If you’re living on the Gold Coast and thinking about your retirement, you’re not alone. Whether it’s a few years away or already on the horizon, having a clear plan in place can make all the difference to your golden years.
And while there’s no shortage of information online, nothing beats the personalised support of a financial planner who understands your lifestyle, goals and concerns.
Here’s why professional advice matters, and how working with a Gold Coast financial adviser can help you retire with confidence and less stress.
A good place to start is understanding what retirement might actually cost.
How much do you really need to retire comfortably?
It’s one of the biggest questions when planning for retirement. Thankfully, the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) provides a helpful benchmark.
As of March 2025, a single person aged 65–84 needs around $52,383 a year for a “comfortable retirement”, while a couple needs $73,875. This assumes you own your home and are in good health. It also covers a lifestyle with private health insurance, domestic travel, occasional overseas trips, a decent car and regular social activities.
These figures are a guide, not a rule. If you’re not on track, a financial planner can help you bridge the gap through better structuring, smarter contributions or maximising government support.
Knowing your number is step one. Reaching it is where expert advice counts.
Retirement planning is about more than super
When most people think about retirement planning, they think about superannuation. And while your super is a big part of the equation, it’s only one piece of the puzzle.
A good financial planner will help you take a holistic view. They should cover everything from your assets and income sources to tax strategies, cash flow, insurance and estate planning.
For example, if you own property, your Gold Coast financial adviser can help you decide whether to downsize, rent it out or use it to fund your retirement. They’ll also explain how the Age Pension and other government benefits interact with your assets and income, helping you avoid costly mistakes.
Why local advice makes a difference
The Gold Coast has its own unique mix of lifestyle factors, living costs and property trends. Working with a Gold Coast financial adviser means you’ll be speaking with someone who understands the local context, not just the national rules.
They’re familiar with:
- Local property values and potential strategies for unlocking equity
- Retirement cost-of-living pressures that are unique to the region
- Options for staying in your home versus moving to a retirement village or aged care
- Services and facilities available for retirees
It’s this local insight that helps create a practical, personalised strategy you can actually stick to.
What to expect from a financial adviser
While taking charge of your own finances is commendable, the benefits of partnering with a professional financial planner are substantial, especially as you approach and enter retirement.
Specialised expertise and experience
An experienced financial adviser has in-depth knowledge of Australian financial markets, superannuation regulations, tax laws and investment strategies. This expertise can help you avoid common pitfalls and identify opportunities that you might otherwise miss, ensuring your retirement planning is robust and adaptable.
Up-to-date knowledge
A financial adviser stays current on the latest changes to superannuation, tax laws and retirement regulations. By keeping your strategy aligned with these updates, they can work to keep your retirement fund growing and performing well. With expert knowledge of legislative changes, your adviser can help you adapt quickly, take advantage of new opportunities and keep your plan on track for a secure retirement.
Personalised, tailored approach
Financial decisions can often be emotionally charged, particularly when they involve your life savings. A financial planner helps to remove the emotion thereby helping you make rational choices based on your financial goals and risk tolerance, rather than succumbing to market anxieties or impulsive decisions. They serve as a trusted adviser, offering clarity and discipline to your long-term financial strategy.
Efficiency and time-saving
Managing your retirement finances can be incredibly time-consuming, from researching investment options to navigating complex paperwork. By getting help from a financial adviser, you free up time to enjoy your Gold Coast lifestyle.
Peace of mind
Perhaps the most compelling benefit of working with a financial planner is the peace of mind it offers. Knowing that your financial future is being expertly managed allows you to relax and look forward to a stress-free retirement, free from the constant worry of financial insecurity.
What to look for in a financial adviser
Look for someone who is:
- Licensed through ASIC’s Financial Advisers Register
- Specialised in retirement planning and superannuation
- Able to clearly explain complex concepts in plain English
- Transparent about fees and services
- Based locally and easy to meet with in person
Don’t leave it too late to get advice
Many Gold Coast residents put off seeing a financial planner until they’re on the verge of retirement. But the earlier you get advice, the more options you’ll have.
Getting started early allows you to take a long-term approach to retirement planning, which can lead to more opportunities for growth and flexibility later on.
By reviewing your financial situation in your 30s or 40s, you can make small, proactive adjustments that build a solid foundation for the future, ultimately giving you more control and peace of mind as you approach retirement.
But don’t worry if you’re already in your 50s or 60s. Even at this stage, making informed decisions can still have a big impact on your retirement. A financial planner can help you improve your strategy to maximise the years ahead.
A financial planner can help you:
- Restructure investments for more favourable long-term outcomes
- Reduce debt before retirement
- Explore contribution strategies to make the most of your super
- Create a realistic post-retirement budget
And because legislation and economic conditions are always changing, having someone review your plan regularly ensures it stays relevant.
Start planning now for a stress-free retirement
Living on the Gold Coast comes with a lot of benefits, and retirement should be one of them. But without a solid plan, even a beautiful lifestyle can be overshadowed by financial stress.
Whether you’re looking to retire soon or just want to feel more in control for when the time comes, working with a qualified financial planner on the Gold Coast can help you make smarter decisions and avoid common pitfalls.
Ready to get started? Talk to the team at RFS Advice to find out how their local expertise and personal approach to financial planning can help you enjoy a more confident and relaxed retirement.
General advice warning:
The information and any advice provided in this article has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of that, you should, before acting on the advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to those things.
