Strategic planning and ongoing coaching
Getting to know you so that we can help define your financial goals is paramount to developing a plan to try and meet them. After that though, the most important part of our relationship is ongoing coaching. This helps to regulate your actions and keep you disciplined and focussed on your goals to increase the chance of you meeting them.
Superannuation and investment portfolio review
How much you pay for the super fund you use and the investments you hold makes a big difference to your long term returns, especially in times of low interest rates. Our review provides peace of mind that the fund you use is right for you in terms of your goals and plan, but also in terms of relative cost and the degree of flexibility you need. We also ensure the portfolio does those things it needs to; provide income that can be reinvested through to retirement or used now, and grow by at least inflation over the long term to protect purchasing power.
Portfolio design and management
We believe your investment portfolio only needs to do two things; generate income and grow by at least inflation over the long term. The investments should be transparent and directly owned to reduce cost and increase simplicity and flexibility. They should also be high quality and generally stable to reduce the need to change them. And they should be managed with patience and an eye on your goals.
Risk insurance
Risk insurance provides you with protection against the financial implications of an event such as death, disablement, serious illness or injury. Typically, it’s about looking after your family if something happens to you so the family home remains home and income can be generated to provide security and flexibility. If you insure your car then you should at least insure your income because it’s a far more important asset. You should have life and disability insurance to at least cover your debt. Sure you should have more but we believe these are the essentials.
Self managed super advice and management
If your total super fund fees each year are more than your accountant would charge to manage a self managed super fund (SMSF) then you should at least consider one. Of course they’re not for everyone, but they’re not just for wealthier or even more sophisticated people either. A super fund is just a special tax structure and a SMSF is the most flexible and potentially low cost option, so why not consider it?
Estate planning and business succession planning
While we may not like to think about it, in its simplest form, estate planning is really about ensuring peace of mind and reducing stress for those you leave behind. It is about ensuring your wealth makes its way to your family or beneficiaries in the most efficient manner. An effective estate plan will ensure that tax is minimised, ownership of assets passes to the right beneficiaries at the right time, and assets are protected if a beneficiary has any legal/other issues. Sometimes a simple will just won’t do the job, especially with more complex family units these days. We help navigate this complex area and work with your legal and tax professionals to ensure your estate plan integrates with your overarching financial plan.