Transition to Retirement Advice in Sutherland Shire

James Hayes with his dog

Most Australians don’t realise how powerful TTR can be until they’re only a year or two from retirement. If you’re 60–65, I’ll show you how to structure your super, salary, and tax so easing out of work feels less stressful and more rewarding.

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Not Sure Where to Start with TTR?

Transition to Retirement rules can look like alphabet soup. Between caps, pensions, and contribution strategies, it’s no wonder people push it off until the last minute. When you sit down with me in Caringbah (or on video), I map it out on a whiteboard, and you leave with a one-page plan you can actually use.

What TTR-Related Help Do I Offer?

Transition to Retirement isn’t just one switch but a set of choices that affect income, tax, and super over several years. These are the areas I walk clients through most often:

  • When to begin, how much to draw, and how a TTR pension shapes the income from your super fund.

  • Balancing take-home pay and super growth while using concessional contribution caps to your advantage.

  • Co-ordinating PAYG, super tax, and retirement timing so you keep more of what you earn.

  • Managing the right growth–defence balance so withdrawals don’t erode long-term super value.

  • Knowing when your TTR pension becomes tax-free and how to meet transfer balance cap rules.

  • Using TTR alongside long-service leave or debt repayments without breaking rules or hurting cash flow.

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Why Do Clients Choose Me for TTR Advice?

  • Your TTR plan is built from your explicitly stated goals and numbers, not a provider’s product list.

  • I model cash-flow, tax, and balances side by side so you see the effect before you commit.

  • You deal with me long-term, with regular check-ins as your hours, rules, or goals change.

  • Caringbah office, CBD on request, or video. Quick replies, even WhatsApp if that’s easier for you.

Plenty of advisors can explain the rules. What matters is whether they can apply them to your life in a way that makes sense and stands up over time. This is what my clients value when it comes to TTR:

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Client Experiences

Nothing speaks louder than the experiences of people who’ve sat where you’re sitting now.

  • I was attracted to James's business by the online referees and comments and have since been very happy with the choice. James has been very patient and professional in rebuilding my superannuation portfolio and the results are pleasing. I very much appreciate his depth of knowledge and his personal skills.

    Geoffrey Todd

  • We have found dealing with James a worthwhile experience as he listens to what you require and that investments are reviewed and information to us is clear. We found James helped our transition into retirement an easy experience and very grateful for his expertise. 5 stars all the way !!

    Craig Pullen

  • James was incredibly helpful and prompt in his responses. Very accurate in the analysis of the real estate market and my personal, financial circumstances. In just a few hours we understood the best-case scenario, in my situation, and he guided me towards positive and reassuring final decisions to be made. He really placed my personal and financial needs first and we went from there. I really appreciated the honesty in his judgment and of course his valuable knowledge.

    Marta Lentisco

  • I have referred James to other colleagues as I find him to be very open and honest. He understands my husband's and my needs and is always on top of everything. He has great knowledge of superannuation and financial matters. James is always a pleasure to deal with, and we highly recommend his services.

    Jenelle Edwards

  • Having been referred to James by a colleague, I found his industry knowledge exceptional. His approach to my financial plan was holistic as he took consideration of what was happening in my life with a short to medium set up. James is also a great people person and very personable whilst maintaining strong professionalism. I can thoroughly recommend James Hayes without hesitation.

    Robert Stewart

  • I contacted James for advice with my superannuation policies, he put my mind at rest from the first phone conversation, I appreciated his support and advice in making a decision. No attempt was made to pin me down, allowing me time to consider my options. When a date was made to call me back, he did. He continues to stay in touch and offer guidance. I’m happy with the advice and the results I’m benefiting from.

    Allan Cavanagh

  • James has been my family’s financial advisor for the past 6 years. He has looked after our super and life insurance and provided invaluable financial advice. We have used other advisors previously; however, none have offered James’s understanding of our situation and what options might be available to us that we are not aware of. He is a pleasure to deal with, and I would highly recommend him.

    Matt Woodroffe

  • James has looked after my family and me for many years. I trust James and he has really helped us understand what we need to do to reach our financial goals. I can’t recommend anyone more than James!

    Andrew Rockliff

  • I have been working with James for almost 20 years. I've always been happy to make fun of the financial planning game, but my God we were grateful to have it in place when things went wrong. Thank you, James, for your hard work and diligence in helping with the claim and with establishing a great network of financial support and advice, which I've been leveraging for years.

    Rhys Baker

  • James exhibits the essential attributes and qualities required to be an asset on any person's path to financial freedom and security. Working with James, I have seen clients benefit from his interactions and instruction and I’m sure many more will.

    Mark Cameron

  • Very knowledgeable, tailors an approach and advice to suit each individual's needs and goals. Great communication, never "too busy", whether it's a chat over coffee or a meeting in the office, James' expertise coupled with a friendly approach is refreshing for those of us who sometimes get lost in the complexities of the industry!

    Nigel

  • I would like to express my thanks and appreciation for the work and expertise you have done and provided over the past years. I not only consider you my advisor, but we have become friends over the years and again I appreciate the help you have given me. You have gone on to extend the same help to my now adult children. May you prosper along with your clients.

    Jeremy Bressick

  • James Hayes managed my super and investment portfolio for 5+ years, and I couldn't be happier with not only the results, but the communication and overall professionalism provided. I highly recommend.

