by Amanda Cassar | Nov 3, 2025 | Advisers, Women
Financial Standard announces 2025 FS Power50 – The 50 most influential advisers in Australia
The 50 most influential financial advisers in Australia have been named by leading trade publication Financial Standard in the FS Power50 guide. We’re super pleased to advise our Director Amanda Cassar is back on the list!
To see the full list – please click here.
Now in its 12th year, the FS Power50 are financial advisers deemed to be best promoting the value of the financial advice profession, while providing outstanding service to their clients and the wider community.
“This year’s 50 consists of advisers who have won industry awards, brought their local advice community together, supported charitable foundations, promoted the value of financial advice in the media and across digital channels and more,” said Jamie Williamson, managing editor of Financial Standard.
There are now 290 financial advisers in the FS Power50 alumni, with 10 advisers joining this year.
Another 10 advisers rejoined the FS Power50 in 2025, with a total of 20 changes from the 2024 list.
The FS Power50 process begun with an open nominations process, which was vetted down to a group of 120 advisers who proceeded to the voting phase.
From here readers of Financial Standard and FS Advice – The Australia Journal of Financial Planning voted, which was then weighted prior to determining the final 50.
“We continue to see a surge in nominations from the advice community, with over 11,000 votes helping us determine the Power50,” said Williamson.
“The aim is to offer role models to those already in the industry and those looking to join it.”
“Being a list curated by votes from the advice community, this peer recognition fosters a culture of continuous improvement, professionalism, and accountability – all elements that are vital to overcoming the reputational challenges being faced right now.”
Digging into the numbers, the 2025 FS Power50 has strong representation from Victorian financial advisers, making up 32% of the list, the highest of any state.
Women also make up 44% of the advisers on the list, an increase of 8% from 2024 and the highest representation that’s been noted as part of the Power50 program.
Similar to 2024, there is a close split in terms of the size of the companies the Power50 represents, with 52% being from groups with 50 or more advisers, and the other 48% being from groups with fewer than 50.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Julian Clarkstone P: +61 2 8234 7500 E: julian.clarkstone@financialstandard.com.au
About Financial Standard:
Financial Standard is the leading source of news and analysis for the wealth management and insurance industry in Australia.
It informs, educates and connects industry professionals across financial advice, superannuation, investment management and insurance through an extensive suite of news channels, industry awards, multimedia content, events and professional development programs.
Founded in 2002, Financial Standard is part of the Market Intelligence (MI) division of global group ISS STOXX.
www.financialstandard.com.au
by Amanda Cassar | Sep 11, 2025 | Money, Superannuation
Bringing Your KiwiSaver to Australia: What You Need to Know
If you have packed up life in New Zealand and settled in Australia, chances are your KiwiSaver account is still sitting across the ditch. One of the first questions we often hear is:
👉 “Can I transfer my KiwiSaver to my Australian super?”
The good news is yes you can thanks to a special arrangement between Australia and New Zealand called the Trans-Tasman Retirement Savings Portability agreement. But before you dive in, there are a few rules and watchouts to keep in mind.
Who Can Transfer KiwiSaver to Australia?
If you have made a permanent move to Australia, you may be eligible to transfer your entire KiwiSaver balance across.
Here is what you need to know:
-
You must transfer the whole balance. Partial transfers are not allowed.
-
The receiving fund must be an APRA regulated Australian super fund that accepts KiwiSaver transfers.
-
Self Managed Super Funds are not allowed to accept KiwiSaver money.
Which Australian Funds Accept KiwiSaver Transfers?
As at 2025, only a small group of funds accept KiwiSaver transfers.
Check in with us for your go to options where we can compare fees and long-term performance. If you want to transfer your KiwiSaver, it has to go to one of the specified funds.
What Happens to Your KiwiSaver Once It Arrives?
When your KiwiSaver arrives in Australia:
-
It will sit inside your account as a KiwiSaver component, kept separate from your Australian super.
-
It will still follow New Zealand rules. You cannot access it until at least age 65, even if your Australian super becomes available earlier.
-
If you switch funds later, you can only move it to another KiwiSaver accepting APRA fund.
Bring Your Kiwi Saver Over: Things to Think About Before You Transfer
-
Tax rules: Transfers are generally tax free, but the balance is treated as a non-concessional (after tax) contribution and will count towards your contribution caps.
-
Exchange rates: Your funds are converted from NZD to AUD, so timing can make a difference.
-
Investment choice: Compare what is on offer in KiwiSaver with the Australian fund you are moving to.
-
Advice costs: Some funds like First Super and Brighter Super allow adviser fees to be paid from your account, but only with your written consent.
Why Transfer KiwiSaver At All?
For many Kiwis living in Australia, moving KiwiSaver across makes sense because:
-
It brings all your retirement savings together in one country.
-
You can keep building on a single balance.
-
You may pay less tax on earnings in an Australian super fund (15% compared to up to 28% in KiwiSaver for non-residents).
