Seven Year-End Money Checks for Australians Looking Ahead to 2027

Before 2026 ends, seven focused money checks can help Australians prepare for the decisions and costs that may shape 2027. The aim isn’t to change everything at once; it’s to see whether your super, property, investments and household plans still fit your goals, and identify questions to resolve before acting.

1. Check whether your super still fits

Super is a major asset for many Australians, but it can be easy to leave it untouched for years. Review whether your investment mix suits your retirement timeframe, goals and tolerance for risk. Check fees and insurance too: the price and level of cover should still make sense for your circumstances.

Consider whether additional contributions could help with your retirement goals, but first check your eligibility, contribution caps and possible tax effects. Beneficiary nominations also deserve a look to make sure they remain current and reflect your wishes.

If you run a self-managed super fund (SMSF), include its operating costs, administration and compliance responsibilities in the review. The investment control it offers may still suit you, but weigh that against the work and expense of running the fund. If the balance is unclear, an SMSF financial advisor can help you assess the options.

2. Put property plans beside the rest of your finances

Buying, holding or selling an investment property can affect far more than the property portfolio. Before buying in 2027, look at how a new loan and ongoing expenses could shape your cash flow and ability to save toward other goals. A mortgage broker can help you review borrowing options, current debt and cash flow before you take on another loan.

If you already own investment property, assess performance beyond rent received. Include expenses, loan repayments, maintenance and periods without tenants. That fuller picture can show which properties contribute to your plans and which may put pressure on household cash flow.

Retirement plans may change the calculation. If you’re nearing retirement, consider whether keeping each property supports the income and lifestyle you want, or whether selling investment properties could release capital for retirement. Yield offers a guide, 10 Practical Moves to Sell Your Investment Property Portfolio, for people exploring that decision.

3. Check tax effects before major decisions

A decision that looks sensible on its own can still have tax consequences. Selling an investment property, realising investment gains, contributing to super or receiving super death benefits may affect the amount of tax payable. Before making a major move, find out which rules apply to your circumstances and when the tax effects may arise.

For a property sale, consider whether capital gains tax (CGT) could apply and how the timing of the sale and recent budget changes might affect your position. People with large super balances may also want to understand Division 296 tax: the source identifies the first assessment as applying to the 2026–27 financial year. A tax review ahead of a decision can help you prepare for a bill and compare options with clearer information.

4. Look at how your investments are spread

If a large share of your wealth sits in property, or your direct shares cluster in one industry or region, your finances may be more exposed to changes in that area. Review how your assets are distributed alongside your goals, timeframe and comfort with risk.

Also consider when you’ll need access to the money. Savings intended for children’s future education costs, for example, may need a different approach from funds set aside for a distant goal. Money needed soon has less time to recover from market falls, so access needs and timeframe belong in the same conversation as investment choices. A wealth creation strategy should account for those factors together.

5. Map out your route into retirement

Retirement doesn’t have to start with a sudden stop to work. You might reduce your hours over time through a transition to retirement, or move directly into full retirement. The right path depends on your goals and finances, so consider what each option could mean for income and day-to-day spending.

Super is only one part of the picture. Your home, investment properties and other assets, along with family commitments and the lifestyle you want, all affect whether your resources can provide the income you need. You may also want to keep working part-time or adjust investments to support your plans. Starting this review early leaves more time to identify gaps and consider your choices. A retirement financial advisor can help bring your assets, income needs and goals into one plan.

6. Talk about possible aged care needs

If you or a family member may need aged care in the year ahead, the financial questions can involve savings, other assets and the family home. When visiting older relatives over the holidays, notice whether everyday tasks seem harder and make space for a conversation about care needs and future wishes.

Consider how care costs could affect savings, whether the home might need to be kept or sold, and what those choices could mean for other family members. Seeking aged care financial advice early can help families understand the available options and plan for costs before decisions become pressing.

7. Make sure insurance matches your needs

Insurance premiums can feel like a drain when you haven’t needed to make a claim. But illness, an injury that stops you working or the loss of a loved one can put pressure on household income and essential expenses. Suitable cover can help a family manage that pressure.

Review whether your existing cover still fits your circumstances, income and budget. The goal is protection that meets your needs, rather than simply holding more cover. An insurance advisor can help you assess the cover and premiums that may suit your situation.

Choose the next step that matters most

Use these questions to decide where a review could make the biggest difference to your plans for 2027. You don’t need to settle every decision at once: clarify the information you need, check how each choice affects the rest of your finances, and seek help where the trade-offs aren’t clear.

Yield works with Australians on decisions involving wealth, property, retirement and aged care. If you want help reviewing your options, you can book a free consultation with a financial advisor.