Lindzi Caputo

Generation X are sitting on far more wealth than they realise and are in a strong position to take control of their financial future, but few are doing so strategically, according to wealth management partner at HLB Mann Judd Sydney, Lindzi Caputo.

Caputo said Gen X, often overlooked in the generational wealth debate, are entering a critical financial stage.

“Many Gen Xers are asset-rich but strategy-poor. They’ve benefited from compulsory superannuation and rising property prices, yet few have a structured plan to make that wealth work for them,” Caputo said.

“With retirement on the horizon, Gen X needs to shift from autopilot to active planning.

“For many, financial independence or early retirement could be a realistic goal, but it requires more than relying on property and superannuation. Now is the time to plan intentionally.”

Caputo said that while the family home often represents the bulk of wealth for this age group, it’s important to think beyond real estate.

“If the mortgage is less than 50 per cent of the property’s value, that’s often the tipping point where it makes sense to start looking at other investment opportunities. A more balanced portfolio with liquid assets such as shares or managed funds can provide both growth and flexibility.”

While superannuation remains an important strategy, Caputo said those in their 40s and early 50s may still be many years away from accessing it.

“Someone in their late 40s may still be 15 to 20 years from retirement, and that’s why it’s important to also consider investments that are accessible and can be actively managed outside of super,” Caputo said.

“Debt can be a powerful tool, but it needs to be managed prudently. Borrowing to invest in liquid assets can accelerate wealth creation, provided repayments are sustainable and the asset can be easily sold if needed. And ideally, that debt should be cleared before retirement.”

She says high-income earners within Gen X may also have significant free cash flow that could be put to more productive use.

“We often work with clients to set up regular monthly investment contributions. Over time, these can build substantial portfolios grow overall wealth and provide income to support family goals, such as school fees or travel,” Caputo said.

“If your goal is to generate $200,000 a year from investments, using a conservative 5 per cent return, you’d need around $4 million in investable assets. Once you reach that, work becomes a choice, not a necessity.”

Caputo also encouraged Gen X to turn their attention to inheritance and legacy planning.

“Framing inheritance discussions as conversations about legacy rather than loss helps families align their values and intentions. Structures like testamentary trusts can protect wealth and ensure it benefits future generations,” Caputo said.

“When these conversations happen in advance, with powers of attorney and enduring guardianships in place, it reduces strain on families and ensures smoother transitions. Once an inheritance is received, paying down non-deductible debt and maximising super contributions should be the first priorities.”

Caputo said while Gen X may not have had the same economic tailwinds as the Baby Boomers, many are in strong positions to retire comfortably if they plan effectively.

“With strategic thinking, diversification, and open family conversations, this generation can create a retirement that is both secure and fulfilling. But the key is to start now, because when it comes to financial independence, time and intention are everything.”

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Ronnie Calligeros joins HLB Mann Judd Robina within the assurance & advisory team. Mr Calligeros joins from KPMG where he was based in Australia for 10 years and prior to that, Cayman Islands for four years. He brings with him more than 19 years of experience providing advisory, accounting, and assurance services, with experience spanning numerous ASX-listed companies and other public entities, large and small private companies, family businesses, start-ups, not-for-profit organisations, managed investment schemes, and government entities.

Lindzi Caputo has been promoted to partner at HLB Mann Judd Sydney in the wealth management division. Ms Caputo joined HLB Mann Judd in 2009 as a graduate in superannuation services and became a director in 2022. She works with a wide range of private clients to build and protect their wealth, covering wealth accumulation, superannuation, retirement planning and investment advice. She is a member of the Financial Advice Association Australia as well as Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

Also in Sydney, Marcus Polovineo has been promoted to partner in the tax consulting team. Mr Polovineo joined HLB Mann Judd in 2011 and is an experienced taxation practitioner, specialising in corporate tax compliance & consulting. In 2019, he was a winner of the Specialist Consultant award at the Accountant’s Daily ‘30 under 30’ awards. Mr Polovineo is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

Simon Thorp has joined HLB Mann Judd in Sydney as senior partner in the tax consulting team. Mr Thorp joins from KPMG, where he worked since 2000 in the tax division before becoming partner in 2013. Mr Thorp’s expertise spans tax advisory, international tax, and M&A, and he also provides IPO advisory, assistance with capital management and comprehensive tax compliance services.

HLB Mann Judd Australasian Association chair, Tony Fittler, said: “Appointing four new partners marks a significant milestone in the Association’s growth journey. The accounting profession has been evolving over the last few years, and we remain firmly focused on what matters most, our people and our clients.”

There are also six director appointments in HLB Mann Judd firms, strengthening the wealth management, assurance and advisory, tax advisory services, and corporate and audit services practices.

In Sydney, Emma Hicks, Katie Bruce and Lachlan Bell have been promoted to director.

Emma Hicks joined HLB Mann Judd in 2009 as a financial adviser. She works with a wide range of private clients across investment advice and structuring, wealth creation, superannuation, and retirement planning. Ms Hicks has a Bachelor of Business, accounting and human resources management, and an advanced diploma of financial planning from Kaplan.

