an industry fund, and for some, that remains a suitable option. But, as our Director and Head of Financial Planning, Steven Cove, highlighted, these funds can be limited in investment choice and flexibility.

For those wanting greater control over their investments, retail and adviser-only funds might offer a wider range of features. And for individuals seeking maximum flexibility, especially for investing directly in property, a self-managed super fund (SMSF) is another option. However, SMSFs do come with added responsibilities, including regulatory compliance and ongoing management. 

Knowing what type of fund works best for you is possible with the right superannuation advice. As licensed, established financial planners with longstanding roots in the Gold Coast region, we’ve supported many clients with choosing funds that help keep their retirement goals on track. 

Assess Your Investment Mix

Super is one of the most powerful compounding tools Australians have. However, the power of that compounding will come down to asset allocation. 

As life changes, your investment strategy may need to change with it. Consider:

• Younger professionals may benefit from higher-growth assets that harness long-term market growth.

• Those nearing retirement may need to dial down risk, increase diversification, or adopt a more defensive strategy to protect the wealth they’ve accumulated.

The goal is not to change for change’s sake, but to make sure your investment mix actually matches your risk tolerance and time horizon.

Your super strategy should reflect your stage of life, financial goals and your broader wealth plan. If you’re unsure, speaking with a QLD superannuation advisor and planner will help you understand how your strategy suits your current life phase.  

We regularly assist clients in making small but manageable changes to their super without a noticeable lifestyle sacrifice in the short-term. Small changes now can add up in surprisingly positive ways when retirement approaches. 

Don’t Forget Fees and Insurance

Fees shouldn't drive every superannuation decision, but they do matter. Annual fees, indirect costs and performance-based charges can quietly erode your balance over time, to the tune of thousands. Administration and any additional member fees are important to keep an eye on.

At the same time, your super might hold life insurance, total and permanent disability insurance (TPD) and income‑protection cover. Each of these are worth checking for their adequacy, cost, and any changes to policy terms.​ 

We can help you review your insurance inclusions, exclusions and premiums, so you’re not paying for cover you no longer need or missing cover that you do need.​

Keep an Eye on Rule Changes and Get Advice to Understand Them

Recent and upcoming changes, including the Superannuation Guarantee increase, the Division 296 super tax, and changes to transfer balance caps, might require you to pay more attention to pension strategies and tax planning strategies. 

While many high-income professionals are knowledgeable about their super, there are layers of complexity that add up. Finding a licensed financial adviser in Australia is easy, and even better is finding one local to give you personalised, one-on-one advice. 

We can help you build a roadmap based on your target retirement age, target income, intended pension start date and drawdown strategy.​

Financial Planner Gold Coast | Talk to Us Today

Taking stock of your super doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right conversations and a structured plan, you can take effective steps towards the retirement you want. 

If you're seeking superannuation advice, working with a local financial planner who understands your lifestyle and speaks your language can make the process that much easier. 

At Pacific Wealth Partners, we regularly work with individuals and families across Bundall and the Gold Coast region as well as having clients nationally, our heart is to help the every day Australian make informed decisions that support their goals for tomorrow.

Don’t take our word for it. Here’s what one client had to say in her Pacific Wealth Partners review:

The team at Pacific Wealth Partners have been great to deal with. I’m really happy with all the advice I’ve received. It feels good to be in hands with a company that cares.

If it’s time to get clearer on your investment strategy, optimise your asset management, or simply understand your position, we’re here to help.

Ready to make your money work harder for you? Book a conversation with one of our licenced financial advisers today.