Start 2026 with financial clarity and confidence

As the year draws to a close, many of us begin thinking about new year resolutions — getting fit, saving more, or making better lifestyle choices. But before you launch into your 2026 goals, there’s one important area that deserves your attention: your superannuation and personal insurances.

The end of the calendar year is the perfect time to review your financial position. By taking a closer look now, you can make strategic adjustments to ensure you’re protecting what matters most and building toward your long-term goals with confidence.

Why Reviewing Your Super and Insurance Matters

Your superannuation and insurance are the backbone of your financial security. Together, they determine how well you’re prepared for both expected milestones — like retirement — and unexpected events such as illness, injury, or death.

Superannuation often grows quietly in the background, but small changes can have a big impact over time. Reviewing your fund’s performance, fees, investment mix, and contribution strategy can make the difference between a comfortable and a constrained retirement.

Equally, personal insurance — including life cover, total and permanent disability (TPD), and income protection — ensures that you and your family are financially protected if the unexpected happens. As your life circumstances evolve, so should your cover. A policy that was right five years ago may no longer suit your income, debt level, or family needs.

The Value of Financial Advice

While there are plenty of online calculators and comparison tools, nothing replaces the insight of a qualified Financial Adviser. Professional advice helps ensure that your super and insurance strategies are tailored to your unique circumstances and goals.

An adviser can help you:

• Assess whether your super fund’s investment strategy aligns with your risk tolerance and retirement timeline.
• Identify opportunities to maximise contributions before year-end, including salary sacrifice or deductible personal contributions.
• Review your insurance coverage to ensure it’s sufficient and cost-effective.
• Evaluate tax implications, fee structures, and the interaction between your super, insurance, and estate planning.

A professional review offers clarity and peace of mind — and can save you from costly oversights that affect your future financial health.

Top 5 Tips to Prepare for the Year Ahead

1. Consolidate and simplify your super
   If you’ve changed jobs over the years, you might have multiple super accounts. Consolidating into a single fund can reduce duplicate fees and make your super easier to manage. Always check the insurance implications before rolling funds together.
2. Review your investment strategy
   Make sure your current investment option — whether conservative, balanced, or growth — still reflects your stage of life and financial goals. Adjusting your risk profile can help you stay on track for long-term success.
3. Check your insurance coverage
   Life changes such as a new mortgage, partner, or child can dramatically alter your insurance needs. Review your life, TPD, and income protection cover to ensure you and your family are adequately protected.
4. Maximise your contributions
   Take advantage of contribution opportunities before the financial year ends. Even small regular contributions can grow significantly over time thanks to compounding and concessional tax treatment.
5. Update your beneficiaries and details
   It’s easy to forget, but ensuring your beneficiary nominations and personal details are up-to-date helps guarantee your assets go where you intend. This step is quick but crucial.

Set Yourself Up for a Strong Financial Year

As you plan for 2026, add a financial review to your list of resolutions. Taking the time now to review your superannuation and insurance can set you up for a more secure and confident year ahead.

With the right advice and a clear strategy, you’ll be better positioned to make informed financial decisions, achieve your goals, and protect your future.

If this article has inspired you to think about your unique situation and, more importantly, what you and your family are going through right now, please get in touch with your advice professional.

This information does not consider any person’s objectives, financial situation, or needs. Before making a decision, you should consider whether it is appropriate in light of your particular objectives, financial situation, or needs.

(Feedsy Exclusive)