Katie Bruce is part of the assurance & advisory division. She has been with HLB Mann Judd since 2020 when she joined as an audit supervisor. Prior to that, Ms Bruce was based in the US. She has a Bachelor of Science in accounting from the California State University, and a Master of Science in accounting,

Lachlan Bell is a member of the assurance & advisory division, specialising in freight forwarding, managed funds and property management. As an audit director he brings extensive experience and expertise in financial audits and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Mr Bell is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

In Perth, Dylan Sheard, Brendan Bate and Don Tyrie have been promoted to director.

Dylan Sheard is part of the corporate & audit services team based in Perth. Mr Sheard has been with HLB Mann Judd since 2009, working on government organisations, listed clients and large private companies, including Pilbara Ports Authority, Southern Ports Authority, Poseidon Nickel and Sadleirs Transport Company. He is a member of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

Brendan Bate is a member of the wealth management team in Perth, bringing over 20 years’ experience in the accounting and financial services industries. Mr Bate joined HLB Mann Judd in 2023 with varied background across technically challenging and dynamic roles in large organisations, to advising families at a boutique financial planning firm. He has a graduate diploma in financial planning and is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

Don Tyrie is a member of the tax advisory services team in Perth and has been with HLB Mann Judd since 2018. Mr Tyrie works in corporate and international taxation, specialising in taxation for mining and resources companies, including mining services. He is a Chartered Tax Adviser, and a member of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

Retiring this year is Kevin Franey, a partner in the assurance & advisory team in Robina. Mr Franey has been a partner at HLB Mann Judd for almost 40 years and has delivered valuable insights and audit expertise to clients across financial institutions, large corporates, higher education, cooperatives, health & community services and not for profit entities.

“After 35 remarkable years with HLB, Kevin leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of leadership, integrity and dedication. He has been a genuine pleasure to work with and we will all miss him. His contribution has shaped not only our organisation, but also the careers and lives of so many colleagues and clients. We thank Kevin for his service and wish him the best in his retirement,” said Mr Fittler.

Mr Franey says: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my professional career spanning over 35 years, working and interacting with so many wonderful clients and other people who have helped shape me professionally as a person. I would like to thank the great people at HLB Mann Judd who have provided great assistance and leadership. A very special mention goes to all of the amazing Partners and Staff in our team at HLB Mann Judd Gold Coast & Northern Rivers and TNR. They are dedicated, caring and highly professional people who are beside you through thick and thin.”

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The appointments are within the network’s wealth management, business advisory and tax divisions.

In Adelaide, Peter Wirtz has been made partner in the tax division.

Mr Wirtz has 20 years’ experience in professional services and industry throughout Australia, South Africa, Brazil, China and Japan, and has been a tax director in the Adelaide firm since 2020. He provides tax consulting services to Australian-based companies, ranging from start up to multinational in size. Mr Wirtz specialises in the field of R&D tax incentives and grants to help companies meet their innovation and commercial objectives.

According to HLB Mann Judd Australasian Association chair, Tony Fittler, Mr Wirtz’s promotion reflects an environment where businesses of all sizes require quality, timely advice.

“Peter has a distinguished tax career in Australia and around the world. His experience, leadership and contribution to the Adelaide firm has been invaluable.

“I congratulate Peter on his appointment as partner. Clients benefit from his expertise and experience on tax-related matters, particularly in the important area of R&D tax incentives,” he said.

In addition to Mr Wirtz’s promotion to the partnership, there are also several new director appointments, including:

Lindzi Caputo has been appointed as director within the Sydney wealth management division. Ms Caputo has been with the firm for 13 years, having joined as a graduate accountant in 2009. Since becoming a wealth adviser in 2016, Ms Caputo has assisted a wide range of private clients to build and protect their wealth. Ms Caputo holds a Bachelor of Business from the University of Technology Sydney, is an Authorised Financial Planner© and a qualified Chartered Accountant.

Amy Wark has been promoted as director within the Melbourne firm’s tax consulting team. Ms Wark has been employed with HLB Mann Judd for the past eight years and prior to this, she was a tax manager with a national mid-tier firm. Ms Wark holds a Bachelor of Commerce/ Arts from the University of Melbourne, and is a qualified Chartered Accountant. Jessica Giramondo, Ryan Uphill, and Tristan Harmstorf have all been appointed to director within the Melbourne firm’s business advisory division.

Ms Giramondo has been with the firm for 13 years, having joined in 2009 as a graduate accountant. Ms Giramondo works with small to medium sized businesses, predominantly private family owned and operated. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from La Trobe University and is a qualified Chartered Accountant.

Mr Uphill has been with HLB Mann Judd for the past nine years, most recently a manager within the business advisory services division for five years, and previously worked as an accountant with a boutique Melbourne-based firm. Mr Uphill holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Monash University and is a qualified Chartered Accountant.

Mr Harmstorf has been employed with HLB Mann Judd Melbourne for the past 14 years. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from La Trobe University and is a qualified Chartered Accountant.

“We welcome a diverse group of young leaders who focus on strong client relationships across their respective areas of expertise, and it’s pleasing to see their hard work and dedication be rewarded.

“On behalf of HLB Mann Judd, I extend a heartfelt congratulations to the new directors and look forward to seeing their continued professional growth,” said Mr Fittler.

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