What does a superannuation strategy actually involve?

It is a deliberate plan for how you contribute to, invest within, and eventually draw from super. That typically covers contribution types and timing, choice of fund or platform, investment selection inside super, insurance held through super, and how your balance converts into a retirement income stream. The right combination depends on your age, income, balance and goals — which is why we model it to your numbers before recommending anything.

How much can I contribute to super?

Contribution caps apply to both concessional (before-tax) and non-concessional (after-tax) contributions, and the caps and eligibility rules change over time. Depending on your circumstances you may also be able to use carry-forward concessional contributions or the bring-forward rule for larger after-tax amounts. We confirm the current year’s caps and your available headroom before recommending any contribution strategy.

Should I consolidate my super funds?

Often — but not automatically. Consolidating can reduce duplicate fees and simplify management, but rolling over can also cancel valuable insurance cover or crystallise an exit at the wrong time. We review the fees, features, performance and insurance of each existing fund before recommending consolidation.

What is a transition-to-retirement (TTR) strategy?

Once you have reached the required age, a transition-to-retirement pension lets you draw an income from your super while you are still working. Used well, it can support reduced working hours in the lead-up to retirement, or work alongside salary sacrifice. Whether it actually helps depends on your tax position and goals — it suits some situations and not others.

When can I access my super?

Generally, when you reach age 60 and retire, or from age 65 regardless of whether you are still working. Limited early-access conditions exist for specific circumstances. The timing of access — and the order in which you draw from super, pensions and personal assets — is one of the most valuable planning decisions you will make.

Do I need an SMSF to have a good super strategy?

No. An SMSF suits some situations, but a well-implemented strategy inside a quality platform or fund achieves most retirees’ goals. Troy holds the SMSF Specialist Advisor™ (SSA™) designation, so if an SMSF genuinely fits your circumstances we will say so — and if it does not, we will say that too.

Superannuation Strategy · Sydney & Brisbane · Australia-Wide

Make your super work as hard as you did.

A superannuation strategy is the plan for how you contribute to, invest within, and eventually draw an income from super. Getting the contribution timing, structure and tax settings right in the final working decade can make a substantial difference to what you retire on. We build that plan around your actual numbers — as a self-licensed, fee-for-service firm with no products to sell.

Book Your Free Discovery Call → Call +61 2 8526 5889

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"Troy made me feel comfortable and explained my options clearly and simply. He saved me money and put a strategy in place I am happy and confident with."

— John, 46–55 · Verified via Adviser Ratings

Self-Licensed AFSL SSA™ Designated Master of Fin. Planning Fee for Service

The Challenge

Super is most Australians’ largest asset after the home — and the least managed.

"Am I contributing enough?"

Concessional caps, carry-forward amounts, bring-forward rules, spouse contributions — the opportunities are real, but they expire each financial year. Most people find out what they could have used after it’s gone.

"I have multiple funds and no plan"

Duplicate fees, forgotten insurance, and investment options chosen a decade ago. Accounts accumulate through job changes; a strategy is what turns them back into one deliberate structure.

"The rules keep changing"

Caps move, thresholds shift, and new measures appear in nearly every Federal Budget. A strategy set once and never revisited quietly drifts out of date — and out of the concessions you’re entitled to.

What You Get

A contribution-to-pension plan built on your numbers.

Every recommendation is modelled to your balance, income and timeframe, and delivered under a fiduciary obligation to act in your best interests.

Contribution Strategy

Concessional and non-concessional contributions, carry-forward and bring-forward opportunities, and spouse and co-contribution options — sequenced against the current year’s caps and your cashflow.

Salary Sacrifice Structuring

Pre-tax contributions arranged with your employer to reduce taxable income while building your balance — sized so you keep the lifestyle you need today.

Fund & Platform Review

A clear-eyed comparison of your existing funds’ fees, investment menus, performance and insurance before any consolidation — because rolling over at the wrong time can cost more than it saves.

