Invest in your future

Spending a bit of time learning and developing good financial habits may be one of the most important investments you ever make.

Being in control of your finances means you’ll not only know where your money’s going and gain peace of mind, you’ll increase your ability to create a better life for yourself.

How we can help

We can help you gain control of your finances by showing you:

• How your spending and financial commitments could fit in better with your lifestyle day-to-day
• Appropriate financial strategies for you
• Practical steps to help you enjoy your idea of Financial Freedom

Help to make the right choices

There are many different investment types and it can be challenging to know which are the right ones and what risks they might involve.

We’re here to share our passion, knowledge and experience. We can help you create a plan that suits your needs to help you achieve your idea of Financial Freedom.

How we can help

We can help you set priorities, so you are a step closer to reach your goals. You might like to focus on:

• Short-term goals—may include saving for something special over the next six months to two years
• Medium-term goals—may include investing in a business or property, or even starting a new career in the next two to five years
• Long-term goals—  might include boosting your retirement savings or funding a child’s education in the coming five to ten years.

Helping make your idea of Financial Freedom real

When it comes to making goals a reality, it makes sense to look at the bigger picture and identify small changes that could make a difference. We can help you make the most of your income so you are more likely to meet your financial commitments day-to-day, while working towards the Financial Freedom you want.

How we can help

Depending on what you’d like to achieve, we’ll help you:

• Review and prioritise your goals
• Plan and set dates to achieve your short, medium and long-term goals
• Identify the appropriate financial strategies to help you achieve your idea of Financial Freedom—some strategies may give you better results than others.

Dreaming big

Owning your own home has long been the Australian dream. Even if it means making a significant upfront investment, the long term gains are generally personally and financially rewarding.

There’s a lot to consider when buying property—from upfront and ongoing costs to your loan structure. Good advice can make a big difference to your long-term financial success.

How we can help

We can help you make the right choices when buying property—we can help you:

• Work out how much to borrow
• Calculate the deposit you’ll need
• Choose the best way to accumulate a deposit
• Set a comfortable budget and timeframe
• Determine the need for insurance such as income protection, death and total and permanent disability (TDP) and whether they’ll be appropriate for you.

Toasting Financial Freedom together

As your wedding plans are coming together, you’ll face added expenses and may have an opportunity to begin to talk about shared financial goals.

Once you’re married you may choose to manage money differently, and your idea of Financial Freedom may change.

How we can help

We can help you manage your finances as a couple, so financial decisions can be easier. You may want to consider:

• How marriage can affect your idea of Financial Freedom in the short, medium and long terms
• Any investments and whether changes are needed
• Your insurance cover needs, such as income protection, death and total and permanent disability (TDP) — and whether they will be adequate for both of you
• Your wills and how to make sure they’re valid and up-to-date – we can work with your lawyer or put you in touch with one.

Thinking ahead

A new baby means surprise, anticipation, awe – and some major financial changes.

Your plans for financial freedom can be affected by changes in your family. It’s important to consider the longer-term impacts and to plan for the future of your growing family. This may give you some peace of mind, and leave you free to prepare for the happy arrival.

How we can help

We can help you understand the financial ins and outs of growing your family:

• The costs of raising children—including costs of child care and education
• Changes to your household income and the impacts on your plans for Financial Freedom
• How you can meet ongoing expenses and while setting a path to help your children’s financial future
• Your insurance cover needs, such as income protection, death and total and permanent disability (TDP) — and whether they will be adequate for you and your family.

Protect those around you

Protecting your family from the financial adversity that unexpected events often cause can make a world of difference to your loved ones.

Even though you can’t control what tomorrow may bring, you can take steps to ensure your family is financially protected today.

How we can help

Being ready can make the difference. We can help give you and your family peace of mind that in the event of your illness, injury or death, their lifestyle can be maintained.

We can help you determine the appropriate insurance cover – income protection, death and total and permanent disability (TPD) insurance may provide a lump sum or ongoing regular payments to your family if the need ever arises.

Stay on track

The emotional strain that often comes with the end of a relationship also brings the need to manage pressing financial issues and the consideration of whether you’re protected financially.

While the initial focus is often on supporting children and practical changes like moving house, beyond these there are important consequences for your financial future.

How we can help

We’ll talk through your concerns and questions and work with you to develop a way forward to address your immediate financial needs. We are here to help you:

• Review the impact of any divorce settlement on your financial situation
• Understand your financial commitments
• Develop a new budget and help you stay on track to achieve your idea of Financial Freedom.

Living the life you choose

Your health and independence will be fundamental to a long and happy retirement. Similarly, a strong financial position is key to you enjoying the choices that a comfortable lifestyle can bring.

We can work with you and help you consider your goals and aspirations. We can help create a plan that covers all the financial aspects of building your next chapter.

How we can help

By considering your retirement lifestyle and what Financial Freedom will mean for you, the better off you might be. We’re here to help you:

• Understand your financial situation now and later on
• Identify the date you’ll have access to your super and whether you can maximise any Centrelink entitlements you may be entitled to
• Check your retirement savings and estimate the income you’ll need.
• Recruit the right strategies for funding the life you want now and in retirement.

Plan for the life you really want

If you are heading towards retirement, or perhaps already in it, ensuring you have a plan to achieve the Financial Freedom you have saved for could make a difference. 

We’re here to help you. Together, we’ll create a detailed plan that takes into account your goals and aspirations, covering all the financial aspects of embracing a full life in retirement.

How we can help

We can help by showing you options to make the most of your money and also help you to:

• Achieve a balance between day-to-day spending and your long-term needs
• Access any benefits you may be entitled to, in addition to maximising your Centrelink entitlements where possible
• Understand the effects of changing your financial arrangements if and when appropriate
• Choose how your assets fit into your retirement plans.

Freedom, the ultimate gift

Those who receive money, property, shares or other valuable items as part of an inheritance often face unexpected and unintended financial obligations.

It’s important to understand any obligations that may apply when leaving or receiving an inheritance. That way you can freely give and receive.

How we can help

We can work with you and your solicitor and tax agent — or refer you to one, to help you make the most of the opportunity you have been given. Also, if you are thinking about estate planning we can help you create a financial plan that considers your personal circumstances and helps you take care of your family’s future in the appropriate way.

Financial Freedom on your own terms

There’s a lot to think about when starting a business.

Financial Freedom in business can hinge on your understanding of the ins and outs and what to expect and how to plan financially.

How we can help

If you’re thinking about starting a business, we can help you consider:

• The financial planning elements that relate to your business plan
• How your super will be affected when you work for yourself
• Any financial obligations that may apply if you exit your business.