Life stages · Caloundra & the Sunshine Coast

Retirement advice for every life stage in Caloundra and on the Sunshine Coast

Retirement advice changes as you move through retirement. Before you stop work, it’s about how much you need and when. In retirement, it’s about income, tax and the Age Pension. After a big change, or when care is needed, it’s about next steps. Choose your stage below. 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

Family standing together on a riverside boardwalk at sunset

Which stage of retirement are you at?

Couple holding hands on a Mooloolaba beach at sunrise

Stage 1

Planning to retire

For the five to ten years before you stop work: how much you need, building super and choosing a retirement date.

Retirement planning for pre-retirees

Retired man enjoying a morning coffee on his deck on the Sunshine Coast

Stage 2

In retirement

Turning super into income, transition to retirement, account-based pensions and the Age Pension.

Transition to retirement and retirement income

Wooden footbridge over a calm creek in the Sunshine Coast hinterland

Stage 3

Life changes

Divorce, losing a partner, a TPD payout or another big change, at your own pace.

Financial advice after divorce, loss or TPD

Adult son and his mother talking over tea on a Buderim verandah

Stage 4

Aged care

RAD or DAP, aged care fees, the family home and the Age Pension.

Aged care financial advice

How does advice change as you move through retirement?

What matters most changes as you go.

Before you retire, it’s usually about how much is enough and when you can stop.
Once you’ve retired, it’s about income, tax and the Age Pension.
Later, it may be care and the family home.

Simon is the same person at each stage, so your plan can carry through.

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

“He listens to your needs and goals and tailors plans to match.”
Annette, Jan 2026Selected reviews. Individual experiences vary.

What can Simon help with at each stage?

Our service pages go into more detail:

Not sure where you are? Try the retirement ready checklist.

It starts with a 30-minute Fit Check. It’s general information, not personal advice. See Pricing, Our engagement process, our Path to Prosperity approach and our home page.

Common questions about retirement life stages

Which life stage page is right for me?

If you’re five to ten years from retiring, start with Planning to retire. If you’ve stopped work or are cutting back, see In retirement. If something big has changed, see Life changes. If care is on the horizon for you or a parent, see Aged care.

What does a retirement financial planner do?

A retirement financial planner helps you plan when to retire, how your super and savings could provide an income, and how the Age Pension, tax and later-life care fit in. Simon also talks through what you’d like retirement to look like.

Do I need to be retired to get advice?

No. Many people start planning five to ten years before they stop work, and others come to Simon once they’ve retired or after a big change. The first step is the same: a 30-minute Fit Check by phone or video call.

Not sure where to start?

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