Make the Most of Your Defined Benefit Super

Defined benefit super schemes can be complex, but understanding how they work is key to making informed decisions. In our experience, clients who fully understand their scheme feel more confident and empowered, knowing they are maximising the value of what they have worked hard for.

At River City Financial Planning, we have extensive experience in providing specialist financial advice on defined benefit super schemes, including:

  • Commonwealth Superannuation Scheme (CSS)
  • Public Sector Superannuation Scheme (PSS)
  • QSuper Defined Benefit

We will clearly explain your options in plain language, helping you navigate the intricacies of your scheme – from understanding how your end benefit is calculated to the calculating the best time to retire under your scheme’s rules – so you understand what is available to you, and how to make the most of it.

What is Defined Benefit Super?

Defined Benefit Super funds operate differently from regular super accounts. Instead of your balance being tied to market performance, your final payout is calculated using a set formula. This formula usually includes:

  • Your final average salary before retirement
  • Your total years of service
  • Contributions made by you and your employer

Each defined benefit fund has its own unique structure – often with features (and quirks) that aren’t immediately obvious or widely known, even by the office expert. That is why it is essential to understand how your specific fund works. With the right advice, you can make informed decisions and significantly improve your retirement outcome.

Book a consultation with a Brisbane financial advisor to understand your defined benefit super and retirement options
Financial advisor guidance on government and corporate defined benefit super schemes in Australia

How We Help You Maximise Your Defined Benefit Super

With decades of experience in defined benefit superannuation, we offer expert guidance to help you get the most from your fund. Our services include:

  • Personalised financial advice tailored to your specific fund and circumstances
  • Clear, practical guidance on the optimal time to retire based on your scheme’s rules
  • Strategic planning to maximise your retirement benefits
  • Tax-effective strategies to help minimise your retirement tax liabilities

Gain clarity and confidence about your superannuation defined benefits with expert advice from River City Financial Planning.

Cassie at RCFP is one of the rare financial planners, I believe, who has an extensive knowledge of the Commonwealth Superannuation Scheme. It is very complex and requires skill and knowledge beyond that needed for standard schemes. Cassie has that skill and has gone to amazing lengths to provide me with excellent advice and strategies. Highly recommended!

– Brenton J

I recently met with Garth to discuss options with my Superannuation income streams. I was so impressed with the meeting I had with Garth – he was highly knowledgeable and personable. It was a great experience and for the first time in 10 years of both planning and living in my retirement phase I met someone who really understood the complex world of Superannuation and particularly Commonwealth Government Super funds. I highly recommend him.

– Lindsay B

My wife and I first met Garth in 2007. He was recommended to us by every Commonwealth employee we knew. He was the trusted man to set you on the path to retirement. No bull, easy to understand advice. We continue to use Garths professional advice today, 2022. The lead up to retirement can be a daunting time and you need a person you can trust to guide and advise you. We believe we were lucky in 2007 to find a reputable adviser and continue to use his services with taxation changes and our financial situation changing year to year. He is also a very nice man.

– Jack W

Understand Your Defined Benefit Super with Expert Advice Today

Understanding your defined benefit super is one of the smartest steps you can take for a secure financial future. With advice tailored to your specific scheme, you will gain greater clarity, confidence, and control as you plan for retirement – and you will be better positioned to maximise the money you have worked hard to earn.