Financial
Roadmap
A clear, personalised path to your financial goals.
9 December, 2022
Investing in your 40s
First Financial Team
Your 40s are an important decade to build wealth and begin to create a firm foundation for your retirement.
For most Australians, you will be in a more stable financial position in your 40s than you were in your 20s and 30s, and with this increased stability comes the desire to ensure your financial future is as secure as possible.
For some, your 40s might make you prone to panic – like our Principal James Wrigley is often questioned by clients – have I left it too late to invest in property for retirement, for example?
Below are our 4 Top Tips for people in their 40s who are looking at investing for a secure financial future.
1. Tracking your expenses against your income
It sounds easy and possibly like a broken record, but if you’ve made it to your 40s without worrying too much about how much of your total income your expenses eat into, now is the time to get a cap on any possible overspending.
Your 40s can be a good decade to gain control of your debt and prioritise the repayment of debts to ensure you coast into retirement with little to nothing owing.
Back in your 20s and 30s, the set and forget style approach to debt was somewhat of a survival tactic to push you through the difficult period of acquiring a principal place of residence and, perhaps, the beginning of an investment portfolio.
But your 40s are the time to get serious about how much you owe overall, the type of debt you owe and when it will be reasonably cleared so that your investments begin to truly work for you.
Unsure how to figure it all out?
Contact one of our advisers today to book in a consultation.
2. Building wealth through growth assets
Investing in growth assets like shares and property is a great way to build your future wealth, and many people begin to look seriously into property and share portfolio investment during their 40s.
Australian property and Australian shares can deliver strong long-term returns, but you need to time your entry into both investment markets as well as you possibly can.
At First Financial, we realise that there are many different investment options available, and we understand that most of our clients feel nervous about choosing the right one.
Our knowledgeable team provides market intelligence and prudent financial advice so you can make investment decisions that match your investment profile, personal ethics and goals.
To discuss how you can build wealth through growth asset investments in your 40s, contact us today.
3. Doubling down on superannuation contributions
If you are yet to put much thought into your superannuation outlook for retirement, your 40s is the decade to start getting serious about making extra contributions to boost your retirement savings.
Superannuation is an investment in your retirement and a security deposit into your future – and there are plenty of incentives to build your superannuation that you can take advantage of in your 40s.
At age 40, your retirement will likely be 20-30 years away, at most, and the earlier you start retirement planning in earnest, the more opportunities you’ll have to accumulate wealth along the way.
If you’re ready to take the first steps towards building wealth through your superannuation to set yourself up for a comfortable retirement, contact First Financial today.
4. Investing in professional advice
Many people hit their 40s before they seek professional financial advice, but if you’ve got money left over after each paypacket that you aren’t sure what to do with, now is a good time to connect with a trusted financial adviser.
At First Financial, we believe that getting your investment asset allocation correct is critical.
We use a methodology that analyses your current circumstances which helps us arrive at an asset allocation.
From there we discuss your attitude to risk and adjust the asset allocation so you can sleep at night.
Are you ready to learn more about investing and create an investment strategy that is right for your individual situation?
Contact us today.
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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
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.”
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
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
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
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.”
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