Defence & Public Sector Super Canberra
Independent advice on your PSS, CSS, MSBS or DFRDB, from a specialist with deep scheme knowledge
The Commonwealth and defence schemes work nothing like ordinary super, and the choices you make often have a big impact and can be once-only. We know these schemes in detail, we take no commissions, and we do not run a fund. Just clear advice on the choices that matter most.
1%
Only around 1% of financial planners in Australia are independent. We are one of them.
Independent means no commissions, no kickbacks, and no ownership by a bank or super fund.
Your scheme has rules of its own.
If your super is a PSS, CSS, MilitarySuper or the DFRDB, you have probably had the same experience: you sit down to work out your options, and much of the usual advice does not quite fit.
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​These are not ordinary super funds. They are defined-benefit schemes, which means your benefit is generally set by a formula based on your salary and your years of service.
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The rules are their own world.
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The statements are hard to read.
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The biggest decisions, like whether to take a lifetime pension or a lump sum, are made once and cannot be undone.
The difficulty is that many advisers do not work with these schemes in detail. Some will focus on managing your money without fully understanding how your particular scheme works, and that is where expensive mistakes can be made. Furthermore, it's important to consider your whole situation, your partner's position, your tax, or the other pieces of your retirement, and weigh them against each other.
You could be left making one of the most important financial decisions of your career on guidance that either does not fit your circumstances or does not go far enough. That is the gap we aim to fill.
What independent super scheme advice looks like
We are genuinely independent. We take no commissions, we charge no asset-based fees, and we are not owned by a bank or a super fund. We do not run a product, so when we look at your PSS, CSS or your MilitarySuper, we have nothing to sell you and no incentive to move your money anywhere. Only around 1% of planners in Australia can say that.
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And we know the schemes. Not "super in general", but the defined-benefit detail: how the PSS is calculated and optimised, how to consider CSS 54/11 options, how the MilitarySuper hybrid splits between your employer and member benefit and how DFRDB commutations work and are optimised for tax. We also consider how ADF Super and PSSap sit alongside them. Canberra has many people in these schemes, and they are a significant part of our work. We look at all of it together, and give you clear advice on what we would do and why.
"I highly recommend Andrew and his team for any financial advice. His advice is truly independent and he has made the transition from working life to retirement a lot easier for me. Andrew is extremely knowledgeable and has guided me through the process putting me at ease and giving me the confidence so I can enjoy those years ahead."
- Andrew S., Google review
The schemes we advise on
PSS (Public Sector Superannuation Scheme)
A defined-benefit scheme for Australian Government employees, closed to new members in 2005. Your benefit is a formula of your contribution rate, your years of service and your final average salary, and at the end you can usually take an indexed lifetime pension, a lump sum, or a combination.
MilitarySuper (MSBS)
The hybrid scheme for ADF members, closed to new entrants in 2016. It combines a defined benefit with an accumulation component, and the decisions around leaving the ADF, including on medical grounds, need care.
ADF Super
The accumulation scheme for ADF members since 2016. It behaves more like ordinary super, but the fund choice and insurance decisions still benefit from advice.
CSS (Commonwealth Superannuation Scheme)
The older Commonwealth scheme, largely built around an indexed lifetime pension. While it's rarer, the CSS is complex, valuable, and important to handle carefully at retirement or as you approach your 55th birthday.
DFRDB
The older defence scheme, based on a lifetime pension, with commutation choices that have long-term consequences worth understanding before you act.
PSSap
The accumulation plan for Australian Government employees since 2005. Again an accumulation scheme, where contribution strategy and retirement planning are the levers.
Not sure which scheme you are in?
If you are not sure which scheme you are in, or you have moved between them over a career, we can help you make sense of it. Book an introductory call
How we advise on your scheme
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Complimentary introductory call
Tell us your scheme and where you are up to. No cost, no obligation, and a chance to see whether we are the right fit.
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Discovery and fact-find
If you go ahead, we gather your scheme details and the rest of your picture. We quote a fixed fee up front before any work begins.
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Modelling and strategy
We model your options, including the pension-versus-lump-sum decision, and build the recommendation.
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Your written advice
We walk you through it plainly and answer your questions so the decision is clear.
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Implementation and review
We help you put it in place and review it as your circumstances and the rules change.
Trusted to deliver with your best interests first
"Andrew provided support to manage a very complex matter. Andrew talked us through all our options and took the time to explain the impact of each option. This enabled us to gain a good understanding and to make decisions in a timely manner. Andrew has a wonderful manner which leaves you feeling confident that you are in very good hands."
- Vicky, Adviser Ratings
"Andrew has provided clear and relevant advice which will allow me to prepare for retirement with more confidence and a better understanding of how to effectively manage my financial situation to meet my needs."
- Diane, Adviser Ratings
Frequently asked questions
Make the once-only decision with advice from someone who knows your scheme
Your PSS, CSS or military super is likely one of the most valuable things you own, and the choices it puts in front of you cannot be redone. It is worth talking them through with a specialist who has nothing to sell you. We can help you work through the options clearly.