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Superannuation Update: Transfer Balance Cap Rising to $2.1 Million – What it Means for You

qfp-admin — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 21:00:00 +0000

The Australian superannuation system continues to evolve, and one of the most significant upcoming changes is the indexation of the Transfer Balance Cap (TBC). From 1 July 2026, the general TBC will increase from $2,000,000 to $2,100,000, allowing eligible retirees to move more of their super into the tax‑free retirement (pension) phase.

This update forms part of the regular indexation of superannuation thresholds and aims to help retirees maintain purchasing power by increasing how much can be held in the tax‑free pension environment.

Below is a summary of what this means, and who may benefit.

What Is the Transfer Balance Cap (TBC) ?

The TBC is the maximum amount of superannuation you can transfer into a retirement phase pension, where earnings are tax‑free. It applies individually, and a client’s personal cap may differ depending on how much of their cap they have already used.

What’s Changing?

Current cap (2025–26): $2,000,000
New cap from 1 July 2026: $2,100,000

This increase is driven by indexation and benefits members who:

Have not yet commenced a retirement phase pension
Have only partially used their personal TBC (their cap may be proportionally indexed)
Plan to make additional non‑concessional contributions, as these thresholds are linked to the TBC

Members who have already fully used their cap will not receive an increase.

Advantages of the Higher Transfer Balance Cap

1. More Held in Tax‑Free Pension Phase

With an extra $100,000 allowed, eligible clients can transfer more super into the 0% tax environment.
This can improve long‑term retirement outcomes, particularly for those with larger balances.

2. Higher Contribution Opportunities

Because contribution eligibility thresholds (such as total super balance limits for non‑concessional contributions) are linked to the TBC, an increase:

May reopen contribution opportunities for some clients
Can allow larger bring‑forward amounts or eligibility for co‑contributions and spouse contribution tax offsets for those under the relevant thresholds

3. Greater Retirement Planning Flexibility

The higher cap can support:

Transition‑to‑retirement strategies
Re‑contribution strategies
Improved estate planning outcomes, as pension-phase assets receive more favourable tax treatment

Disadvantages or Considerations

1. Timing Complications

Starting a pension before the increase may lock in the lower $2.0m cap, reducing potential tax‑free pension capacity for life. Personal caps are set by the first time you start a retirement phase income stream.

2. No Benefit for Those With a Fully Used Cap

Clients who have already used their full TBC cannot access the indexation increase. This includes anyone who fully utilised their cap prior to 1 July 2026.

3. Complexity for Partial Users

Those who have used only part of their cap may receive proportionate indexation, which can be confusing because:

The increase is not the full $100,000
It depends on the highest ever balance in their transfer balance account

4. Larger Pension Balances Require Ongoing Monitoring

Although earnings in the pension phase are not restricted by the cap, exceeding the cap on transfer can trigger excess transfer balance tax and forced commutations.

Who Should Consider Acting Before 30 June?

Clients may benefit from reviewing their position if they are:

Planning to start a pension shortly
Considering large non‑concessional contributions
In a bring‑forward period
Nearing age limits for contributions
Looking to optimise spouse contribution or co‑contribution eligibility

As contribution caps and TBC indexation interact, timing can influence the outcome.

Summary

The increase of the Transfer Balance Cap (TBC) to $2.1 million is welcome news for many Australians approaching retirement. It creates opportunities to hold more wealth in the tax‑free pension environment, but it also adds complexity—especially around timing, contribution strategies, and personal cap calculations.

As always, superannuation remains highly individual. Your personal circumstances, previous pension history, and future plans will all influence the best course of action.

If you’re considering entering the pension stage or want clarity on how these changes may benefit you, I’m here to help you navigate the rules and make the most of the opportunities available.

Should you require further information in relation to the Transfer Balance Cap please feel free to contact Peter Quinn by submitting an enquiry or calling us on +61 2 9580 9166 to book an obligation-free appointment.

The information in this document does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs, so you should consider its appropriateness having regard to these factors before acting on it. It is important that your personal circumstances are taken into account before making any financial decision and it is recommended that you seek assistance from your financial adviser.

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Do you think you are too young to get Cancer? Why Trauma Insurance Matters for Families

qfp-admin — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 22:00:00 +0000

Cancer continues to be one of the leading health challenges in Australia. With one in two Australians diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85, it’s a reality that touches nearly every family. As medical detection improves and our population ages, the number of cancer diagnoses is steadily increasing — a trend with significant emotional and financial implications.

Key Statistics by Age Group

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) over 164,000 Australians are estimated to be diagnosed with cancer in 2025. In 2021, 145,000 were dialogised with statistics on the rise.

Most common age group & types of diagnosis:

Ages 60–69: Highest number of diagnoses
Ages 40–59: Increasing rates, particularly for breast, prostate, and melanoma
Under 40s: Still lower rates overall, but rising for cancers such as thyroid and Rising Trends
Younger women (30s–40s) are experiencing a notable rise in breast cancer diagnoses.
Thyroid cancer, particularly in younger adults, has doubled over the past decade.
Melanoma is one of the most common cancers among Australians aged 15–39.

Why it is Critical for Families to have Trauma Insurance

While private health insurance and Medicare cover many medical expenses, trauma insurance offers a lump-sum payment upon diagnosis of a serious illness like cancer — giving families the freedom to focus on recovery, not finances.

