5 minute read
FINDING THE BALANCE BETWEEN LIVING FOR TODAY AND PLANNING FOR TOMORROW
BY RICHARD ELMES
When clients share their stories, nearly all revolve around family— whether it’s children’s laughter, the bond of marriage or the wisdom passed down from parents and grandparents. In all its forms, family is central to the joys, responsibilities and challenges that define us. Financial stability plays a vital role in supporting these connections. As professional financial advisors, we at Agile Wealth guide you through each stage of life, ensuring your finances are secure and flexible enough to adapt to life’s changes. Financial success is more than just numbers—it’s about finding balance. We’re privileged to help generations of families navigate the delicate balance between living for today and planning for tomorrow.
STARTING OUT: LAYING THE FOUNDATION
When you’re starting out, time and health are on your side. These early years are the perfect moment to make intelligent financial decisions that will pay off later. Whether you’re beginning your career, buying your first home or starting a family, your choices today will set the stage for a lifetime of financial freedom.
We often see our younger clients growing in their careers, establishing their families and laying the groundwork for success. Some may have family support, while others rely solely on their hard work—but every journey begins with a plan. As Greg Reid says, “A dream written down is a goal. A goal written down becomes a plan. A plan backed by action makes your dream a reality.”
At Agile Wealth, we’re here to help you turn your dreams into action. Let’s start by writing down your goals, creating a plan and setting you on the path to financial success—because the only way to get anywhere is to begin.
GETTING AHEAD WHILE NAVIGATING LIFE’S DEMANDS
As life becomes more established, so do the demands on your time, energy, and finances. The years spent juggling children, careers, mortgages and personal goals can feel like a traffic jam—always moving but never free of obstacles. Amid this chaos, it’s easy to lose sight of long-term financial goals, but even minor adjustments today can set you up for a brighter future.
Life is unpredictable. We may face health issues, the loss of loved ones or financial setbacks. Families evolve, break apart and blend into new forms. Agile Wealth is here to guide you through these changes, helping you stay agile and financially prepared, no matter what life throws your way.
All good men and women must take responsibility to create legacies that will take the next generation to a level we could only imagine.
JIM ROHN
PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT: YOUR NEXT CHAPTER
After years of balancing family and work, the time comes to think about what’s next. For some, retirement means working fewer hours, taking a well-deserved break or even embarking on a second career. But no matter how you envision it, planning is essential.
You’ve worked hard to reach this point; now it’s time to ensure you can enjoy the rewards. Retirement should be a time of financial freedom, but many wonder if they’ve saved enough or if their income will last through the years ahead. This is your last opportunity to ensure you’re financially ready for the next chapter.
Retirement is your chance to reflect on your accomplishments and pass your wisdom on to the next generation. It’s also the time to think about the legacy you’ll leave for your family. Whether you want to travel, spend more time with family or pursue a lifelong passion, we’ll help you maximise your retirement.
Throughout every stage of life, one constant remains: family. More than any bucket list or bank balance, the family provides the meaning and motivation that define a truly rich life.
By aligning our advice with the life stages families go through, we ensure that our clients—whether just starting or preparing for retirement—find the financial freedom to enjoy the present while planning for the future. Agile Wealth guides you through life’s journey, keeping your finances agile as your family grows and evolves.
DID YOU KNOW?
• If you have made wise financial choices in your life, you will not only get the rewards of an enjoyable retirement but can also plan your financial legacy for your family.
• An estimated 3.5 trillion dollars will be inherited in Australia in the next ten years.
• Wills can be challenged; make sure your estate plan is in order.
• Your will does not cover superannuation and life insurance in super unless you elect for it to be so. Seek advice.
• There are restrictions on who can be a beneficiary of superannuation. Seek advice before making elections.
• Child superannuation beneficiaries gain access to the funds at age 18. Seek advice on the best way to structure estate plans.
• Testamentary Trusts can provide clear instructions and avoid a lot of heartache.
• Some investments enable flexibility for beneficiaries and can provide clear instructions and protection for vulnerable beneficiaries. Ask your financial advisor about Investment Bonds.
• The cost of funerals is escalating. Funeral Bonds are investments, not schemes, available through your financial advisor. Be careful purchasing funeral plans and seek advice.
GENERAL ADVICE WARNING: Agile Wealth Pty Ltd (ABN 79 641 503 979) is an authorised representative of Advice Evolution (ABN 66 137 858 023) and Australian Financial Services (AFSL number 342880). The information is this article is general in nature and doesn’t consider your own objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider your financial position objectives and requirements before making financial decisions.
