Are you ready for a financially fit 2024?

The New Year — what a wonderful time for reflection, resolutions and setting new goals! 

Just like aiming for a healthier diet or prepping for your first full marathon, we understand that committing to new financial goals feels like a brilliant fresh start.


But it's not just about making resolutions; it's about crafting a plan.


So as your financial coaches, here are 5 tips to help you achieve your peak financial fitness in 2024.


Stay informed and be realistic:


If you hardly get off the couch these days, you’re probably not going to run a full marathon in three months’ time. Similarly, it’s important to approach your financial goals realistically.


Last year saw some economic challenges and geopolitical issues that are expected to persist in 2024. With that in mind, its essential to assess how the economic environment may impact your overall financial position and investment prospects.  


At DP Wealth, we pride ourselves on staying informed and proactive, offering bespoke advice based on your financial situation in the current economic landscape. Our goal is to empower you to make informed decisions to work towards your financial goals.


Bulk up your financial resilience:


If there is one thing the last 5 years has taught us, it’s that life is unpredictable.


No matter how much you have in assets, developing a robust emergency fund is incredibly important and plays a vital role in safeguarding your financial well-being when unexpected challenges arise, such as job loss, health issues, or unforeseen accidents.

Our team at DP Wealth suggests aiming to build an emergency fund that could cover approximately three to six months' worth of living expenses. Talk to us about how we can help.


Customise your investment strategy:


Look at tailoring your investments to match the timing and risk level of each of your financial goals. Think low-risk options for short-term needs and growth-oriented strategies for long-term financial goals like retirement.


In today’s markets, cost-effective portfolio implementation is also important, so it could be time to consider Exchange Traded Funds (ETF’s).

Compared to mutual funds or actively managed funds, ETFs typically have lower expense ratios, which means investors can keep more of their returns. And they can be bought and sold throughout the trading day, just like individual stocks, so adjustments can be made quickly and easily.

 

Check-in with your beneficiaries:

 

The current economy is impacting each generation differently, so it may a suitable time to check in on the kids' financial fitness. Consider starting the discussion around your own and your family’s financial and lifestyle goals, including family legacy, wills, trusts, tax and distribution timing with your loved ones and a DP Wealth financial advisor.


This ensures the protection of your hard-earned assets and the desired distribution to beneficiaries, whenever the time comes.


Strengthen your retirement and aged care plan:


Do you have enough to fund your retirement? And how can you maximise benefits and minimise tax when you eventually go into care?

Remember, it's never too early to start planning for retirement and aged care, especially if you're envisioning a certain lifestyle for your golden years.


Our team can help you plan for the retirement you want. And our very own aged care specialist can walk you through the ever-changing aged care landscape including accommodation, fees and taxation – essential considerations when planning your golden years.

 

Disclaimer This blog contains general information only and should not be relied on as a substitute for financial or other professional advice. The information and opinions contained in this blog have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but no representation or warranty, express, or implied, is made that such information is accurate or complete and it should not be relied upon as such. Information and opinions contained in the blog are published for the assistance of recipients but are not to be relied upon as authoritative or taken in substitution for the exercise of judgement by any recipient and are subject to change without notice. Except to the extent that liability cannot be excluded, DP Wealth Advisory does not accept any liability for any direct or consequential loss arising from any use of material contained in this blog.

May 30, 2025
As the dust settles following the 2025 federal election, investors and retirees across Australia are facing new legislative realities—particularly around superannuation tax thresholds and broader wealth management strategies. At DP Wealth, we understand that policy change can be unsettling. Headlines about “panic selling” and “super tax shocks” make it easy to lose sight of the long game. But rest assured, with expert guidance and a clear plan, there are effective ways to stay ahead—and stay in control. Division 296 and the $3 million super balance cap From 1 July 2025, individuals with super balances over $3 million may be subject to an additional 15% tax on earnings linked to the amount above that threshold, including unrealised gains. Who does this affect? Self-managed super fund (SMSF) trustees High net worth individuals nearing or exceeding the cap Those relying heavily on super for retirement and estate planning What should you be considering now? Does this change impact your retirement goals? Is your current structure still the most tax-effective for you? Would investing outside of super provide greater flexibility or advantages? Should you revise your contribution strategy before July 2025? Our team can walk you through different scenarios and work closely with your accountant and solicitor to ensure your plan remains efficient and aligned with your life goals. Tax Time 2025: Why Proactive Planning Is Your Best Asset Tax planning is never just about this year’s return. It’s about building strategies to: Preserve capital Optimise income distribution Minimise unnecessary tax liability Ensure intergenerational wealth transfer At DP Wealth, we’re committed to helping you stay on the front foot and ahead of the curve. We regularly review our clients’ portfolios to ensure they reflect both market conditions and legislative change. Key Strategies to Discuss with Your Financial Planner Here’s where personalised advice can deliver real value: Strategic Super Contributions - Make the most of concessional and non-concessional caps while they’re still available. Timing matters—especially leading up to July 2025. Diversified Investment Structures - We help clients explore options outside of super, including investment lending, tax-deferred income products, and ETF-based portfolios for cost-effective diversification Retirement and Estate Planning Alignment Changes to tax and super legislation should never be looked at in isolation. We assess their impact on: Your long-term income needs Binding death benefit nominations SMSF succession planning Collaborative Wealth Management We work alongside your accountant and solicitor to implement an integrated strategy that optimises capital gains and losses, leverages available concessions, and supports tax-efficient legacy. Stay Informed. Stay in Control. As we approach the 2025–2026 financial year, it’s critical to ensure your wealth strategy is future-ready. Now is the time to: Revisit your investment allocations Update your superannuation and contribution plans Start succession and estate planning discussions Speak to a professional before making reactive decisions Ready to talk tax and super strategy? Call our Toowoomba office today on (07) 4690 2588, or book a confidential consultation.
By Andrew Wielandt February 27, 2025
From shifts in U.S. policy and Australia’s market position to the growing appeal of private equity and infrastructure investment, there were plenty of takeaways for investors looking to navigate the year ahead.
Sydney Harbour Bridge
By Andrew Wielandt February 27, 2025
At Symphony 2025 , Andrew Wielandt explored how AI, data integrity, and smart tech adoption are reshaping our industry.