The 2021 Financial Advice Report produced by research firm Investment Trends states that approximately 1.8 million Australians currently receive professional financial advice. At around 7% of the population, that is quite a small number when you consider just how helpful a financial adviser can be.
From managing investments, superannuation and retirement planning, to saving for a home, covering education costs or medical expenses… keeping on top of your finances can seem pretty overwhelming. But with a professional offering guidance and recommending useful strategies, you can comfortably set and achieve your financial goals.
Today we take a look at some of the ways a personal financial adviser can make a difference in your life and help you make the most of what you have.
Reach your financial goals
When you see a personal financial adviser, one of the first areas of discussion should be your financial goals. Do you have specific objectives you want to achieve? How are you working towards them? Do you have a plan in place that will help you reach them?
While having a plan is a solid start, you need to make sure that the plan suits your personal circumstances and is based on your earning potential and lifestyle needs. These two things can change significantly over time… so your strategy should be able to adjust according to your situation.
Your adviser will go through every facet of your life and help you make sure that your goals are suitable and achievable. Together you will formulate a plan that clearly outlines how you will reach your targets. But you will also work in partnership to alter the plan when your life changes.
Give you back your time
Another area that a financial adviser can really make a difference is by saving you time and energy. How many hours do you think it would take for you to try and navigate intricate wealth management strategies or work out how to maximise your superannuation?
A professional adviser has all that knowledge readily available, and their specialist training is designed to support you… rather than make you do all the leg work.
Of course you’ll need to spend time with them in meetings for them to learn about your needs, but once they understand your financial position and have a clear sense of your goals, they will be able to do the bulk of the complex financial planning work – leaving you to enjoy your days and have peace of mind that your wealth is well-managed.
Keep you on track
People who are left to follow a plan on their own often fall by the wayside… but when you partner with a personal financial adviser, they are there to keep you on track.
If something changes in your life – like you lose your job or separate from your partner, your adviser is there to discuss how it might impact your financial security. Having their professional input can provide you with much needed confidence when you feel uneasy about your future.
Plus, their insight can offer you relief during investment market fluctuations or instability. Your advisor is someone who knows your personal situation and can help you navigate the uncertainty with sound advice and professional assurance.
Talk to us today
Here at First Financial, our team of Financial Advisers can help support you now and well into the future. We have a unique client-first approach, and the relationships we cultivate with our clients are solid and not influenced by a corporate mentality.
Our size and scale allow us to respond to industry changes quickly and deliver the best possible outcomes for our clients. If you’d like to discuss your current financial situation, please contact us today.
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