Stratus Financial Group

How do you see yourself transitioning into retirement?

Research from the University of Sydney suggests there is no single path. Instead, people tend to fall into four broad groups based on how they stay connected to work and build meaning beyond it.

Some continue working in a reduced capacity. Others step away completely. Many adopt a blended approach, gradually shifting their time and focus. And some struggle where no new structure replaces work.

In reality, most transitions are not abrupt. They evolve over time, shaped by financial flexibility, personal priorities and a sense of purpose.

With the right planning, it is possible to balance continued engagement with greater freedom, creating a transition that feels both structured and fulfilling.

Read more here in our latest article: https://stratusfinancialgroup.com.au/financialplanning/ready-or-not-the-truth-about-retirement-planning/

Credit University of Sydney: https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2025/11/07/the-four-types-of-boomer-retirees.html

From 1 July 2026, Division 296 introduces an additional layer of tax for individuals with total superannuation balances above $3 million, with higher rates applying to balances exceeding $10 million.

For more information, read our recent article here which recaps the super changes from 1 July 2026: https://stratusfinancialgroup.com.au/financialplanning/superannuation-changes-from-1-july-2026-what-high-income-earners-should-be-reviewing-now/

Transfer Balance Cap - For individuals currently using a transition to retirement strategy and approaching age 65 before the end of the financial year, careful consideration should be given to whether there is an advantage in transferring benefits back to the accumulation phase and commencing a new pension after 1 July 2026.

Check out our Super Reminders before 30 June here: https://stratusfinancialgroup.com.au/financialplanning/superannuation-changes-from-1-july-2026-what-high-income-earners-should-be-reviewing-now/

For decades, retirement planning has been framed as a single, deceptively simple question: how much do I need?

Yet Australian research and adviser experience increasingly point to an inconvenient truth. Financial readiness, while essential, is not the same as being retirement ready.

Ready or not? Read more about the four ways people transition into retirement:

https://stratusfinancialgroup.com.au/financialplanning/ready-or-not-the-truth-about-retirement-planning/

Ready or Not? The Truth About Retirement Planning | Stratus Financial Group For decades, retirement planning has been framed as a single, deceptively simple question: how much do I need? Yet Australian research and adviser experience increasingly point to an inconvenient truth. Financial readiness, while essential, is not the same as being retirement ready. Many people reac...

1 July 2026 is shaping up to be a significant moment for superannuation.

While super rules often evolve gradually, this year brings a combination of changes that deserve closer attention, from contribution limits and balance thresholds through to payday super and how contributions are timed.

We have outlined the key changes and what to be reviewing ahead of 30 June. Read the full article here:
https://stratusfinancialgroup.com.au/financialplanning/superannuation-changes-from-1-july-2026-what-high-income-earners-should-be-reviewing-now/

Superannuation Changes from 1 July 2026: What High Income Earners Should Be Reviewing Now | Stratus Financial Group This article outlines the key superannuation changes applying from 1 July 2026 and explains why reviewing strategy ahead of the new financial year can make a material difference to outcomes

🚨 From 1 July 2026, Division 296 introduces an additional layer of tax for individuals with total superannuation balances above $3 million, with higher rates applying to balances exceeding $10 million.

In broad terms, this measure applies an additional tax of between 15% to 25% to earnings attributable to the portion of a super balance above the relevant threshold. This results in an effective tax rate of approximately 30% to 40% on those earnings.

While eligibility rules are unchanged, the long‑term after‑tax efficiency of holding very large balances within superannuation will differ depending on individual circumstances. For some, retaining funds within super may continue to produce a favourable outcome. For others, withdrawing funds or holding investments outside super may be more appropriate over time.

🔗 For more information, visit our website: https://stratusfinancialgroup.com.au/financialplanning/superannuation-changes-from-1-july-2026-what-high-income-earners-should-be-reviewing-now/

💓 For the past 12 years, Brett Cribb has proudly hosted a table at the Red Shield Appeal Breakfast. On Friday 15 May, that tradition continued, bringing together clients, colleagues and members of the broader professional community in support of the incredible work of The Salvation Army Australia.

With the support of Paul Kennedy of PGV Consulting, Brett was once again able to rally a strong group of attendees who recognise the importance of this cause and the impact it continues to have across our communities.

One of the most powerful moments of the morning came from a guest speaker who shared a personal journey. After experiencing significant challenges from a young age, including homelessness and domestic violence, this individual found support through the Salvos and now gives back by volunteering at the very centre that supported recovery.

The breakfast raised more than $693,000, a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose.

If you would like to learn more about the Red Shield Appeal or how you can contribute, visit their website here:
https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/red-shield-appeal/



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The 2026-27 Federal Budget marks a significant shift in the Government’s approach to the taxation of wealth, investment structures and long‑term asset ownership. While these measures are still proposals and will require legislation, the overall direction of policy is clear and the implications are wide‑ranging for investors, business owners, retirees and families seeking to preserve and grow wealth over time.

Rather than focusing on short‑term announcements, this article considers the Budget through a financial planning lens and highlights the strategic conversations we expect to be most relevant for Stratus Financial Group clients in the years ahead.

https://stratusfinancialgroup.com.au/financialplanning/federal-budget-2026-27-strategic-implications-for-wealth-investments-and-financial-planning/

Federal Budget 2026–27: Strategic Implications for Wealth, Investments and Financial Planning | Stratus Financial Group The 2026-27 Federal Budget marks a significant shift in the Government’s approach to the taxation of wealth, investment structures and long‑term asset ownership. While these measures are still proposals and will require legislation, the overall direction of policy is clear and the implications a...

❗️From 1 July 2026, payday super will commence. Employers will be required to pay Superannuation Guarantee contributions at the same time as salary and wages, with funds required to reach the superannuation account within seven days of payday.

This replaces the current quarterly contribution framework and improves the timeliness of contributions. However, it also introduces new complexities.

Super contributions are counted against contribution caps when they are received by the fund, not when they are earned. As a result, changes in payment frequency increase the risk of contributions falling into an unintended financial year. This risk is heightened for individuals with multiple employers, employment changes or high levels of employer contributions.

Visit our article to view our article on the 1 July 2026 Super changes and get in touch with your adviser today for a proactive review of your position. https://stratusfinancialgroup.com.au/financialplanning/superannuation-changes-from-1-july-2026-what-high-income-earners-should-be-reviewing-now/

Stratus Financial Group is proud to sponsor Rebecca Dale, Head of Advice Technology Solutions at Entireti, as she takes on the Bravehearts 777 Marathon in 2026.

This is an extraordinary endurance challenge: 7 marathons in 7 states in 7 days, starting in Perth on 29 June and finishing at the Gold Coast on 5 July.

Bec is aiming to raise $11,500 by June 2026 to support Bravehearts and help protect Australian children through critical prevention and support programs nationwide.

If you would like to donate, share, or cheer her on, you can support her fundraising page here: https://bravehearts.grassrootz.com/bravehearts-777-2026/rebecca-dale

Rebecca Dale in Bravehearts 777 Marathon - National Team I’ve been a runner for as long as I can remember, and endurance challenges have shaped the person I am today. My love of running began with my dad, who has completed more than 70 marathons. Growing up, I watched his dedication, resilience, and passion for the sport, and his example inspired my own...