Financial
Roadmap
A clear, personalised path to your financial goals.
Superannuation and SMSF
Support to navigate super or manage your SMSF with control, structure and clear strategic intent. We help you make confident decisions about contributions, compliance and long-term retirement outcomes.
The foundation of retirement
Superannuation is one of the most tax-effective ways to build wealth for retirement. When structured well, it can support a wide range of financial outcomes, from tax planning and insurance to estate planning and long-term income generation. But the superannuation system is also complex, with evolving rules and limits that require careful navigation.
Ensuring you have the right super fund, and strategy, can make a big difference. At First Financial, we guide you through your options. Whether you’re starting out, building wealth or preparing to retire, we provide tailored advice to help you get the most from your super, which could include a Self-Managed Superannuation Fund if you would prefer more control and flexibility.
Making the most of your superannuation
Superannuation is much more than a retirement savings account. It’s a strategic tool and a tax effective structure. We take a detailed approach to our advice, including reviewing your current fund structure and exploring whether holding insurance within the fund could better support your cashflow. We also help you make the most of concessional and non-concessional contributions, spouse contributions and transition to retirement arrangements.
As your financial priorities shift, your super strategy should evolve with you. We shape our recommendations around your life stage and income profile and help you use super to reduce tax, grow your savings and achieve the retirement lifestyle you envision. Whether you’re with an industry or retail fund, or managing an SMSF, our focus is on maximising the benefits available to you.
Managing your SMSF
More Australians are choosing to take control of their retirement savings by setting up self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs). The appeal is clear: greater investment choice, more say over tax strategies and the ability to tailor your fund to suit your specific needs. But with that control comes complexity, and the need to meet strict legal and reporting obligations. That’s where First Financial comes in.
Our SMSF specialist advisers can help determine whether an SMSF suits your situation. If it does, they can guide you through the establishment of your SMSF and assist with the ongoing management.
Our SMSF team, with over 60 years of combined experience, will take care of compliance, audits, reporting, documentation, pension calculations and more, so you can relax, knowing your fund is in good hands and your future is on track.
“With First Financial as your partner, super becomes more than a savings account—it becomes a strategic tool for building, protecting and enjoying your wealth in retirement.”
YOUR FINANCIAL JOUNEY
Building your financial future
Every client journey begins with a conversation. We look closely at where you are now, what matters to you, and what’s possible. Then we structure our advice to match.
Financial
Tax
Efficiency
Proactive strategies to maximise your tax savings.
Personalised
Investing
Tailored plans aligned with your goals and risk profile.
Ongoing
Support
Regular guidance to keep your plan on track.
CLIENT STORY
Tim and Adam
Life Stage:
Early retirement and working professional
Background:
When Tim received an overseas medical settlement, he and Adam had just 14 days left in a 90-day window. They needed clear guidance, fast. A referral led them to First Financial.
- Only two weeks left to meet urgent legal and financial deadlines
- Wanted to preserve capital while setting up income for the future
- Needed a plan that supported both retirement and ongoing work
- Hoped to find advice that felt personal, not transactional
- Managed every moving piece, from legal documents to super rollovers
- Designed a strategy that supported both Tim’s retirement and Adam’s career
- Offered clear guidance with steady follow-through, with no stress or pressure
- Built in ethical investing and flexibility, without sacrificing performance
“We’re in totally different life stages, but First Financial built a strategy that supports us both. From urgent legal steps to ethical investing, they handled every detail with calm, care, and real expertise. It’s financial freedom without compromise, and we couldn’t have done it without them.”
CLIENT STORY
Graeme and Craig
Life Stage:
Retired and semi-retired
Background:
Referred by friends helped through aged care, Craig sought secure financial guidance after inheriting funds.
- Invest inheritance securely without high risk
- Maintain a modest lifestyle with confidence
- Building trust for someone new to advice
- Accessible, personalised advice
- Provided a low-risk strategy with regular income
- Reassured with steady, market-aware updates
- Established trust through responsiveness and warmth
- Delivered calm, expert support through all transitions
“We feel very secure with First Financial, the income just comes in, and we know everything is being looked after. It’s not just safe, it’s smart. We’ve recommended them to others because we genuinely believe in the team.”
CLIENT STORY
John
Life Stage:
Retired business owner
Background:
After decades of running a successful pharmacy, John sought financial guidance to simplify decision-making and support long-term planning.
