Checklist · Caloundra & the Sunshine Coast

10-year pre-retirement planning checklist for Caloundra and the Sunshine Coast

This 10-year checklist is for people in their 40s and 50s planning ahead for retirement. It helps you check your cash flow, super, insurance, mortgage and lifestyle goals across five areas, so you can make choices now with the decade ahead in mind. We work with people in Caloundra, Mooloolaba and across the Sunshine Coast.

Book a 30-minute Fit Check with Simon

Simon Pederson, M.Fin, B.Bus (FP), Founder and Lead Retirement Planner, over 15 years helping people plan for retirement

Calm coastal water with a distant lighthouse at sunrise

Why plan ten years before you retire?

Your 40s and 50s can be busy earning years, and the decisions you make now can shape the choices you’ll have later. This checklist uses the five areas of our Path to Prosperity approach to help you plan money and lifestyle together for the decade ahead.

Simon lives in Caloundra. We work with people in Caloundra, Mooloolaba and across the Sunshine Coast.

“I had no idea if I had enough super to retire…”

Kathy, Aug 2026Selected reviews. Individual experiences vary.

Plenty: where is your surplus going?

1. Where is our surplus going? Look honestly at your cash flow. How much goes towards savings and super, and how much drifts into everyday spending?
2. What’s our ten-year target? Think about the savings, inside and outside super, that would give you the choice to keep working, cut back or stop.

For 2026–27, the general concessional (before-tax) cap is $32,500. [1] If your total super balance was under $500,000 at 30 June of the previous year, you may be able to use unused cap amounts from up to five previous years. [2] You can see your super accounts, including any lost super, through ATO online services linked to myGov. [3]

Play: what experiences can’t wait?

1. What do we want to do in the next ten years? List the bigger family trips or milestones you’d like to plan for.
2. How do we budget for them? Build big expenses, such as a milestone birthday, a gap year or a caravan, into your cash flow plan so they are easier to plan for.

People: who relies on you?

1. Who relies on us right now? Some people in their 40s and 50s support children and ageing parents at the same time. Factor in what that support may cost.
2. Is our insurance up to date? Check that your life, TPD and income protection cover still suits your income, debts and family. Simon can review it as part of your plan.

Passion: are you working in a way you can sustain?

1. Are we working sustainably? If work is very demanding, think about whether a cash buffer could give you room to change roles, consult or cut back later.
2. What do we enjoy outside work? Keep up hobbies, creative interests and community groups now, so you have a sense of purpose ready when you stop. See our volunteer ready checklist.

Place: is your home set up for the next stage?

1. Is our mortgage on track? Will your home be paid off, or close to it, by the time you want to stop work? If not, what could change?
2. Is this our long-term home? Do you plan to stay, renovate, downsize or move in the next decade? Read Should I downsize my home for retirement?.

What’s the next step?

Write down the one financial or lifestyle goal you most want to reach in the next ten years. If you’d like to talk it through, start with a 30-minute Fit Check by phone or video call. It’s general information, not personal advice.

See retirement planning for pre-retirees, superannuation advice, all our retirement checklists, Pricing and Our engagement process.

Common questions about planning ten years out

When should I start planning for retirement?

Some people start in their late 40s or 50s, about ten years before they’d like to stop work. That can leave time to build super, pay down the mortgage and test a retirement date while you’re still earning.

What is carry-forward of concessional contributions?

If your total super balance was under $500,000 at 30 June of the previous financial year, you may be able to use unused concessional cap amounts from up to five previous years. That can let you contribute more before tax in a later year. Other conditions apply.

How much can I put into super before tax?

For 2026–27, the general concessional contributions cap is $32,500. That includes your employer’s contributions, salary sacrifice and personal contributions you claim a deduction for.

Want to map out your next ten years?

Start with a 30-minute Fit Check with Simon, Founder and Lead Retirement Planner, by phone or video call.

Book a 30-minute Fit Check with Simon

Or call Simon on (07) 5327 3495

Sunlit Path Retirement Partners is a trading name of The Trustee for Mino Family Trust, ABN 16 788 964 101