Advantages & Benefits for families with trauma insurance

Immediate financial support for treatment not covered by health insurance (e.g., alternative therapies, specialist consultations).
Covers living expenses if you or your partner need to take time off work.
Funds for travel and accommodation if treatment is needed to travel interstate.
Helps with mortgage repayments, school fees, or in-home care — during a tough time it allows families to maintain their lifestyle.

Disadvantages & Risks for families not having trauma insurance

Financial Strain on the Family – you may need to dip into superannuation and savings, take out a loan or rely on family or government assistance. This can impact your long-term plans for home ownership, education goals or retirement.
Limited Treatment Options – Insufficient funds may require using public hospital waitlists or skipping effective but expensive therapies.
Loss of Income – If you’re self-employed or your sick leave entitlements run out, the household income may take a significant hit — sometimes for months or even years.
Partner’s Career Disruption – A partner will need to reduce hours or leave their job to become a full-time carer, compounding the financial impact.

Cancer affects individuals and it affects families emotionally, physically, and financially. With cancer diagnoses on the rise, especially among working-age Australians, trauma insurance isn’t just a safety net — it’s a lifeline. The peace of mind trauma insurance brings is something no family should be without in today’s world.

Should you require further information in relation to trauma insurance, please feel free to contact Peter Quinn by submitting an enquiry or calling us on +61 2 9580 9166 to book an obligation-free appointment.

The information in this document does not consider your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs, so you should consider its appropriateness having regard to these factors before acting on it. It is important that your personal circumstances are taken into account before making any financial decision and it is recommended that you seek assistance from your financial adviser.

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Stock Market News: Sell, Hold, or Buy Shares?

qfp-admin — Mon, 10 Dec 2018 00:23:11 +0000

Shares – Buy, Sell or Hold

Over the past twelve months the ASX 200 has declined from its high of 6373 to its current level of 5750 (at the time of writing) or 9.8%. The Dow Jones has declined over the past twelve months from its high of 26,951 to its current level of 25,286 (at the time of writing) or 6.2%. So why the current correction of the various market indices? Interest Rates Over the past decade we have experienced unbelievable low interest rates. This in turn has encouraged investors to take risk by investing in the stock market, as interest rates on cash deposits were barely above inflation. It also meant that company corporate profits were higher since the interest expense in their Profit and Loss Statement were lower, as interest rates declined. Well, now the trend is starting to turn. The American economy, in particular, is strong and accordingly their Federal Reserve is raising interest rates. By raising interest rates the Federal Reserve is hoping to make sure that their economy does not overheat. If the economy overheats then inflation will have a negative effect on their cost of living. The good news is that the Federal Reserve is no longer propping up the economy with near zero interest rates. One of the biggest drivers of inflation is wage growth. The US unemployment rate plunged in September 2018 to a 49 year low, meaning wage growth is now on the rise increasing the probability of high inflation. In summary, high interest rates are bad for;

corporation with a large level of debt.
mums and dads that have large home mortgages or investment debt.
for companies that are in the discretionary spending sector.
current bond holders.
investors who have a share portfolio with an emphasis on growth stock such as technology as opposed to value stocks.

The good news from our perspective is that we have been underweight in bonds and fixed interest for some time now, and clients will be aware that we have a preference for value companies as opposed to growth businesses. Should you require further information on share investment, please feel free to contact Peter Quinn by submitting an enquiry or calling us on +61 2 9580 9166.

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Find Your Lost Superannuation

qfp-admin — Sun, 02 Dec 2018 23:04:54 +0000

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Locate your lost super

The Government hopes to reunite more people with their lost super by requiring super funds to transfer inactive accounts (where contributions have not been received for 13 months) with a balance below $6,000 to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). The ATO will automatically reunite inactive accounts with active accounts where the combined balance will be at least $6,000. At the other end of the scale, people who earn more than $263,157 from multiple employers will be able to exclude wages from certain employers from the Superannuation Guarantee (SG) from 1 July 2018. This will help employees avoid unintentionally breaching the $25,000 a year concessional contributions cap. Employees may then be able to negotiate with their employer to receive additional income taxed at their marginal tax rates. Should you require further information on finding your lost super please feel free to contact Peter Quinn by submitting an enquiry or calling us on +61 2 9580 9166. The information in this document does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and so you should consider its appropriateness having regard to these factors before acting on it. It is important that your personal circumstances are taken into account before making any financial decision and it is recommended that you seek assistance from your financial adviser. [/et_pb_text] [/et_pb_column] [/et_pb_row] [/et_pb_section]

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qfp-admin — Mon, 27 Oct 2014 00:07:14 +0000

Video

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Mobile Test Page 2

qfp-admin — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 04:11:47 +0000

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Mobile Test Page 1

qfp-admin — Thu, 11 Sep 2014 04:11:19 +0000

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Testimonials

qfp-admin — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 00:05:28 +0000

Testimonials

“Thank you for putting in the special time for our super fund. It was very much appreciated. It is nice to know that you have a professional team behind us.”

“The personal service and the professional touch…”

“

Meetings are very informative. Staff have all the information needed and… “

“Thank you for a most interesting, informative and necessary seminar…”

“The presentation was very informative and professional and the…”

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qfp-admin — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 13:38:48 +0000

Virtual Meetings

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Free Services

qfp-admin — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 13:37:46 +0000

FREE Services

Free Financial Planning meeting. Arrange an obligation free meeting now.

The Quinn Group host regular seminars exclusively for clients and invited guests. Register now to join the list.

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