For many people approaching retirement, the objective seems straightforward: accumulate as much as possible in superannuation and eventually convert those savings into a tax-free retirement income stream.

We're seeing an increasing number of our clients stepping into the role of Power of Attorney for their ageing parents. Many assume they'll only need to become involved if a health issue arises, but in reality, the families who experience the least stress are often those who start planning well before there's an urgent need.

For many of our clients, the early and middle years of their financial journey were focused on building security, establishing careers and growing their own business. Over time, diligent saving, sensible risk‑taking, and long‑term planning can result in a level of wealth that goes well beyond personal needs.

Markets have experienced some ups and downs recently, driven by interest rate expectations and overseas events. While these short‑term movements can attract headlines, the good news is that many of the changes underway are supportive for retirees, particularly those focused on income and capital preservation.