Private wealth management is a personalised financial advice service for individuals with more complex or substantial assets, combining investment strategy, tax considerations, and long-term planning into a single coordinated approach.

It typically suits professionals, business owners, and individuals with growing assets who want a more tailored strategy than standard financial planning, though the right fit depends on your individual circumstances.

Strategies can draw on direct shares, separately managed accounts (SMAs), ETFs, managed funds, bonds, and term deposits, selected based on your goals and risk tolerance.

It generally involves closer, more frequent portfolio oversight and a broader integration of investment, tax, and estate considerations, compared to standard financial planning check-ins.

It’s the process of building an investment strategy designed to grow your assets over time, tailored to your goals, timeframe, and risk tolerance.

Starting early gives more time for potential growth, but the right approach depends on your financial situation — a planner can help you weigh options like managed funds or education savings strategies.

A well-structured investment plan can support early retirement goals, though outcomes depend on factors like your savings rate, investment timeframe, and market conditions.

Wealth creation focuses on growing assets, typically earlier in your financial journey, while wealth management tends to focus on protecting and structuring wealth you’ve already built.

The earlier you start, the more options you generally have, but it’s never too late — strategies differ depending on whether you’re decades from retirement or approaching it.

Superannuation is an important part of retirement income, but relying on it alone may not be sufficient — many people also draw on personal savings, investments, or other income streams.

It’s a strategy that allows eligible individuals nearing retirement age to access some of their superannuation while still working, though eligibility and suitability depend on individual circumstances.

A planner will typically review your current super, savings, and income sources, then discuss strategies to help support the lifestyle you’re aiming for in retirement.

It’s the practice of structuring your investments, superannuation, and income in ways that aim to legally minimise tax while supporting your broader financial goals.

An accountant typically handles tax compliance and lodgement, while a financial planner focuses on integrating tax strategy with your investment and retirement planning — the two roles complement each other.

Common approaches include superannuation contribution strategies, structured investments, and timing of income and deductions — the right mix depends on your personal situation.

No — effective tax strategies are usually most beneficial when planned throughout the year rather than only at tax time.

A Self-Managed Super Fund (SMSF) gives members direct control over investment decisions within their superannuation, unlike an industry or retail fund where a fund manager makes those decisions.

SMSFs generally suit people who want more control over their super investments and have sufficient balance and time to manage the associated responsibilities — suitability depends on your individual circumstances.

Trustees are responsible for investment decisions, compliance with super law, and annual audit and reporting requirements, so ongoing professional support is common.

There’s no strict legal minimum, but because of running costs and compliance obligations, an adviser can help you assess whether an SMSF makes sense at your current balance.

It’s the process of assessing your income, assets, and family needs, then arranging appropriate insurance cover — such as life, total and permanent disability (TPD), trauma, or income protection insurance — to help protect against unexpected events.

Default cover inside superannuation is often a useful starting point, but it may not fully match your income or circumstances — a review can identify any gaps.

The right amount depends on factors like debts, dependents, and income replacement needs — a planner can help calculate a figure tailored to your situation.