Frequently Asked Questions

• Will I have enough?

  This is one of the most common question financial planners are asked when meeting with new clients. This question, however, is usually met with another question: how much do you plan to spend on lifestyle and other items in retirement? It is always important to start the planning process with the end or goal in mind.

• How much is this going to cost me?

  Financial planning may and do encompass a myriad of tasks and activities; some simple and some more complex. As a fee for service financial planning practice, our fees are tailored to the work required.

• When is it a good time to buy shares?

  While timing can certainly add to the overall performance of your investment portfolio, it can also detract from the performance. It’s more important to determine how shares can add value to your current portfolio of investments.

• How do I reduce my taxes?

  Tax is a by-product of financial success. Planning and utilising appropriate structures can certainly help minimise taxes over the investment cycle, however it should never be the principal driver behind investment decisions.

• Why do I need insurance?

  When embarking on a wealth creation journey it is often easier and certainly more exciting to focus on the great things that can happen further down the track and the assets we have acquired to get us there. Personal insurances, on the other hand, are often neglected as it is difficult to consider that we, as an integral part of the wealth creation process, can un-fortuitously suffer from illness and accidents that can very well hamper our plans.

• How can I plan to minimise my taxes in the future?

  Tax is a by-product of financial success. Planning and utilising appropriate structures can certainly help minimise taxes over the investment cycle however it should never be the principal driver behind investment decisions.

• How much insurance do I need?

  We can never predict what and how misfortune may befall on us. Therefore, it is important that the amount of insurance serves to reduce the risk of us going backwards and/or allow us to continue with our plans.

• How can I manage the cost of insurance?

  Insurance should serve as the defensive mechanism of any wealth creation strategy. However, the cost of it should not hinder our ability to create wealth. Structuring the insurance appropriately and conducting an appropriate assessment of risk can help manage the cost of insurance.

• How can I effectively invest my surplus income?

  A surplus of income or cash flow is the fundamental springboard from which a sound wealth creation strategy can be created. The surplus income should be directed into investments that will meet your financial objectives; providing you with flexibility, control and are appropriate given the risk you are prepared to take.

• Why should I have a financial plan?

  The planning process starts with an assessment of your objectives and your risks. The result of this is setting in place the appropriate structures that provide flexibility, manages risks, and ultimately puts you on the path to reaching your objectives.

• Is there any flexibility on how I can pay for advice?

  As a fee for service business, we offer our clients a number of ways to pay for advice.

• How much experience does your advisor have?

  At different stages of your life and circumstances, as well as investment markets, change is inevitable and so it’s important to have a financial planner that understands the potential impact of these changes; either through experience or education or both. While it can be difficult to determine the level of experience your advisor may have, looking out for the right accreditation and professional membership such as the Financial Planning Association is a good start.