Final Thoughts
Moving your KiwiSaver to Australia is possible, but it is not as simple as ticking a box. Only certain funds accept it and there are different rules around how you can access it.
At Wealth Planning Partners, we help clients weigh up the options so you can make the choice that works best for your future.
📞 Get in touch with our team today to see if a KiwiSaver transfer is the right step for you.
The WPP Way: Secure, Build, Succeed.
Hope you love my pic of the beautiful Milford Sound from my July 2024 trip.
by Amanda Cassar | Sep 10, 2025 | Superannuation
One of the most common questions we hear — especially from clients planning their retirement journey — is:
“When can I access my super?”
It’s a fair question. You’ve spent your working life building that super nest egg. So, when exactly do you get to crack it open and enjoy the rewards?
The answer depends on a few things: your age, your working status, and your reason for accessing it.
Let’s break it down.
🎂 1. Your Preservation Age (And What It Means)
Your preservation age is the earliest age you can generally access your super, but only if you’ve also met a condition of release.
Here’s a quick reference:
| Date of Birth |
Preservation Age |
| Before 1 July 1960 |
55 |
| 1 July 1960 – 30 June 1961 |
56 |
| 1 July 1961 – 30 June 1962 |
57 |
| 1 July 1962 – 30 June 1963 |
58 |
| 1 July 1963 – 30 June 1964 |
59 |
| On or after 1 July 1964 |
60 |
So if you were born after July 1964, your preservation age is 60.
✅ 2. Conditions of Release – When the Doors Open
Even if you’ve hit preservation age, you can’t access your super unless you meet a condition of release.
Here are the most common ones:
🔓 You’ve Retired (after reaching preservation age)
If you’ve stopped work and have no intention of returning full-time, your super becomes accessible. Hooray!
🔄 You’ve Reached Age 60 and Changed Jobs
If you’ve turned 60 and left a job (even if you take up another one), the super from your previous job becomes accessible.
🎉 You’re 65 (Even If You’re Still Working)
Once you hit 65, your super is fully accessible. No retirement required.
💸 You Start a Transition to Retirement (TTR) Pension
If you’ve reached preservation age but aren’t ready to retire, a TTR strategy lets you draw part of your super (as an income stream) while still working — often used to reduce tax or ease into retirement.
📉 You’re Experiencing Severe Financial Hardship or Compassionate Grounds
In limited circumstances (e.g. terminal illness, mortgage stress, funeral costs), you may be able to access super early. These are assessed case-by-case and must meet strict criteria. Find out more from the ATO here.
💼 3. What About My Super If I’m Still Working?
If you’re still working and under 65, your super remains locked away unless you’re using a TTR strategy. It’s designed this way to ensure it’s there to fund your future — not to tempt you early.
💡 Bonus Tip: Plan Before You Withdraw
Accessing your super is a big milestone, but it’s not just about eligibility — it’s about strategy:
-
Will accessing your super affect your Age Pension entitlements?
-
Should you take it as a lump sum or an income stream?
-
What are the tax implications (especially if you’re under 60)?
-
Can you afford to retire now — or would working part-time help stretch your funds?
That’s where we come in.
👋 Final Thoughts
Your super is likely one of your biggest assets — and unlocking it at the right time (and in the right way) can have a huge impact on your lifestyle, longevity of funds, and tax efficiency.
Need help figuring out when you can access your super — and whether you should?
Let’s walk through your options together, and design a retirement timeline that works for you.
📞 Contact our team for a personalised strategy session — your future self will thank you!
by Amanda Cassar | Aug 11, 2025 | Investments, Money, Retirement
If you’ve ever asked, “How much do I need to retire?” — you’re not alone. It’s easily one of the most Googled finance questions in Australia, especially on the beautiful Gold Coast where many are dreaming of warm weather, ocean views, and a well-earned rest.
But the truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all number. Retirement is personal. It’s not just about reaching an arbitrary figure — it’s about ensuring your lifestyle can be supported by your finances for decades to come.
So, let’s unpack it.
🧮 The ASFA Retirement Standards: A Starting Point
The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) provides a great benchmark:
As of 2025, for Australians aged around 65:
-
Modest lifestyle:
-
Single: ~$32,500 per year
-
Couple: ~$46,000 per year
-
Comfortable lifestyle:
-
Single: ~$51,000 per year
-
Couple: ~$72,000 per year
These figures assume you own your home outright and are relatively healthy. But let’s be honest — “comfortable” means different things to different people.
☕ So… What Does Your Retirement Look Like?
Before we can calculate your retirement number, we need to know what kind of life you want to live. Consider:
-
Will you travel locally or overseas (and how often)?
-
Do you want to support the grandkids (or kids!) financially?
-
Will you downsize or stay in the family home?
-
Are golf memberships and long lunches a regular thing — or more of an occasional treat?
-
Do you plan to do part-time work or volunteering in early retirement?
Once we understand your ideal day in retirement, we can work backwards to determine what it’ll cost — and what you’ll need to fund it.
