New Year, New Momentum: Start building the retirement you’re dreaming of, now.

The start of a new year is a great moment to reset your plan. If you are starting to think about how your retirement may look, small decisions you make now can compound into bigger outcomes later. That is especially true in 2026, with super changes taking effect and ongoing cost of living pressures shaping household budgets. 

Now let’s be clear; pre‑retirement doesn’t start at 60. It begins the moment you picture the kind of life you want in the next 10 or 20 years. The sooner you act, even with small steps, the greater the impact on your long-term financial freedom. 

Why early year check‑ins matter 

January naturally prompts people to reflect on what they want from the next 12 months. Daniel Brown (CAA’s CEO) says a simple check‑in can be the spark that turns good intentions into a practical plan. Taking the first step to have that initial discussion makes a huge difference later. 

“It’s a time to step back, reflect and choose a few goals for the year ahead. Our role is to help clients shape those goals into a plan and keep them on track.” 

Early contact is also when many Australians are more engaged and open to guidance. We see more social interactions and referrals during summer as money topics surface over the holidays. 

What changes in 2026 mean for pre‑retirees 

• The Super Guarantee rate is now 12% of your salary. That supports long term retirement savings for employees and can help pre‑retirees who are still working to boost super before they stop full‑time work. 

• From 1 July 2026, PayDay Super requires employers to pay super within seven days of payday. More frequent contributions can improve visibility and compounding over time. 

• Cost of living pressures and a higher-for-longer interest rate environment continue to influence cashflow, borrowing and investment decisions. Planning for buffers and reviewing asset allocation remains important in 2026. 

• High Superannuation balance considerations. If your total super balance exceeds $3,000,000 the new Division 296 tax settings are relevant to your strategy from 1 July 2026  

Common goals we hear from Australians in their late 50s and early 60s 

• Clarity on the retirement start date and whether part‑time makes sense first 

• A plan for paying down or managing any remaining mortgage 

• How to convert super into a stable retirement income 

• Whether to make additional contributions before retirement, including spouse strategies 

• Getting estate planning in order so family is protected 

• Ensuring you have a clear understanding of your income needs in retirement will help determine the lump sum goal you require to support your income needs 

How to turn goals into a practical 2026 plan 

1. Set one or two milestones for the year. For example, a retirement date window or a mortgage reduction target. 

2. Use the 12% SG and contribution timing to your advantage. Check your projected contributions, consider catch‑up concessional options if applicable, and avoid breaching your contribution limits.  

3. Revisit cashflow under today’s rate settings. Build a 3 to 6 month buffer and stress test for higher expenses. 

4. Keep investment choices aligned to time horizon. Markets may remain volatile in 2026, so diversification and a cool head are valuable for pre‑retirees. 

5. Book a short check‑in. A 20 minute conversation can confirm your steps and give you confidence to follow through. 

Tuning out the noise without ignoring the facts

It is easy to feel anxious after a summer of headlines and doomscrolling. Daniel’s guidance is simple; 

“Stick to a long-term plan. Short-term market moves are normal. Clients who focus on the plan, not the noise, feel more confident over time.” 

This mindset is well suited to 2026, where analysts expect a mix of volatility and opportunity across asset classes. A steady plan helps you participate without overreacting to day‑to‑day swings  

A simple next step 
If you want a clear path to retirement, start with a quick, no‑obligation check‑in. We will help you set realistic goals, understand the 2026 rule changes and shape a plan for the year ahead. 

References 

• Superannuation quick facts for 2026, including SG at 12% and PayDay Super timing  (supervision.com.au) 

• 2026 PayDay Super and Division 296 overview  (navigatefi…lth.com.au) 

• Cost of living and interest rate environment in 2026, plus market positioning themes  (aintreegroup.com.au) 

• January updates and household money changes context (msn.com) 

Disclaimer: 

General advice only. This information does not take your personal objectives, financial situation or needs into account. Consider whether it is appropriate for you and seek personal advice before making decisions. Coastal Advisory Australia is a Corporate Authorised Representative (No. 1280080) of RI Advice Group Pty Ltd ABN 23 001 774 125, AFSL 238429. RI Advice is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rhombus Advisory Pty Ltd (Rhombus Advisory)