Superannuation | Jane Clark Financial Management

Why Spring Is Made for Financial Planning

Financial Planning, Property, Reflection, Risk Insurance, Superannuation / October 22, 2026 October 14, 2026

Spring is here, and the research says it’s a good time to think about your money. Studies suggest that pleasant, sunny weather can lift our mood and help us think more broadly, as long as we get outside to enjoy it. That makes the warmer months a good time to step back, look at the whole picture, and ask where your finances are heading. In this article, we look at what sunshine does to our thinking, why financial planning covers far more than most people expect, and six spring questions worth asking.

What Happens to Your Super as You Approach Retirement?

Reflection, Retirement, Superannuation / September 24, 2026 September 15, 2026

Reaching preservation age doesn't hand retirees a single obvious next step, it hands them a decision. Should you convert your balance into a regular income stream, ease into retirement with a Transition to Retirement strategy, take a lump sum, or simply leave the money where it is? Each path carries its own tax treatment, its own trade-offs, and its own effect on your Age Pension eligibility down the track. This article walks through the four main options, plus a handful of lesser-known strategies most retirees never hear about, so you can work out which combination fits your circumstances.

Are You Contributing Enough to Super for a Comfortable Retirement?

Reflection, Retirement, Superannuation / August 13, 2026 August 12, 2026

Most working Australians assume their employer’s compulsory super contributions will be enough to fund a comfortable retirement, but the numbers tell a different story. With ASFA now putting the comfortable retirement benchmark at $630,000 for singles and $730,000 for couples, this guide breaks down the age-based savings milestones you should be tracking against, why the 12% Super Guarantee alone may leave a shortfall, and the tax-effective strategies, from salary sacrificing to carry-forward contributions, that can help close the gap before you stop working.

Key 2027 Financial Changes You Need to Know

Reflection, Superannuation, Tax Planning / July 9, 2026 July 7, 2026

Crossing into a new financial year often brings a familiar mix of anticipation and paperwork as we look to organise our tax affairs and plan for the future. Whether you are aiming to maximise your retirement savings or simply trying to keep a busy household budget on track, keeping pace with changing government regulations can feel like a moving target. The start of the 2026-27 financial year introduces several significant updates, from major structural shifts in superannuation to some very welcome personal income tax relief. To ensure you receive completely accurate and trustworthy guidance, this overview relies exclusively on verified data from reputable governmental bodies and established official sources. Taking a proactive approach to these changes now is the most effective way to protect your hard-earned wealth and ensure your household strategy remains resilient over the coming twelve months.

Does Your Super Need a Review?

Reflection, Superannuation / April 16, 2026 April 13, 2026

Most people assume their super will quietly take care of itself, especially as retirement approaches. But what if the default settings guiding your investments are no longer suited to the way we live today? With longer life expectancies and decades to fund after work ends, the decisions being made inside your super right now could have a bigger impact than you realise.

A Practical Checklist for End-of-Year Financial Review

General, Reflection, Risk Insurance, Superannuation / November 20, 2025 November 17, 2025

The end of the year often feels like a rush towards the holidays, but the weeks leading up to December are the perfect time for a quick, essential financial clean-up. A few hours spent reviewing your details now can save you money and stress when the new financial year rolls around. This simple checklist will guide you through the often-forgotten administrative tasks that ensure your money is working as efficiently as possible.

A Simple Guide to Super Beneficiaries

Estate Planning, Intergenerational Financial Planning, Reflection, Superannuation / September 18, 2025 September 15, 2025

When you think about your superannuation, you probably focus on growing it for retirement. But have you considered what happens to it if you pass away? It’s a common myth that your super is automatically covered by your Will. In most cases, it isn’t. Your super is held in a trust, and the fund's trustee is responsible for paying it out. To ensure your money goes to the right people, you need to give the trustee clear instructions. This is done by nominating a beneficiary. Let's look at the fundamentals.

Australian Super Funds Delivered Gains

Reflection, Superannuation / July 24, 2025 July 22, 2025

Superannuation funds delivered gains in the 2025 financial year. Even though there were challenges like global trade tensions and conflicts in the Middle East, super funds not only held steady, but they also delivered impressive returns.

Superannuation Member and Death Benefits

Reflection, Superannuation / February 20, 2025 February 18, 2025

Superannuation serves as a critical savings vehicle for Australians, designed to provide financial security in retirement. However, the nuances between member benefits and death benefits can be complex. Let's clarify these differences and explore their implications.

Understand Superannuation Trends and Make Better Choices

Reflection, Retirement, Superannuation / October 3, 2024 October 1, 2024

Despite efforts to encourage retirees to use income stream products, many are still opting for lump sum payments when accessing their super. In fact, there's been an increase in lump sum withdrawals recently. Are you making the most of your retirement savings? In this article, we discuss why this matters to you and what you can do about it.