Expert retirement planning on the Sunshine Coast

Ready to stop working or craving the light at the end of the tunnel? Our specialist retirement planning advice helps you confidently set your retirement date.

Planning to retire

If you are getting tired of the daily grind and want to see how you’re tracking toward your ‘exit’, we’re here to help.

We identify and fix the gaps in your finances today, so you can step into retirement tomorrow with a plan you trust.

Our strategic advice helps you:

Clarify how much you need to live comfortably in retirement

Your biggest question: ‘Do I have enough to stop working without running out?’

We calculate your exact retirement income, what lands in your bank account every fortnight after you finish. Then we compare it to your actual living costs (not just industry averages).

If there’s a gap, we show you exactly how to close it before your last payslip.

Make sure your nest egg is not at risk

Your investment mix needs to match your timeline. Too aggressive? A market drop right before you retire could force you to delay by 2 to 3 years.

Too cautious? Inflation eats your buying power and you run out of money at 85.

We find the balance that protects your near-term income while fighting inflation long-term.

Grow your retirement savings while you’re still earning

You have a limited number of pays left. We help you use every legal strategy to boost your super before you finish, including:

Catch-up contributions: Use unused concessional caps from previous years.
Spouse contributions: Split income for tax benefits.
Downsizer contributions: Add up to $300,000 per person from selling your home (if you’re over 55 years old).

Often, the tax deductions from these strategies more than cover the cost of our advice.

Using our Path to Prosperity approach, we start the conversation about all of the elements that contribute to a fulfilling retirement. That way, when the time comes, you’re ready to hit the ground running.

Handle the paperwork

We manage the transition so there’s no income gap between your last payslip and your first retirement payment.

Your last day of work:

Your first retirement payment is already scheduled
Your Age Pension (if eligible) is approved and ready
You wake up the next morning with income still flowing

No stress. No gap. Just a smooth transition.

Reduce your hours as you approach the finish line

Uneasy about stopping work completely? That’s OK.

For some people the thought of losing the structure of work is mildly terrifying, while others still enjoy what they do but just want to cut back.

We can help you find the right balance.

Prepare for a fulfilling life after work

There’s so much more to retirement than getting the money right (although, of course it helps)!

Get ready for your first day of freedom

We manage the transition so there’s no income gap between your last pay and your first retirement payment.

We make sure that on your last day of work:

your first retirement payment is already scheduled
your Age Pension (if eligible) is approved and ready
you wake up the next morning with income still flowing.

No stress. No gap. Just a smooth transition.

Clear debts

The best way to start retirement is debt-free.

We help you figure out the smartest way to pay off the mortgage before you finish – whether that’s using super, redirecting your final salary or selling an investment property.

Walking away with zero debt means your retirement income goes to your life, not the bank.

Minimise tax

Using super contributions, we can make your dollars go further by reducing the tax payable on your income.

Got questions? We've got answers.

At Sunlit Path, we’re passionate about partnering with ‘Everyday Achievers’ to create the carefree retirement they deserve. These are everyday people who, through decades of hard work, are successful, humble and authentic.

We help those who want a genuine 20-year partnership, not a 20-minute transaction. And like any solid partnership, our relationship needs to be built on trust, shared goals, and transparent communication. That’s why we offer a complimentary ‘Fit Check’ to ensure we’re a good match and can offer you valuable advice for your next phase of life.

If you’re looking for a boutique advocate who understands that a fulfilling retirement is more than just financials, you are in the right place.

Should ask questions (SAQ) - Before you retire

How much super do I actually need for a "comfortable" Sunshine Coast lifestyle?

In 2026, the ASFA Retirement Standard suggests that a couple needs a super balance of approximately $730,000 (and singles $630,000) for a “comfortable” retirement. However, on the Sunshine Coast where leisure, dining, and property maintenance are key. Many of our clients aim for a higher “Lifestyle Target” to ensure their capital outlasts their longevity.

Can I use a "Downsizer Contribution" if I sell my home?

Yes. If you are 55 or older, you can contribute up to $300,000 (or $600,000 per couple) into your super from the sale of your primary residence, provided you’ve owned it for at least 10 years. Check out our Place pillar for my information about rightsizing your home in retirement.

Tip: This is a “non-concessional” contribution that does not count toward your standard contribution caps, making it a powerful 2026 strategy for those sitting on significant property equity.

What is a "Transition to Retirement" (TTR) strategy, and is it right for me?

A TTR strategy allows you to access a portion of your super (as a pension) while you are still working, provided you’ve reached your preservation age (60).

The Goal: You can reduce your working hours without a drop in take-home pay, or use the pension income to “salary sacrifice” more into super to save on tax.
The Rule: You must withdraw between 4% and 10% of your TTR account balance annually.

How do the 2026 "Payday Super" and Contribution Cap changes affect me?

rom 1 July 2026, the Superannuation Guarantee (SG) is 12%, and employers must pay it at the same time as your salary. For pre-retirees looking to “sprint” to the finish:

Concessional Cap: $30,000 per year.
Carry-Forward Rules: If your balance is under $500,000, you may be able to use “unused” caps from the last five years to make a larger tax-deductible contribution before 30 June 2026.

Will my super be taxed when I retire at 60?

or most Australians aged 60 and over, withdrawals from a taxed super fund (including lump sums and income streams) are tax-free. However, you must manage your “Transfer Balance Cap” (TBC), the lifetime limit on how much you can move into the tax-free retirement phase.

The 2026 Update: Due to indexation, the General Transfer Balance Cap is officially increasing from $2 million to $2.1 million on 1 July 2026.
Why this matters: If you wait until after 1 July 2026 to start your first retirement pension, you may be able to lock in this higher $2.1 million limit. If you have already started a pension, you may only receive a proportional increase to your personal cap.
Insights: This indexation also triggers an increase in the Total Super Balance (TSB) thresholds, meaning more Sunshine Coast residents will be “back in the game” to make non-concessional contributions in the 2026/27 financial year.