Finding Your Financial Momentum: Preparing for Retirement with Purpose
By Warren Hanna, Partner & Senior Financial Adviser at JBS Financial
Life has its rhythms—periods of acceleration and times where everything seems to stall. But when it comes to preparing for retirement, momentum matters. At JBS Financial, we often say that if you want to Retire Right, you need to get moving early and keep the wheels turning.
The Power of Early Momentum
When we meet new clients, there’s usually a burst of energy—adrenaline from starting a new chapter and committing to taking charge of your financial future. But it’s what happens next that counts most. Like building up steam in an old locomotive, the early stages of your financial journey require effort and focus. Once you’re rolling, however, the ride can become smoother, especially with the right guidance.
The clients who experience the most success in retirement are those who maintain that positive momentum throughout the pre-retirement phase. They check in regularly, make strategic adjustments, and remain engaged with their plan.
A Timely Reminder: Super Changes Are Coming
Just like hills and curves in a rail journey, life throws up changes—some of them predictable. And right now, we’re coming up to a steep incline.
From 1 July 2025, key changes to superannuation take effect, including:
- A rise in the Super Guarantee (SG) to 12%, giving working Australians a boost to their retirement savings.
- An increase in the Transfer Balance Cap to $2 million, impacting how much can be moved into tax-free pension accounts.
- Adjusted timelines for carry-forward concessional contributions, closing the window on using unused caps from 2019–20.
- The proposed introduction of Division 296, which may apply an extra tax to earnings on super balances over $3 million.
These updates represent one of the most significant shifts to retirement planning in the past decade. If you’ve kept your strategy up to date, you’re likely in a strong position to adapt. But if your plan has been on cruise control, it may be time to power up again.
“At JBS, we compare it to getting a steam train over a mountain pass—it takes planning, preparation, and consistent energy. Once you’ve got momentum, you can glide through life’s changes. But if you haven’t reviewed your financial settings in years, this upcoming super hill could catch you off guard.”
— Warren Hanna, Partner & Senior Adviser, JBS Financial
Your Adviser Is Your Engine Room
The difference between reaching your goals and stalling on the track? Consistent, quality advice.
At JBS, we take pride in being proactive partners in our clients’ retirement journeys. We don’t just help set the course—we ride alongside you, helping navigate super changes, shifting markets, and evolving life priorities.
If it’s been a while since you last reviewed your superannuation strategy, or if you’re unsure how the new changes may affect your retirement trajectory, now is the time to act.
Your Pathway to Retirement with JBS Financial
Planning your retirement journey should be simple and tailored to provide you with the confidence you need to retire right. Here’s what you can expect when taking your first step in partnering with us:
- Connection – You book your first appointment, and we send you a quick form to understand your financial picture and goals.
- Meeting – Your initial retirement consultation is obligation-free and designed to see if we’re the right fit.
- Engagement – We prepare a transparent terms of engagement outlining scope, fees, and next steps.
- Commitment – You confirm we’re moving ahead, and we begin developing your advice with a 50% upfront advice fee.
- Research & Strategy – We dig deeper, gather all the necessary information, and prepare a detailed, personalised plan.
- Presentation – We meet again to walk you through your plan, answer questions, and make sure it aligns with your life and retirement goals.
We’re here to help you build clarity, confidence, and momentum—all the way to a successful retirement.
Final Thought
Retirement isn’t a destination—it’s a journey. One that’s smoother, more secure, and far more enjoyable when you’ve built and maintained strong financial momentum. At JBS Financial, we’re here to help you stay on track, no matter the terrain ahead.
📞 Let’s talk about where you’re headed—and how to get you there with confidence. 🔗 Contact the JBS Financial team today
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