Defence personnel often have specific superannuation arrangements (DFRDB, MSBS, or ADF Super, depending on service period). The way these schemes work, particularly the relationship between defined benefit and accumulation components and how invalidity benefits operate, affects retirement planning significantly. We work with the relevant scheme rules to plan around them.

Hunter property has its own cycle, often connected to mining and energy sector activity. Property exposure is one part of a diversified plan, not the whole plan. Concentration risk applies whether the property is in Newcastle, Sydney, or anywhere else.

State public sector workers may be in the State Authorities Superannuation Scheme (SASS) or related defined benefit schemes. Federal public sector workers may be in the Commonwealth Superannuation Scheme (CSS) or Public Sector Superannuation Scheme (PSS). Each scheme has its own rules around contributions, retirement age, and benefit calculation. Understanding which scheme you're in is the first step.

The Hunter offers a wide range of retirement lifestyles, from coastal to wine country to urban Newcastle. Planning needs to cover income strategy, healthcare access, aged care availability, and the cost of the lifestyle you actually want. Conservative income projections that work for 25 to 30 years of retirement are the foundation.

Common questions include how to plan for property (often the main asset), how to provide for children with different needs or financial situations, how to handle blended families, and how to make sure superannuation flows to the right beneficiaries. Wills, binding death benefit nominations, and powers of attorney are the typical documents.

Business owners often have most of their wealth tied up in the business. Diversifying into super, addressing personal insurance, planning for an eventual sale or succession, and separating personal and business finance are typical starting points. The small business CGT concessions can be significant on eventual sale if conditions are met.