Peace of Mind in Retirement

At River City Financial Planning, we are independent, dedicated retirement planning specialists. It is all we do. Our goal is to ensure that you understand all of your options, so you can follow a practical path forward into retirement.

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Plan your Tomorrow

Retire with Confidence

We help you prepare for and manage your money in retirement so you can have lasting financial stability and peace of mind.

Retirement planning is not just something we offer – it is all we do. We cut through the confusion and help you make the right financial decisions so that you can focus on enjoying your retirement.

Our team does what it takes to get things right, without unnecessary complexity. We are thorough and efficient – no overly engineered investments and no non-essential tax structures.

We take the straightest path to deliver the retirement outcomes you are seeking.

No short-cuts. No nonsense. Just accurate, useful advice.

Retirement Planning Brisbane – Secure Your Future with Expert Advice

How Clients Feel About our Financial Services

You don’t have to take our word for it. Read the Google Reviews kindly written by other people we have helped.

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Lisa Holt profile picture
Lisa Holt
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I first saw Garth Collingwood at River City Financial Planning about eight years ago for some long-term retirement planning. He explained my PSS superannuation in a way that finally made sense and helped me understand how to maximise it for retirement. Fast forward to my recent “immediately before retirement” visit, and I was back with a much more immediate question: retire now, or wait for another birthday to roll around? What I value most about Garth is how unbiased his advice is. There was absolutely no push in either direction, and because he isn’t receiving kickbacks or incentives from banks, super funds or investment providers, I felt confident the advice was based on what was best for me. He also explains things in plain English, which is a big plus when dealing with something as complex as retirement planning. I left the appointment feeling reassured, informed and decisive. In fact, I rang my boss that same day and confirmed my retirement. Garth was originally recommended to me by a colleague, and since that first appointment I’ve recommended him to dozens of others. His knowledge of the grandfathered government PSS scheme is particularly valuable, especially as that expertise becomes harder to find. Over the years I’ve also lost count of the number of people who, when I mention a financial planner in town, immediately ask, “Is it Garth?” That level of consistent positive feedback says a lot. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Garth and River City Financial Planning to anyone approaching retirement.
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Carolyn North profile picture
Carolyn North
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I have engaged the services of Garth Collingwood, for more than 10 years, in order to assist me with my financial planning. Garth has a very pleasant manner and is extremely professional. I am confident that Garth has vast knowledge of the industry and I trust his advice completely.
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James Burns profile picture
James Burns
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I've had a great time with Cassie at River City Financial Planning. She explained everything in a way that i could understand. She was always happy to answer the questions i had, this made the whole process feel much less overwhelming. Cassie helped me understand the investing options i had. The whole process has been easy from start to finish. It's reassuring to have someone who genuinely cares about what they do.
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Awesome profile picture
Awesome
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As a working couple, we’ve had our fair share of financial and retirement planning challenges, this can be overwhelming. The complexity and concerns of our situation immediately disappeared, when we met Garth Collingwood and the River City Financial Planning team about six years ago. This was the beginning of our retirement planning journey and implementing the simple and yet valuable advice by Garth along the way, has been a blessing. Fast forward to today, we met with the dynamic duo of Garth and Lachie to discuss an unforeseen development towards retirement, which sent our thinking into a spin. True to form, the team provided us with what we desperately needed - clarity. When making the most important decisions at careers end, clarity in terms of your current retirement planning situation and where you need to be, is essential. Elated to say, our meeting with the dynamic duo has elevated and accelerated our life decisions and plans towards retirement (with confidence), thank you River City Financial Planning. We are stoked to have Garth as our financial advisor and so grateful for his extensive expertise, and considerate guidance. Garth’s X Factor which impressed and resonated most for us, is his care and genuine down-to-earth approach, which is exceptional. Forever thankful, Fil & May.
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Barbara Harrison profile picture
Barbara Harrison
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Garth is a wise, patient and good communicator. I would recommend his services!
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Matt Howard profile picture
Matt Howard
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Very appreciative of the financial health check provided by Cassandra Pearson from River City Financial Planning. 5 Star engagement and no upselling. Highly recommend.
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Anthony Ronchese profile picture
Anthony Ronchese
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Garth is truly one of a kind. My partner and I saw him recently and were blown away by how caring, down to earth, and easy to talk to he is. He gave us clear, practical advice and explained everything in a way that actually made sense. We left feeling more confident regarding our next steps, and incredibly grateful. If you want someone who really listens and truly cares, I highly recommend Garth and his wonderful team.
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Stefanie H profile picture
Stefanie H
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When the thought of finances and retirement planning became confusing and overwhelming, we arranged a meeting with Garth. Garth took the time to thoroughly understand our lifestyle and goals, and provided honest and practical advice without the jargon. We left the meeting feeling confident about our future and path to retirement. Highly recommend Garth and his team.
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Alyssa R profile picture
Alyssa R
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I can't recommend River City Financial Planning enough. Garth Collingwood takes time with you, and his intelligence, kindness, communication and insight is unmatched. Very grateful for his knowledge and time. Thank you for your expertise and care.
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Specialist Financial Advice

Retirement Planning

We offer strategic financial advice for your retirement, including super and income stream management, and how much you can comfortably live on – so you can confidently enjoy your retirement without worrying about running out of money. Our preference is to recommend the straightest, most efficient path possible for you to achieve the retirement outcomes you are seeking.

Defined Benefit Super

We understand the complexities and nuances of defined benefits super, including the Commonwealth Superannuation Scheme (CSS), Public Sector Superannuation Scheme (PSS), and QSuper Defined Benefits. We are able to explain these super funds – in simple and clear language – so that you can understand your options and make informed decisions.

