As we enter the silly season, it’s common to look back and reflect on the year that was. While everyone is busy looking back and celebrating the highs and (hopefully) learning lessons from the lows we’re all about looking forward.
That’s how you get ahead – when everyone is looking back you need to look forward, so we think that NOW is the best time to make a wealth plan for 2015.
Forget New Year Resolutions
Resolutions inherently feel like they’re going to be broken – what we need is a plan. So why wait until January 1’s hangover to get the ball rolling? No matter what your situation is we have some advice to get you started
The Plan – If you’re under 40
Time is on your side friend, but the BIGGEST problem with youth is the inability to identify with your ‘future self’. This means you spend up BIG now and leave the bare minimum for later. Do not fall into this trap.
Compound interest is a young person’s best friend. You can turn modest savings into mega wealth just by being consistent. Maybe consider salary sacrificing some extra money into your super, even $20-$50 a week can make a HUGE difference down the track, and check your investments to ensure you’re happy with the risk levels of your investments.
Make sure your insurance is all in order. Do you have the correct levels of cover? Are you insured twice for the same thing? Figuring this out can be done in conjunction with a superannuation audit. Tidy up your super – many young people have several super accounts and are paying fees and sometimes insurance out of all of them. Don’t forget that this is your hard-earned money you’re burning.
The Plan – 40-60 years
The BUILD years. Let’s start to look at your debt levels. Set yourself a goal to be out of bad debt as soon as possible to secure your future.
It is critical to have your insurance in order and your super fund building nicely. Consider additional contributions, but make sure you don’t exceed the maximum allowed annually. Consider how to maximize your earning potential inside and outside of work, this may involve doing some additional training to up-skill or looking to maximise your investments.
Keep an eye on your super. Your risk/growth profile will need to be constantly monitored – is it time to look at an SMSF? How much money will you need to retire? Are you on track? Maybe it’s time for a Freedom Plan.
The Plan – Getting ready to retire and beyond
Let’s take a good look at your situation, how long will your money last? How is your super performing? Remember, your super keeps working long after you stop. Make sure your happy with the returns you’re getting and are likely to get in the years to come. Where is your estate planning up to? Are your assets protected?
Most importantly – make sure you have money to ENJOY your life, you’ve worked hard for it – you deserve it.
The Plan – Everybody
While everyone else is reflecting – take some time out to analyse your financial situation by following these steps:
- Figure out your net worth, Include all of your assets including cash and super then subtract your liabilities. Write down your NET worth.
- Write down your goal net worth – how much will you be worth this time next year? What percentage growth is that?
- Analyse your super, do you know where all your super is? Do you need to roll them into one account? Are you happy with the risk/growth profile?
- Figure out how much money you want to retire with – are you on track?
- Make an appointment with one of our expert advisors for your own personal Freedom Plan.
You don’t have to go it alone, the difference between having all the money you need in retirement and a nervous hope that the money doesn’t run out can be a few decisions – we can help.
