Taking control

Meeting your day-to-day financial responsibilities like paying bills is easier when you’re managing your money well. When you know where your money’s going, you can design your life and be more empowered to live as you choose.

How we can help

We can help you  prioritise and manage your money, and:

• Understand how your spending and financial commitments can fit in with you enjoying your lifestyle day-to-day
• Understand different savings and investment strategies
• Take practical steps towards achieving your goals.

It’s about making the right choices

It can be challenging to identify which investments are the right ones, and what risks they may bring.

We’re here to share our passion, knowledge and experience. Together we’ll create a plan to help you get to where you’d like to be.

How we can help

If you’re unsure which investments are the right ones to help you reach your goals, we can help you prioritise:

• The next six months to two years—your short-term goals may include saving for a holiday or new car
• The next two to five years—your medium-term goals may include investing in property, or starting a new career
• The next five to ten years—your long-term goals may involve boosting your retirement savings or funding a child’s education.

Help to reach for your goals

If you are thinking about doing more with your money, 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 reaching your goals.  

How we can help

We’ll help you:

• Review and prioritise your goals
• Plan to save for your short, medium and long term objectives, and set dates for achieving them
• Identify appropriate financial strategies to help make your ideas real.

Planning ahead

There’s a lot to think about when buying a property. From the upfront and ongoing costs to any government assistance that may apply. Good financial advice could help you open the door to your property dreams.

How we can help

Be sure you have the right support to help you make the right choices when buying property. We can help you:

• Work out how much you’ll be able to borrow
• Calculate the deposit amount you’ll need
• Choose the best way to save your deposit
• Set a comfortable budget and timeframe.

Managing money together

Once you’re married you may need to consider money differently. You may start to see the need to make financial decisions together as your wedding plans come with many added expenses. We can help you manage your finances, so you both start on the right track to make the most of your money —and enjoy your future together.

How we can help

We can help with your financial decisions by guiding you in:

• How your marriage can affect your financial situation and your short-, medium- and long-term goals
• Ways to manage money as a couple
• Managing any existing debts that may be relevant
• The investments either of you hold and whether any changes may be needed
• The need for insurance cover, such as income protection, death and total and permanent disability (TPD) — and whether they’ll be appropriate for both of you

Understanding the financial picture

Short-term challenges often come with a reduction in income and it’s important to understand any longer-term impacts on your financial position as well. Sometimes an interruption in income can bring unexpected surprises down the track and it pays to be prepared.

How we can help

We’re here to help you understand the financial ins and outs of growing your family, including:

• The costs of raising children—including costs for child care and education
• Changes to your household income and the impact on the goals you may have
• How you can meet ongoing expenses, while setting a path to help your children’s financial future
• The need for insurance cover, such as income protection, death and total and permanent disability (TPD) — and whether they’ll be appropriate for you

What will change?

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

You may not be able to know in advance what tomorrow will bring but you can do things to protect your family 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 is more likely to be maintained.

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

Looking ahead

The need to manage financial issues can be the last thing you need when experiencing the emotional strain of a separation.

But it’s very important to take control of your finances so you’re protected financially.

How we can help

If you’re going through a divorce or the end of your relationship, we’re here to help you:

• Review the impact of any divorce settlement on your financial situation
• Understand your financial commitments
• Identify sources of income that you may receive
• Develop a new budget and help you stay on track.

Enjoying your choices

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

The sooner you start planning your retirement, the better off you might be. We’re here to help you:

• Understand your financial situation now and in retirement
• Work out when you’ll have access to your super and how to maximise any Centrelink entitlements you may be entitled to
• Check your retirement savings and estimate the income you’ll need.
• Identify appropriate strategies for funding your retirement lifestyle goals.

Plan for the lifestyle you want

Structuring your lifestyle and finances could be the key to enjoying a comfortable retirement.

Depending on your own circumstances, needs, and goals the way you prioritise will be unique for you.

Together, we’ll work through how to arrange the money you do have, and we’ll help you create a plan to help achieve your retirement goals.

How we can help

There are ways to make the most of your money and we can help you:

• Achieve a balance between day-to-day spending and your long-term needs
• Access any benefits you may be entitled to; including Centrelink
• Consider how a change in your financial arrangements may be appropriate once you’ve retired
• Consider how your home may fit into your retirement plans.

The financial impacts of inheritance

Beneficiaries who receive items of value as part of an inheritance often face unexpected financial decisions.

It can be challenging to know what to do. We can help you identify your options and seek any other advice you may need.

How we can help

Whether you’re a beneficiary or you’re planning to leave something behind, a valid will is essential. If necessary, we'll work with your lawyer or put you in touch with one so that your estate planning needs can be met.

See the full article here

Welcoming success

There’s a lot to think about when starting a business. You’ll have a better chance of achieving business success when you know 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 aspects relating your business plan
• How working for yourself will affect your super
• Any financial obligations that may apply if and when you exit your business.