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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Robert Johnston profile picture
Robert Johnston
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Our appointment with Cassie Pearson was very rewarding. She took on our brief and explained our options clearly and thoroughly. Our questions were answered in a way that we could understand. We would definitely recommend River City Financial and would be happy to seek a follow-up appointment with Cassie as the need arises.
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John B profile picture
John B
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I met Garth and Lachie to discuss my financial situation and hoped they could educate me and provide some recommendations on managing my finances better. They exceeded in this with their great knowledge and simplistic explanations to me. Garth is clear and concise and his advice has helped me take the next steps on a more financial stable future. Cannot recommend River City Financial Planning enough. Will definately be my go to advisor for any future needs. Thanks again to Garth and everyone at River City Financial Planning
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Brett and Jane Ramsay profile picture
Brett and Jane Ramsay
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We have been so fortunate to have had Garth and his team look after our financial affairs for the past 15 years. He has guided and encouraged us to concentrate and grow our wealth leading into retirement. Reassuring us when necessary every step of the way enabling us to achieve our goals. His expert advice, guidance and management has been superb, we are treated like family and we can't recommend him highly enough.
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Mary Trott profile picture
Mary Trott
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I can't recommend Garth Collingwood highly enough. I lost my husband a little over 2 years ago and I was in a world of grief when Garth agreed to meet with me and assist me with my finances moving forward. My husband had looked after our finances previously and I didn't have a clue as to how to manage them. Garth didn't change an awful lot initially and I can't thank him enough for not overwhelming me too much. He ensured I could understand the plan and I feel totally comfortable and secure knowing that I am achieving the best outcomes in retirement. I have just sold my home of 36 plus years and throughout that process Garth has provided advice to me with very short notice at times. Garth is a very gifted financial advisor but he also takes the time to listen to his clients; he doesn't just provide financial advice; he wants to help people, and it is this quality along with his vast knowledge on all things financial that makes him such a great financial advisor. I take pleasure in recommending Garth and his team at River City Financial Planning to you for your financial advice. Mary
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Rosemarie Ylagan profile picture
Rosemarie Ylagan
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I highly recommend you go to River City Financial Planning and get consultation with Cassandra Pearson. She was fantastic at listening to my queries. I found her very approachable. She communicated very clearly and precisely. She was very helpful, and gave me options and recommendations. She did not pressure me to make a decision there and then. She gave me time to gather all the required documents that I needed. She patiently sat and explained whilst showing everything on the computer and the white board. At the end of the day I still have the choice whether or not I continue with Cassandra or not. Once I gather everything that this required of me, I am definitely going to make an appointment with her again, so I can finalise my retirement. Plus their fee is very reasonable.
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Lorrena white profile picture
Lorrena white
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I recently had the pleasure of consulting with Cassandra Pearson from River City Financial Planning, and I can’t recommend her highly enough! As someone who had never discussed financial matters on a professional level before, I was understandably nervous about the conversation, especially with concerns about complex jargon and feeling pressured into decisions. From our first interaction, Cassandra put me at ease. She was an attentive listener who took the time to understand my unique circumstances and financial concerns. I was seeking advice on my superannuation, and she made sure to explain complex concepts in a way that was straightforward and easy to grasp. What impressed me most was Cassandra's approach. There was absolutely no pressure to sign up for long-term commitments or to make immediate decisions. Instead, she presented all my options clearly and without bias. Her genuine commitment to my best interests was evident, particularly when she offered a course of action that didn’t benefit her or her company in any way. It’s rare to find a financial advisor who prioritises their clients so selflessly. Cassandra quickly gained my trust, and I left our meeting feeling empowered and informed. I wouldn’t hesitate to consult her again for any future financial planning needs. In a world where many financial planners might not prioritise the client’s best interests, Cassandra stands out as a true professional. If you’re looking for a trustworthy and knowledgeable financial advisor, I highly recommend Cassandra Pearson at River City Financial Planning!
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Judith Brookes profile picture
Judith Brookes
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Again visited the team at River City Financial Planning for an update of financial options. We were again pleasantly surprised at the planning that Garth and his team had done to meet our requirements. The options provided were extensive and far reaching. This made it easy for us to continue our engagement of River City for our future financial needs.
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Sandra Annand profile picture
Sandra Annand
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Dealing with River City Financial Planning is always a pleasure. Thanks Guys.
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Geoffrey Evans profile picture
Geoffrey Evans
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Garth and his team have been a godsend to us navigating the daunting task of retirement documentation and formalities and setting up our superannuation income stream. Garth is very accessible to his clients, an excellent communicator, and we have total faith in his advice.
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Deborah Harris profile picture
Deborah Harris
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I have been a client of Garth’s for several years. He had been recommended to me by a colleague as I was dissatisfied with the adviser I had been seeing. It was a complicated process to undertake this transition, and Garth managed this methodically, professionally and thoughtfully. He has provided very sound advice and guidance to me and has always been very responsive to any enquiries or requests. He is a good listener, and provides client focussed/individualised advice which is the hallmark of a great adviser. I have no hesitation in recommending Garth and his staff.
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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, taxeffective 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 waythe way we would want our friends and families treated.

We work solely for younot for a super fund, bank, or investment managermeaning 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 everythingfrom building up your super, to making the most of tax opportunities, to working out your income flow after retiringall 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.