How can a planner help?

Do you know how much you spend each week; how much you need to retire; or how well your family is protected?

A financial planner can help you with these and many other financial matters.

Budgeting

Do you know how much you spend - each week, each month, each quarter? If your money seems to disappear, try setting yourself a firm but achievable budget and start taking control of your money. 

Saving versus Investing

The terms 'saving' and 'investing' are often used interchangeably but actually are very different.

Saving is putting money aside for some short-term goals or as a back-up in case of an emergency. While relatively safe, savings are generally placed in a basic savings account earning relatively low rates of interest. The return on your savings may be outweighed by inflation and account charges.

Investing, on the other hand, is putting your money to work strategically for the longer term, to build wealth.

Superannuation

Wouldn’t you like to enjoy your future without having to worry about money? Unfortunately most people have a huge shortfall in their retirement savings: the average Australian’s superannuation balance is just $44,690¹, not much considering a comfortable retirement can cost up to $39,852 pa² for a single person and $54,562 pa² for a couple.

Your employer’s compulsory 9% Superannuation Guarantee (SG) contributions are unlikely to give you a comfortable retirement. But if you start contributing to your super now you can make more of your retirement later. 

Retirement Planning

Retirement is a time of life for you to relax and do the things you have always wanted to do. Therefore, careful planning can help ensure you are financially comfortable, secure and able to enjoy your retirement. 

Share Investing

Investing your money is an effective way to build your wealth. You can choose whether you invest directly, indirectly (through a managed fund) or a combination of both. 

Redundancy

Redundancy can affect anyone from the chairman to the trainee. In this situation, there are many things to consider. Make sure you get the right advice so that you make the most of your payout and ensure it provides long term benefits. 

Tax Minimisation

When it comes to investing, there are many investment strategies that you can utilise to minimise the amount of tax you pay. 

Estate Planning

Equally important as creating wealth is planning for the distribution of it to your loved ones after you have gone. First and foremost, this means having a current and valid Will in place.

Did you know that dying ‘intestate’ (that is, without a Will) means that your assets (known as your ‘estate’) will be distributed according to a statutory formula which may not be in line with your wishes? 

More information

Click here to download a fact sheet from Bridges on a variety of topics

Get to know your local financial planner

What to expect when meeting with a financial planner

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact us

^{1. AMP Retirement Adequacy Index}

^{2. ASFA Retirement Living survey - March Quarter 2011}