Financial
Roadmap
A clear, personalised path to your financial goals.
9 December, 2021
Have a happy and healthy retirement
First Financial Team
It might sound crazy… but money isn’t everything. Yes, it’s important to be financially secure, but for you to have a happy and healthy retirement there are many other factors that you need to consider.
All the money in the world doesn’t guarantee good health… and it certainly doesn’t replace the joy you experience when you are surrounded by family and friends.
Those relationships are a vital part of making your life truly fulfilling once you are no longer tied to the nine-to-five routine.
And today we look at some of the elements that go into making a future filled with cheer.
What makes you happy?
It’s a simple question, but when was the last time you thought about what really makes you happy? Often, we are so caught up in the regular toing and froing of life that we forget about those activities that make our hearts sing.
Do you love to spend time in the garden? Perhaps you enjoy playing the piano… or maybe the drums? Are you passionate about travelling, or do you prefer staying in one place and being an integral part of your local community?
Retirement is the time to find and focus on the things that make you feel good about yourself… the things that leave you in a blissful state of mind or invigorate your spirit. You want to make your retirement years the best you’ve ever had!
Prioritise your health
No matter your fitness level, it’s essential that you always prioritise your health. If you have a niggling pain, then don’t just think it’ll go away on its own. Here in Australia, we are lucky to have a world class healthcare system, so make sure you speak to your doctor about any health concerns when they arise… that goes for both physical and mental health.
While Medicare offers great cover, it’s still wise to think about how you would manage if you received any unexpected medical expenses. Seeking professional advice to create a well-prepared financial plan and discuss relevant insurances is a good idea in the lead up to your retirement day.
Talk to your spouse
The transition to retirement can sometimes be challenging and even the strongest relationships can feel the strain. After all, it’s unlikely that you spent 24 hours a day with your partner before you retired, so it’s not uncommon to start getting on each other’s nerves just a little.
The impact on your relationship might be difficult to navigate, but this is when it will help to talk to your spouse and maybe set some new expectations together. Openly discuss what you each want to get out of retirement and how you can both enjoy your days together.
Don’t forget to talk about basic things like household chores or shared activities to make sure you are both on the same page… you don’t want to end up arguing over who does the dishes or takes out the rubbish!
Retirement isn’t a competition
Some people often try to ‘keep up with the Joneses’… but it’s important to remember that retirement isn’t a competition. It can be very easy to overspend and derail your retirement plan if you are always comparing yourself to other people. This is especially true if some of your social circle are still working or have a greater disposable income.
Don’t try to live larger than you can comfortably afford. In the long run it will make your golden years far harder than they need to be.
Seek professional advice
Financial preparedness is key to achieving a happy and healthy retirement. It doesn’t necessarily mean you need to have millions in your nest egg… but it does require good planning.
Engaging the services of a financial adviser well before you plan to retire will set you on the right path for your future security. If you’d like to find out more about how our team can help you with your retirement planning, please contact us today.
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CLIENT STORY
Jan
Life Stage:
Retired
Background:
Jan's husband managed the finances until entering aged care. Jan gradually stepped into the financial picture with First Financial’s support.
- Needed financial guidance after business sale
- Lacked experience managing complex finances
- Sought consistent income and long-term structure
- Wanted a familiar, reliable relationship
- Provided long-term support through several transitions
- Helped structure income reliably for retirement
- Empowered Jan through education and reassurance
- Delivered calm advice through both grief and growth
“The money just comes in. I don’t have to think about it. And I know they’re always there. They’ve always been there in the background, just quietly making things work.”
CLIENT STORY
Larry and Virginia
Life Stage:
Newly retired
Background:
As retirement neared, Larry and Virginia were ready to enjoy travel, family, and freedom, without uncertainty. A friend recommended First Financial, and from the first meeting, they had a clear plan, a safety net, and people they trusted.
- Wanted to travel and enjoy retirement without second-guessing finances
- Needed a structured income plan with buffers for the unexpected
- Valued guidance that felt honest and human, not overcomplicated
- Needed people they could call and count on
- Created a reliable income stream with a set-aside safety net for the unexpected
- Gave them the freedom to travel and spend meaningfully with family
- Kept advice simple, thoughtful, and tailored to what mattered to them
- Built a lasting partnership based on trust
“We’ve travelled the world, Europe, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, without once stressing about the money. They made everything feel simple and gave us the confidence to live well. We feel secure because we know exactly where we stand, and that peace of mind means everything.”
CLIENT STORY
Tim and Adam
Life Stage:
Early retirement and working professional
Background:
When Tim received an overseas medical settlement, he and Adam had just 14 days left in a 90-day window. They needed clear guidance, fast. A referral led them to First Financial.
- Only two weeks left to meet urgent legal and financial deadlines
- Wanted to preserve capital while setting up income for the future
- Needed a plan that supported both retirement and ongoing work
- Hoped to find advice that felt personal, not transactional
- Managed every moving piece, from legal documents to super rollovers
- Designed a strategy that supported both Tim’s retirement and Adam’s career
- Offered clear guidance with steady follow-through, with no stress or pressure
- Built in ethical investing and flexibility, without sacrificing performance
“We’re in totally different life stages, but First Financial built a strategy that supports us both. From urgent legal steps to ethical investing, they handled every detail with calm, care, and real expertise. It’s financial freedom without compromise, and we couldn’t have done it without them.”
CLIENT STORY
Lyn
Life Stage:
Retired widow
Background:
Lyn stepped into financial management for the first time after her husband's passing. With patience and care, First Financial supported her through grief, learning, and empowerment.
- Had never managed finances before
- Was overwhelmed after her husband’s passing
- Needed plain-English explanations and patience
- Sought emotional support and practical clarity
- Offered caring, respectful advice at her pace
- Rebuilt confidence with diagrams, stories, and reassurance
- Supported gradual decision-making around retirement
- Remained a trusted constant through major transitions
“After my husband passed, I was completely unsure where to start. First Financial gave me the space to learn, to ask questions, to grow confident. They drew a diagram that I still have. And now, I sleep well at night knowing I’ve got someone in my corner.”
CLIENT STORY
John
Life Stage:
Retired business owner
Background:
After decades of running a successful pharmacy, John sought financial guidance to simplify decision-making and support long-term planning.
- Navigated the sale of a long-held business
- Wanted simple, honest advice after burnout
- Needed a hands-on adviser he could talk to
- Desired financial guidance aligned with lifestyle goals
- Crafted a strategy that supports relaxed, post-work life
- Offered approachable, plain-English advice
- Maintained an ongoing, trustworthy relationship
- Provided flexibility with investments and cash flow
“I feel genuinely supported by First Financial. I can ask anything, and there’s no pressure, just clear advice and real care. The money’s growing, I’m not stressed about it, and I feel completely at ease for the first time. I don’t miss work, but I’d miss the support I get from First Financial.”
CLIENT STORY
Graeme and Craig
Life Stage:
Retired and semi-retired
Background:
Referred by friends helped through aged care, Craig sought secure financial guidance after inheriting funds.
- Invest inheritance securely without high risk
- Maintain a modest lifestyle with confidence
- Building trust for someone new to advice
- Accessible, personalised advice
- Provided a low-risk strategy with regular income
- Reassured with steady, market-aware updates
- Established trust through responsiveness and warmth
- Delivered calm, expert support through all transitions
“We feel very secure with First Financial, the income just comes in, and we know everything is being looked after. It’s not just safe, it’s smart. We’ve recommended them to others because we genuinely believe in the team.”
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