Industry Fund and Retail Super

We are independent and unbiased. We provide the transparency and clarity you need to be able to make informed, practical decisions. We are not tied to any super funds; if it is your preference to continue with your current fund, you can. Alternatively, if there are better options, we will recommend a fund that is the right one for you, not us.

Redundancy Planning

Whether planned or unplanned, we will help you regain control during this period of instability. We will guide you in effectively managing the tax on your redundancy payment and making the right decisions with your superannuation.

Age Pension Planning

Navigating Services Australia (formerly known as Centrelink) can be overwhelming. That is why we are here; we will help maximise your entitlement, assist with the forms, and clarify all requirements. Our goal is to make the process easier for you.

Pre-Retirement Planning

The years leading up to your retirement are vital. We will help you with strategies for debt reduction, tax–effective methods to boost your superannuation, and techniques to smooth the transition into retirement and ensure its sustainability.

Estate Planning

Planning ahead will protect your family and provide peace of mind. While many of us may face mental or physical challenges in our later years, proper planning ensures that you maintain control and can save your loved ones tens of thousands of dollars in taxes.

Tax Planning

A robust retirement plan goes beyond risk management and investment principles; it is about ensuring you don’t pay more tax than necessary. We will step you through all available options, explain how everything fits together, and help keep your money working for you.

Investment Planning

Every retirement is different, and your retirement portfolio should be built around you. We will tailor it to your unique circumstances, helping you build a sustainable and comfortable lifestyle.

Speak to a Financial Adviser at River City Financial Planning Today

River City Financial Planning – Queensland’s trusted firm for specialist retirement planning advice. We offer practical, personalised advice to help you make informed decisions, confidently manage your finances, and enjoy a worry-free retirement.

Brisbane Financial Advisers

About River City Financial Planning

River City Financial Planning is a leading Brisbane City firm, specialising in retirement planning. Our reputation is built on deep technical expertise and our long-lasting commitment to doing things the right way – the way we would want our friends and families treated.

We work solely for you – not for a super fund, bank, or investment manager – meaning that the advice you receive is clear, honest, and always in your best interests. No bias. No agendas. No jargon. Just practical support to help you make the most of what you’ve worked so hard to build.

The expert financial advisors at River City Financial Planning help Brisbane residents with retirement planning and wealth management
Garth Collingwood is a specialist retirement financial planner at River City Financial Planning

Doing What We Do Best: Helping You Build a Secure Retirement

Retirement is not just part of what we do – it is all we do. As such, we do not provide personal insurance advice, such as income protection. However, we are happy to refer you to reliable specialists that we know and trust.

Our expertise lies in retirement planning, and we take great pride in helping soon-to-be retirees develop financial plans that align with their long-term goals and lifestyles. 

Over the years, our team has worked with thousands of families – not just in Brisbane, but all around Australia – to build clear and practical retirement plans that stand the test of time. Meet the team below and get to know the people behind the planning.

Who Are Our Clients?

Retirees

We help retirees manage their money so they can enjoy a comfortable, worry-free retirement. Our financial services focus on superannuation management, income streams, spending, and investments, so that you can retire with peace of mind and financial security.

Pre-Retirees

As you approach retirement, we will help you build a clear, practical plan that makes the transition smooth and stress-free. We explain everything – from building up your super, to making the most of tax opportunities, to working out your income flow after retiring – all in plain language, at your pace.

Public Sector Employees

For the last 20 years, we have worked with people in the public sector, many of whom have Defined Benefit Super schemes such as CSS, PSS, and QSuper Defined Benefit. We understand how to work through these complex structures, and endeavour to help you understand them and make informed decisions.

Super and Retirement Industry Insiders

We are known for our thorough approach and our commitment to doing things properly, without taking shortcuts. That is why we are the financial planning firm that industry insiders refer their families and friends to. Those working in super and the broader retirement sector across Australia regularly refer their family and friends to River City Financial Planning – trusting us over all other financial advisers.

Why Should You Choose River City Financial Planning?

Unbiased, Brisbane-Based Financial Advice

We do not work for super funds, insurers or investment managers. We do not take commissions. We are completely independent. Our advice is driven solely by what is best for you, not anyone else. Unlike other financial planners, we prefer to use industry funds to get you the most value from our guidance.

Honesty

We understand the importance of financial decisions during retirement; we are upfront about what is possible, what is not, and how we can help you. We treat every person who walks through our door with the same care we want for our own family – provided that respect goes both ways.

Straight-Forward Approach

We are professionals, not salespeople. Our financial advisers provide clear, honest explanations and advice tailored to your specific situation. We take pride in delivering practical, straight-forward advice that supports you in the years before and during retirement.

Extensive Technical Knowledge

We have a high level of technical expertise, specifically in retirement planning, which is why we are often consulted by other advice professionals seeking help. Superannuation insiders and other financial advisers trust us with the financial futures of their own families, relying on our in-depth technical knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise.

People-Focused Attitude

At our core, we genuinely care about the people we work with – you’re never just a number to us. From day one, you’ll receive ongoing, dedicated service from the same adviser, ensuring consistency and personalised attention. We do not outsource to low-cost overseas service companies; our entire team is Brisbane-based, and work closely together to deliver the best outcomes for you.

Extensive Experience

With over 50 years of combined experience in retirement planning, we have earned a reputation for professional dedication to each client. Our extensive industry experience enables us to offer high-quality, comprehensive financial advice that is carefully tailored to your unique circumstances, no matter your situation.

Secure Your Future with River City Financial Planning

Speak with one of our advisers today and begin building a personalised retirement plan. We will guide you through all available options to help you make informed, practical decisions that guarantee you a stable, financially-sustainable future.