Transition-to-Retirement Pensions

Drawing an income from super while you’re still working — to cut back hours without cutting back lifestyle, or to work alongside salary sacrifice where the numbers support it.

Pension Commencement Planning

Converting your balance into a tax-effective retirement income stream, with transfer balance cap positioning and timing worked out before you retire — not after.

SMSF Suitability Assessment

An honest answer on whether a self-managed fund would genuinely serve you better, from an SMSF Specialist Advisor™ — including when the answer is no.

How It Works

Three steps to a strategy you understand and believe in.

Discovery Call

A free, no-obligation 30-minute conversation about where you are and where you want to be. Zoom, phone, or in person in Barangaroo or Brisbane CBD.

Free · No commitment · Completely confidential

Your Personal Strategy

We model your numbers, build your strategy, and present it in plain language you can actually understand — not jargon-filled documents.

Typically 2–3 weeks · Statement of Advice included

Implementation & Ongoing Care

We execute the plan, manage your portfolio, and review it every year as your life changes — so you stay on track without worrying.

Annual reviews · Direct access to Troy always

Your Adviser

Self-licensed by design. Fee-for-service by choice.

Troy Gudgeon established Wealth Designers Advisory under its own Australian Financial Services Licence specifically to remove the conflicts that come with bank or institutionally-owned advisory groups. No dealer group, no product quotas — the only agenda at the table is yours.

20+ years of financial planning experience across every market cycle
Master of Financial Planning — Kaplan Professional
SMSF Specialist Advisor™ (SSA™) designated
Member, Financial Advice Association of Australia (FAAA)
Self-licensed AFSL 562647 — no bank ownership, no third-party ties
Offices in Barangaroo (Sydney) and Brisbane CBD — advises nationally via Zoom

Book a Free Call with Troy →

Troy Gudgeon

Founding Director & Principal Adviser
MFinPlan · SSA™ · FAAA Member

Wealth Designers Advisory Pty Ltd
ABN 26 650 483 300 · AFSL 562647

Common Questions

Answers about superannuation strategy.

Not finding your question here? The Discovery Call is the right place to ask anything — no obligation.

Book a Free Call →

What does a superannuation strategy actually involve?

It is a deliberate plan for how you contribute to, invest within, and eventually draw from super. That typically covers contribution types and timing, choice of fund or platform, investment selection inside super, insurance held through super, and how your balance converts into a retirement income stream. The right combination depends on your age, income, balance and goals — which is why we model it to your numbers before recommending anything.
How much can I contribute to super?

Contribution caps apply to both concessional (before-tax) and non-concessional (after-tax) contributions, and the caps and eligibility rules change over time. Depending on your circumstances you may also be able to use carry-forward concessional contributions or the bring-forward rule for larger after-tax amounts. We confirm the current year’s caps and your available headroom before recommending any contribution strategy.
Should I consolidate my super funds?

Often — but not automatically. Consolidating can reduce duplicate fees and simplify management, but rolling over can also cancel valuable insurance cover or crystallise an exit at the wrong time. We review the fees, features, performance and insurance of each existing fund before recommending consolidation.
What is a transition-to-retirement (TTR) strategy?

Once you have reached the required age, a transition-to-retirement pension lets you draw an income from your super while you are still working. Used well, it can support reduced working hours in the lead-up to retirement, or work alongside salary sacrifice. Whether it actually helps depends on your tax position and goals — it suits some situations and not others.
When can I access my super?

Generally, when you reach age 60 and retire, or from age 65 regardless of whether you are still working. Limited early-access conditions exist for specific circumstances. The timing of access — and the order in which you draw from super, pensions and personal assets — is one of the most valuable planning decisions you will make.
Do I need an SMSF to have a good super strategy?

No. An SMSF suits some situations, but a well-implemented strategy inside a quality platform or fund achieves most retirees’ goals. Troy holds the SMSF Specialist Advisor™ (SSA™) designation, so if an SMSF genuinely fits your circumstances we will say so — and if it does not, we will say that too.