Every life stage presents new priorities, different financial resources, changing lifestyle needs and evolving personal goals. Whether you're saving for a home, starting a family, building an investment portfolio or preparing for retirement, financial planning can help you meet short, medium and long-term goals.
Life stage: Starting out
Buying a car
Buying a car is a big purchase you'll likely make at some point in your life. You might have a myriad of questions such as: Should I buy it outright? Do I take out a lease or loan? What about car insurance? We can help you answer those questions and choose the option that's best suited to your financial needs.
Saving and budgeting
Learning how to budget and save money can lay the foundation for long-term financial success. If you're trying to stick to a budget or you're wanting to put money away into your savings account, a financial plan can help you understand your spending habits and get your money working harder for you.
Read more about saving and budgeting
View our savings accounts
Starting a job
If you're starting a new job, the amount of money coming into your account will likely change. A financial planner can help you navigate this new income and any expenses that come with it.
Buying my first home
It's no secret that buying a home can be a daunting and expensive experience. If you're a first home buyer, a financial planner can help you determine how much you can afford, whether you're ready and how it might affect your future financial position.
Read more about buying my first home
Life stage: Young professionals with no dependants
Financial planning for young professionals might involve thinking more long-term. Perhaps you're in a position where you want to start an emergency fund or buy an investment property . Here are some things a financial plan can help you with.
Building an investment portfolio
If you're ready to build on your wealth and start investing your money, a financial planner can propose investment options based on your current situation and future financial goals.
Read more about investing in property
Being prepared for the unexpected
By this life stage, you've probably learnt that things can change quickly and unexpectedly. Through things like personal insurance, financial planning can help you develop strategies to help protect you should an unexpected event occur – such as losing your job or an emergency.
Read more about managing debt and financial hardship
Getting serious about superannuation
Life stage: Young families
When you start a family, you're presented with new financial decisions. Financial planning for families takes into consideration an extra person in your household – the extra mouth to feed, future childcare and school fees, and all the other expenses that come with raising children. If you're at this life stage, consider getting advice on your financial goals so you can focus your energy on keeping your young family healthy and happy.
Asking the hard questions
If you had an accident or became seriously ill and were unable to work, would you have enough savings or insurance? If you needed extensive medical treatment or modifications to your home, could you afford the unexpected costs? If you passed away, would your family cope financially?
Along with insuring your home and your car, you can also insure your ability to produce an income, giving yourself both financial security and peace of mind. There are generally three main considerations: insurance to cover your debts so they're not passed onto your family; insurance to cover medical expenses and short-term drops in income; and, if your income is important to your family's lifestyle, insurance to provide an income stream if you can no longer work.
Life stage: Established families – pre-retirement
At this life stage, planning for your retirement is probably front of mind when it comes to financial planning. But that doesn't mean it's not important.
Planning for retirement
Sure, there's a lot to consider when you start preparing for retirement . You may be looking at downsizing your home, selling your business, preparing your inheritance or planning a well-deserved retirement getaway. A financial plan can help you understand all your options so that you can enjoy the retirement that you deserve.
Estate planning
Estate planning involves making sure you have accurate documentation that reflect your current wishes, should you pass away.
Becoming debt-free
If you're facing debt, building a strategy and designing a budget to pay off your debt faster can help keep you on top of your money, so you can continue working towards your financial goals.
Becoming a grandparent
If you're becoming a grandparent for the first time – congratulations! We can help with financial advice on how you can support your grandchildren now and/or in the future.
Life stage: Retirement
Pensions
Pensions are a lot more than just the Age Pension provided by the government. The term refers to a range of income streams that have several features and benefits. A financial planner can advise you on how you may be able to use these to maximise the income you receive in retirement.
Aged care
The transition to aged care for yourself or a loved one can be an emotional time. Preparing for the transition to aged care can help to ensure the best possible care is available with minimal financial implications.