💰 The $640,000 Question (Or Maybe Less… Or More)
A common rule of thumb is that a retired couple owning their home might need around $640,000 in super to live comfortably. A single person might aim for $545,000.
But here’s the thing — many Australians retire with much less, and make up the difference with the Age Pension, rental income, downsizing, or even part-time work.
In fact, the Age Pension acts as a safety net, and for many Australians, it forms a significant part of their retirement income.
🧠 It’s Not Just About the Size of Your Nest Egg
There are other critical factors that impact how much you’ll need to retire:
-
Longevity: We’re living longer — a good thing, but your money needs to last!
-
Inflation: A coffee that costs $5 now might be $7 in ten years.
-
Investment strategy: Keeping some money invested in growth assets can help extend the life of your portfolio.
-
Health costs: Planning for future medical or aged care expenses is essential.
-
Debt: Heading into retirement debt-free can dramatically reduce your income needs.
📊 So… How Do You Know You’re On Track?
That’s where a retirement plan comes in. We help people:
-
Forecast their superannuation growth
-
Calculate safe withdrawal rates
-
Factor in Centrelink entitlements
-
Model different retirement ages and lifestyle choices
-
Reduce tax and optimise income streams
Because here’s the truth: it’s not just about how much you’ve saved — it’s about how well it’s structured.
👣 Next Steps
If you’re 10 years from retirement — or already knocking on the door — it’s never too early (or too late!) to check your progress. A personalised retirement plan can give you clarity and confidence to enjoy your next chapter without financial stress.
Ready to figure out your number and what retirement could really look like for you?
Let’s sit down, crunch the numbers, and tailor a strategy that supports the retirement you actually want to live.
📞 Book a chat with our team — and let’s turn that question mark into a plan.
by Amanda Cassar | Jul 11, 2025 | Superannuation, Taxation
When it comes to superannuation strategies, one that often flies under the radar—but can pack a powerful punch—is the recontribution strategy. It’s a bit like spring cleaning your super: tidy things up now to potentially save a lot later.
So, what exactly is it? And when should you think about using it?
🚀 What Is a Recontribution Strategy?
In simple terms, a recontribution strategy involves withdrawing a lump sum from your superannuation fund and then recontributing it back as a non-concessional (after-tax) contribution.
Why on earth would you do that, you ask? Great question.
The main reason: tax efficiency. Especially for those who are thinking ahead to estate planning or simply want to ensure their super is structured as effectively as possible.
🎯 Why Use a Recontribution Strategy?
Here’s where it gets clever. When you retire and start drawing down your super, the money you receive may come from two components:
-
Taxable: money contributed from pre-tax income, including employer contributions and salary sacrifice.
-
Tax-free: money you put in from after-tax income (non-concessional contributions).
Now, when your super passes on to adult children (non-dependants for tax purposes), they may have to pay up to 15% tax on the taxable component. That’s where a recontribution strategy can help. By withdrawing and recontributing funds, you’re effectively converting some of that taxable component into tax-free—reducing the tax your beneficiaries might otherwise pay.
🧠 When Does It Make Sense?
You might consider a recontribution strategy if:
-
✅ You’re over 60 and retired (or meet a condition of release).
-
✅ You want to reduce the tax burden for your adult children when they inherit your super.
-
✅ You have a large taxable component and contribution caps allow.
-
✅ You’ve got unused non-concessional contribution cap space (up to $110,000 per year or $330,000 under the bring-forward rule, depending on your age and total super balance).
-
✅ You’re healthy enough to avoid early access taxes but keen to do some strategic estate planning.
🛑 When Should You Think Twice?
There are some important things to consider before diving in:
-
❌ You’ll need to meet contribution eligibility rules, including age and total super balance caps.
-
❌ If you’re close to the $1.9 million transfer balance cap (as of FY25), tread carefully.
-
❌ Your ability to recontribute depends on your age and whether you’ve met the work test (or qualify for the work test exemption).
-
❌ Once you recontribute, that money is preserved again until retirement—so make sure you won’t need it back in a hurry!
🧾 A Quick Case Study
Let’s say Jane is 66, retired, and has $600,000 in super—$500,000 of which is taxable. She’s concerned about the tax bill her adult children would face if they inherited her super. Jane withdraws $300,000, then recontributes it as a non-concessional contribution over two years using the bring-forward rule. Now, her super balance has a much higher tax-free component. Her children? Breathing easier. 🧘♀️
💬 Final Thoughts
The recontribution strategy is one of those “hidden gems” of financial planning that can quietly transform your super from a tax time bomb into a legacy-friendly asset. It’s not for everyone, and it needs to be timed and structured carefully. But when used well, it can be a beautiful example of how a little proactive planning can go a long way.
Thinking about your own recontribution strategy? Let’s chat about whether this move fits your goals. A strategy session could make all the difference for you—and your loved ones. 💬Reach out to Wealth Planning Partners on 07 5593 0855.
