Life changes · Caloundra & the Sunshine Coast

Financial advice after divorce, loss or a TPD payout in Caloundra and on the Sunshine Coast

Financial advice after divorce, the loss of a partner or a TPD payout starts with taking stock, not rushing. Simon helps you understand your new numbers, handle the paperwork and plan your income, home and retirement at your own pace. 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

Woman sitting on a bench overlooking a calm beach at sunset

Why take your time after a big life change?

A divorce, the loss of a partner, a TPD payout or a sudden lump sum can all arrive at once with forms, deadlines and advice from everyone. You don’t need to decide everything straight away. Financial advice after divorce or another big change starts with understanding where you are now, then building a plan at a pace that suits you.

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

“Simon created a space where I felt safe and comfortable.”
Kathy, Aug 2026Selected reviews. Individual experiences vary.

What should you do with a lump sum while you decide?

Many people hold the money in a bank account or term deposit while they take stock. That gives you time to think before making bigger decisions. Money held in cash may earn less over time, so it helps to set a date to review it with Simon.

How does divorce affect your super and retirement?

Under family law, super can be split by agreement or court order as part of a property settlement. [1] A settlement may change your home, income and Age Pension. Simon helps you understand what your retirement could look like on your new numbers: whether you can stay in your home, how to rebuild super, and what Age Pension you may be eligible for. Your family lawyer handles the legal side.

What happens with a TPD or insurance payout?

The tax on a total and permanent disability (TPD) payout depends on whether it comes from a policy inside or outside super, your age and the components of the payment. Simon helps you plan how the money could support medical needs, income and retirement, and works with your registered tax agent on the tax side.

What paperwork needs doing?

Depending on your situation, Simon can help you:

change account names and update super fund and insurer records
tell Services Australia about changes to your income and assets
coordinate with your solicitor and accountant.

Everything is explained in plain English, one step at a time.

How do you handle requests for money?

A lump sum can bring requests from family or friends, and sometimes scams. Simon can help you work out what you could afford to give or lend, and recognise common warning signs of investment scams, so you can make choices that suit your own plans.

What could your new normal look like?

When you’re ready, Simon helps you build a plan around your new situation: your income, your home, and how you’d like to spend your time. See retirement income and transition to retirement and our superannuation advice page.

It starts with a 30-minute Fit Check. It’s general information, not personal advice. See Pricing, Our engagement process, Path to Prosperity and retirement planning for every life stage.

Common questions about big life changes

I’ve received a large payout. What should I do first?

There’s often no need to rush, although some deadlines, such as telling Services Australia about changes, still apply. Many people hold the money in a bank account or term deposit while they take stock, then make a plan when they’re ready. Money held in cash may earn less over time, so it helps to set a date to review it.

How can a divorce settlement affect my retirement?

A settlement can change your super, your home and your income, and it may affect any Age Pension you receive. Simon helps you see what your retirement could look like on your new numbers, and what choices you have.

Is a TPD payout taxed?

It depends on whether the payout comes from a policy inside or outside super, your age and the components of the payment. Payouts from super can be taxed differently from those paid outside super. Simon and your registered tax agent can check how it applies to you.

Do I need to tell Services Australia about a payout or settlement?

If you receive a payment from Services Australia, you generally need to tell them about changes to your income and assets, such as a payout, inheritance or settlement. If you get the Age Pension, you have 14 days to tell them. [2] For other payments, check the timeframe with Services Australia.

Want to talk through what’s changed?

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