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10 December, 2024
Unwrap 12 days of wealth wisdom from our financial team
First Financial Team
The holiday season is here, and it’s a whirlwind of gift-giving, reflection and planning for the year ahead. Amid the festive chaos, it’s the perfect time to unwrap some wealth wisdom to set yourself up for a prosperous 2025. Inspired by the 12 days of Christmas, we’re sharing twelve thoughtful insights from our financial team to guide and inspire you this season.
At First Financial, helping you achieve your financial and retirement goals is what we do year-round. We value the opportunity to listen to your stories and work together to create plans that truly reflect your needs and aspirations. Here are some simple things that motivate us and keep us on track, even as financial professionals.
#1 – Ben Rossi, General Manager
“Don’t get Rich Quick – that’s just a recipe for disaster and leads you to take risks you shouldn’t. Get Rich progressively.
Having enough to retire on is not something you should do in the last few years of your working life.
You should be planning for this way before that. It should be a carefully designed long-term plan that you progressively work towards.
The same goes for any true sporting champion. They don’t become champions overnight. It’s the eventual end result of many years of work, planning and dedication.”
#2 – Brad Jackson, Principal
“Use the incentives the Super system provides, culminating in tax-free investing for life!
Careful planning can help you build your nest egg to maximise your tax-free cash flow in retirement while minimising (or even eliminating) tax for your beneficiaries. And while doing this, there is a strong chance we can assist you in accessing the benefits of a Health Care Card. You can then choose what you want to focus on.”
#3 – Chris Crough, Principal
“The power of compounding. A dollar saved today can be two tomorrow.”
#4 – James Wrigley, Principal
“Start your financial planning journey with the end in mind. If you don’t know where you are trying to get to, how will you ever know when you get there?
People make things far more complicated than they need to be, own your own home and have enough money invested to support your lifestyle after you stop working. Build your plans to help you get there with the least complexity and the least amount of risk necessary for your particular end goal.”
#5 – Anthony Dhillon, Senior Adviser
“Never take advice regarding age pension from your mates at a barbeque, always seek professional advice.
Unless your mate is a financial adviser, they may not be best placed to keep up to date with the constant change in social security rules.”
#6 – Adela Ngai, Adviser
“Your children will appreciate the money you gift them with your warm hands rather than cold hands. Often retirees wait until they pass to share their wealth with their adult children, by which time, the beneficiaries’ children have all grown up and their mortgages are paid off.
The money you gift your adult children while you’re still alive is most helpful to them because they are going through the most capital-intensive period of their lives with mortgages and education funding. Your gift can ease a lot of their financial stress during this period.”
#7 – Brendan Smith, Adviser
“The earlier you begin saving and investing, the more opportunity your money has to grow through the power of compounding. Even small, consistent contributions can accumulate into significant wealth over time. Remember, it’s never too late to take the first step toward building your financial future.”
#8 – Roel Burghouwt, Adviser
“1. Keep it simple 2. Start planning early, don’t wait until the last moment Remember… it’s a journey, not an event.”
#9 – Nathaniel Johnston – Adviser
“Here are a few basics that shouldn’t ever be overlooked:
Always pay off your credit card in full each month. The little purchases add up over time, if these funds were redirected to investments, it could make a significant difference over a 20-plus year period. Check the interest rate on your savings account relative to the market and make sure you meet the bonus interest criteria (if applicable).”
#10 – Nick Thomas, Adviser
“In the words of Warren Buffett: ‘Be brave when others are fearful, and be fearful when others are brave.’”
#11 – Paul Cupic, Adviser
“One of the best things you can do to try and grow your wealth is sit down and go through your budget. It’s one of the most eye-opening things a person can do.
Also, learn about the magic of compounding.”
#12 – Matthew Benic, Adviser
“Staying on the investment rollercoaster – time in the market will ultimately lead to great outcomes. Focusing on the short-term, watching the numbers go up and down will only cause stress and anxiety.
Staying on the ride through the ups and downs will ultimately result in achieving your investment goals.”
Talk to the financial planning experts
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, not just because of the gifts. This season brings families together and reminds us of what truly matters.
It’s also an opportunity to plan ahead, ensuring you make the most of your resources for a bright and comfortable future for you and your loved ones.
At First Financial, we want you to retire life-ready.
These tips, quotes and motivational thoughts might sound simple, but they will help build a solid foundation for long-term financial success.
Our entire team wishes everyone a happy, fun and safe holiday season. We look forward to setting new goals with you and achieving amazing things in 2025.
If you’d like to know more about our personalised retirement planning, investment management, superannuation, or SMSF services, contact a friendly member of our team today.
Read more financial planning articles.
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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.”
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
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
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
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.”
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