- Navigated the sale of a long-held business
- Wanted simple, honest advice after burnout
- Needed a hands-on adviser he could talk to
- Desired financial guidance aligned with lifestyle goals
- Crafted a strategy that supports relaxed, post-work life
- Offered approachable, plain-English advice
- Maintained an ongoing, trustworthy relationship
- Provided flexibility with investments and cash flow
“I feel genuinely supported by First Financial. I can ask anything, and there’s no pressure, just clear advice and real care. The money’s growing, I’m not stressed about it, and I feel completely at ease for the first time. I don’t miss work, but I’d miss the support I get from First Financial.”
CLIENT STORY
Lyn
Life Stage:
Retired widow
Background:
Lyn stepped into financial management for the first time after her husband's passing. With patience and care, First Financial supported her through grief, learning, and empowerment.
- Had never managed finances before
- Was overwhelmed after her husband’s passing
- Needed plain-English explanations and patience
- Sought emotional support and practical clarity
- Offered caring, respectful advice at her pace
- Rebuilt confidence with diagrams, stories, and reassurance
- Supported gradual decision-making around retirement
- Remained a trusted constant through major transitions
“After my husband passed, I was completely unsure where to start. First Financial gave me the space to learn, to ask questions, to grow confident. They drew a diagram that I still have. And now, I sleep well at night knowing I’ve got someone in my corner.”
CLIENT STORY
Larry and Virginia
Life Stage:
Newly retired
Background:
As retirement neared, Larry and Virginia were ready to enjoy travel, family, and freedom, without uncertainty. A friend recommended First Financial, and from the first meeting, they had a clear plan, a safety net, and people they trusted.
- Wanted to travel and enjoy retirement without second-guessing finances
- Needed a structured income plan with buffers for the unexpected
- Valued guidance that felt honest and human, not overcomplicated
- Needed people they could call and count on
- Created a reliable income stream with a set-aside safety net for the unexpected
- Gave them the freedom to travel and spend meaningfully with family
- Kept advice simple, thoughtful, and tailored to what mattered to them
- Built a lasting partnership based on trust
“We’ve travelled the world, Europe, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, without once stressing about the money. They made everything feel simple and gave us the confidence to live well. We feel secure because we know exactly where we stand, and that peace of mind means everything.”
CLIENT STORY
Jan
Life Stage:
Retired
Background:
Jan's husband managed the finances until entering aged care. Jan gradually stepped into the financial picture with First Financial’s support.
- Needed financial guidance after business sale
- Lacked experience managing complex finances
- Sought consistent income and long-term structure
- Wanted a familiar, reliable relationship
- Provided long-term support through several transitions
- Helped structure income reliably for retirement
- Empowered Jan through education and reassurance
- Delivered calm advice through both grief and growth
“The money just comes in. I don’t have to think about it. And I know they’re always there. They’ve always been there in the background, just quietly making things work.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is superannuation so important for retirement?
Super is one of the most tax-effective ways to grow your retirement savings. With the right contributions and structure, it can reduce tax, boost long-term wealth and support a more comfortable lifestyle when you stop working.
What’s the benefit of an SMSF over a regular super fund?
An SMSF gives you more control over your investments and how your fund is run. It can offer tax advantages and flexibility, but it also comes with legal responsibilities. It’s not for everyone, and we can help you weigh up if it’s right for you.
Can I hold insurance through my super?
Yes. Life and other insurances can often be held within your super, which may ease pressure on your household cashflow. We’ll help you assess whether this approach suits your needs and supports your overall financial strategy.
How often should I review my super strategy?
We recommend checking in regularly, especially when your circumstances or legislation changes. Your adviser will review your strategy with you as part of an ongoing financial plan to make sure it stays aligned with your goals.
What to expect
Introductory Call
Your first contact with us is typically through a phone call. We aim to understand your needs early on, address any immediate questions, and make sure we’re the perfect match.
Discovery Meeting
This meeting will be more in-depth, allowing us to thoroughly understand your situation, financial goals, and priorities. We will clearly explain our fees, so you know what to expect.
Strategy
We’ll take the time to analyse, evaluate, and develop strategies to determine an effective path to achieve your goals and address your priorities.
Recommendations
We take the time to go through your tailored plan, in a simple, straightforward manner. Our goal is to provide clarity and confidence, so you can see a clear path forward.
Implementation
Following your approval, our team will proactively guide the process to implement your recommendations and set you on the path to achieve your lifestyle and financial goals.
Partnership
Our partnership keeps you on track with regular check-ins, clear updates, and next steps. When life changes, we review and adjust your plan so it stays aligned to what matters.