    Joe Boy

  • I've been lucky enough to have James looking after my financial affairs for many years and couldn't be happier. Genuine guy with exceptional industry knowledge.

    Pietro Di Ciaccio

  • I’ve been using James as my financial planner for just over 5 years now. He’s done an amazing job with my super and would recommend him.

    Laura Stevenson

  • Really great advice and explained to a non-financial person so well! Happy to recommend.

    Lyn Bradshaw

I’m based in Caringbah, and most of the people I work with live right here in the Sutherland Shire. If you’re nearby, chances are I already have clients in your suburb, which makes it easy to catch up in person when you need to.

What Sutherland Shire Suburbs Do I Serve?

Alfords PointAudleyBangorBarden RidgeBonnet Bay
BundeenaBurraneerCaringbahCaringbah SouthCaravan Head
ComoComo WestCronullaDolans BayEngadine
Grays PointGreenhills BeachGundamaianGymeaGymea Bay
HeathcoteIllawongJannaliKangaroo PointKareela
KirraweeLilli PilliLoftusLucas HeightsMaianbar
MenaiMirandaOyster BayPort HackingRoyal National Park
Sandy PointSutherlandSylvania HeightsSylvania WatersTaren Point
WarumbulWaterfallWooloowareWoronoraWoronora Dam
Woronora HeightsYarrawarrahYowie BayKurnell

If you don’t see your suburb listed, that doesn’t rule you out because I also work with clients across Sydney and the CBD who prefer an advisor close to home in the Shire.

What Financial Planning Services Do I Offer?

Money means different things at different stages of life. These are the areas where I can step in and help take the pressure off:

Superannuation

Making the most of your super, from regular contributions through to withdrawals and tax-free pensions so you feel confident at every stage of life.

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Inheritance Advice

Helping you manage family inheritances in a tax-smart way, so wealth is preserved and distributed as smoothly as possible.

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Shares & ETFs

Building and managing portfolios of shares and ETFs, with strategies designed to balance growth potential against sensible risk.

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Property Investments

Guiding you on when and how property can play a role in your broader financial plan, including super and tax considerations.

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Pensions

Setting up reliable tax-free retirement income streams that give you security today while protecting your financial future.

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Aged Care Planning

Supporting families through the complexity of aged care decisions, from costs and entitlements to long-term sustainability.

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A young couple with two children using their hands to show their home

First Home Buying

Helping younger clients step into the property market with clear strategies on saving, borrowing, and long-term planning.

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Ethical Investing

Designing investment strategies that align with your personal values while still focusing on growth and financial outcomes.

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Wills & Estate Planning

Ensuring your assets are protected, your wishes are carried out, and your loved ones are supported into the future.

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Every plan is personal. I’m not tied to banks or big corporates, and I don’t use rinse-and-repeat templates. The strategies we build together reflect your goals, your values, and the life you want to live.

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Make the Next 12 Months Count.

James Hayes Headshot

Transition to Retirement isn’t something to leave until the week before you stop working. Get your settings right now, and you’ll know exactly how much income you’ll have, how much tax you’ll save, and when to switch fully into retirement phase.

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Transition to Retirement (TTR) FAQs

  • TTR lets Australians aged 55+ access part of their super while still working. You start a TTR pension, draw limited income, and often combine it with salary sacrifice. This balances cash flow, boosts super, and reduces tax, while giving flexibility to ease out of full-time work gradually.

  • The ATO’s TTR rules are complex. A financial planner models cash flow, tax, and super outcomes so you don’t overdraw, breach contribution caps, or miss tax concessions. They also map when to switch from TTR to tax-free retirement phase and ensure that decisions made today strengthen long-term retirement income.

  • You can start a TTR pension once you reach preservation age, currently 60 for most people. You must keep working in some capacity, and withdrawals are capped. A planner helps time the start so that you maximise tax savings without undermining your superannuation balance too early.

  • Withdrawals must be between 4% and 10% of your super balance each financial year. Lump sums aren’t allowed until full retirement. A financial planner ensures withdrawals fit cash flow needs and comply with caps to avoid penalties and preserve super for when retirement officially begins.

  • TTR can reduce income tax by pairing salary sacrifice with pension withdrawals. Contributions are taxed at 15% inside super, often less than PAYG marginal rates. Pension income is taxable but may include a tax offset. Advice helps strike the right balance so that the benefits outweigh the costs.

  • Common TTR risks include over-withdrawing, breaching contribution caps, or leaving super under-invested. Some benefits have narrowed since the 2017 reforms, so not everyone gains. Without planning, you may increase tax or erode retirement savings. A financial planner tests scenarios to confirm whether TTR genuinely improves your position.

  • Once you retire or reach age 65, your TTR pension converts to a retirement-phase account. At that point, investment earnings supporting the pension become tax-free. A financial planner monitors transfer balance caps and handles timing so that the switch maximises tax exemptions and preserves super value.

  • Yes. Some use TTR income to cover mortgage repayments while salary sacrificing more into super. Others combine TTR with long-service leave to reduce hours without losing income. A financial planner ensures these strategies stay compliant and don’t create cash-flow shortfalls or lost super growth.

  • It depends on your income, super balance, age, and goals. For higher-income earners, the tax savings and contribution boosts can be significant. For others, the benefit is lifestyle flexibility. A financial planner runs tailored projections to confirm whether TTR delivers enough advantage in your circumstances.