Financial Planning

Financial advice is determining how an investor is going to meet their goals and objectives. It is about helping clients define their goals, gathering information and analysing data to make a plan, then implementing the plan and monitoring the results. It is also monitoring and updating goals and objectives as clients move through different phases of life.

'Failing to plan is planning to fail.' It's a cliché but when it comes to investing money, setting and then attaining long term financial objectives, then it makes a lot of sense to have a plan. Also, history shows time and again that the sooner you can start the better the outcomes.

Attaining long term objectives is better served by setting some short term goals. For example, such milestones might be set for 1-3 years, then 4-6 years and then 7+ years.

However, just having a plan isn’t enough. It needs to be regularly revisited and amended accordingly. Like the initial drafting of a plan the ongoing review process can be complex, increasingly so due to an increasing number of rule and regulation changes. We can help you manage this complexity and provide you with regular reviews.

Our primary aim is to help you attain your financial objectives.

Contact us today to discuss how we can work together: (02) 9523 2238 or email us at enquiries@atlaswealthadvisory.com.au

Superannuation

Superannuation is mandatory but taking an early and active interest in it is critical to ensuring the benefits it can offer are maximised by the time you retire.

However, for many, simply relying on employer contributions may not be enough and you may need to look at strategies such as additional contributions or salary sacrifice.

Older Australians will need to focus even more on their superannuation strategies because most came to this form of saving later in life. It is always best to start saving and planning for your retirement as early as you can.

Contact us today to discuss how we can work together: (02) 9523 2238 or email us at enquiries@atlaswealthadvisory.com.au

Retirement Advice

Retiring on your own terms is not always easy to achieve, however it is evident that those who plan for retirement are more likely to do so. Results also show that obtaining professional help during the pre-retirement years further improves the probability of attaining your retirement objectives.

The earlier you start implementing a plan the better the outcomes.

During one’s working life there is always an income to make ends meet when raising children, paying off a mortgage, and myriad other lifestyle costs.

Retirement planning is about the lifestyle you will have after you stop work and receiving employment income. Planning focuses on issues such as how much superannuation is enough, taking a super pension, claiming the Age Pension, making superannuation contributions while receiving a pension from a super fund, estate planning and looking after your family.

Planning properly is becoming even more important now we are expected to live longer. This greater need means that professional help has never been more important as well.

Contact us today to discuss how we can work together: (02) 9523 2238 or email us at enquiries@atlaswealthadvisory.com.au

Self Managed Super Funds

Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs) offer an alternative strategy option for many individuals, families and small business owners to build tax effective wealth and protect assets over time. SMSFs are becoming popular for those who are ready to take control of their own super investments as they give you ultimate control and flexibility to manage your retirement benefits.

It must be noted though, that you will have increased responsibilities as a trustee of the fund. As a SMSF Trustee, you need to keep up to date with all required SMSF regulations and be aware of changes occurring in financial markets.

We can work with you to understand your personal financial situation and decide whether a SMSF structure is appropriate for you. We will also help you to invest your assets in the most effective way to maximise your retirement benefits, whilst complying with your fund’s investment strategy.

It is generally agreed that there are a number of benefits of an SMSF, but it is important that you also understand that an SMSF may not suit your situation. Outlined below are some of the reasons why a SMSF needs to be considered carefully before establishment:

Benefits:

• Control - trustees make the investment decisions;
• Asset allocation – trustees are in control of asset allocation decisions, as well as issues related to borrowing;
• Tax strategies – trustees have control of tax strategies and other planning options;
• Transparency – your SMSF provides you transparency concerning investments and visibility and control of taxation treatment as a result of investment decisions taken within the fund;
• Cost – expenses of running and administering a SMSF fund are not based on a percentage of the value of the fund, but more on the time needed to prepare reports and address relevant compliance matters;

Running and managing a SMSF may not be suitable to everyone. Many of the advantages are also a disadvantage:

• Costs may be relatively high where the asset balance in the fund is insufficient to generate economies of scale due to the fixed costs of running the fund.
• There can be too much flexibility for prudent investing and the fund’s assets must remain within its Investment Strategy.
• Remaining on top of trustee responsibilities is complex and will require an investment of your time.
• Poor personal knowledge of the investment landscape can have serious consequences.

Should you wish to consider establishing a SMSF then we can help with:

• Portfolio creation, providing research and recommendations on investments for the fund.
• Ongoing Portfolio Reporting Services, assisting with ongoing investment management of the fund, including corporate actions and share purchase plans.
• Referrals to professionals who can assist with the accounting and audit requirements of the fund, providing support with the compliance burden on you as Trustee.
• Asset sales and contribution strategies to maximise the benefit you achieve through the fund.
• Pension advice including reference to the legislative requirements helping you meet your obligations as a Trustee and manage the fund effectively on an ongoing basis.
• Superannuation contribution and ongoing strategy support, utilising legislation to build a solid retirement benefit.

Start getting the support you need and book a consultation with one of our team members today.

Contact us today to discuss how we can work together: (02) 9523 2238 or email us at enquiries@atlaswealthadvisory.com.au

Investment Strategies

Investing your hard earned savings can be complex to manage and benefit from. There are many issues such as levels of risk, market timing, asset classes, and your own goals, objectives and preferences that need to be considered. Even getting started is difficult but this is where we have the time and expertise to help you.

Even after initial investments are made there are important issues that need to be addressed such as reviewing investment selections, buy/sell decisions, tax considerations, and when to take a loss or profit. In addition, there is a huge amount of investment information and spruiking that can easily lead you in the wrong direction with unwanted consequences.

Market volatility simply makes the situation harder and can often lead investors into emotive and rushed decisions.

Having a proper investment plan is very important and the sooner you implement it the sooner you can grow your wealth. We can help you develop a financial plan and provide advice that will help overcome the issues raised above.

Contact us today to discuss how we can work together: (02) 9523 2238 or email us at enquiries@atlaswealthadvisory.com.au

Personal Insurance

Personal Risk Protection - Insurance

Personal risk protection - insurance can provide you with cover whether you're living by yourself and building your business, or want to ensure your family will have support if you were to become ill or pass away.

There's a wide variety of insurance options available today, each tailored to a different aspect of people's lifestyle and career. When choosing an insurance plan, it is important to make an educated decision on what will best suit you and those you want to include in the plan.

Here at Atlas Wealth Advisory, we provide professional advice on insurance risk protection plans for individuals, couples, families and business owners. Our advisors will sit down with you to discuss your plans, assessing insurance options to suit your lifestyle and goals.

Life Insurance

Life insurance pays out a lump sum to you in the event of your death or terminal illness. This lump sum can assist your family with meeting their financial requirements such as funeral costs, mortgage payments and school fees.

TPD Insurance

Total and Permanent Disability insurance (TPD) provides a lump sum in the event you are totally and permanently disabled from illness or injury. This can provide financial support to assist with:

• Medical expenses
• Pay off debts
• Lifestyle changes
• Providing support for your family
• and renovations around your house

Income Protection / Salary Continuance

Income protection pays out a monthly benefit which can cover up to 75% of your salary/income, in the event you were to suffer from an accident, illness or major trauma that stopped you from working.

Income protection insurance can help you with covering day-to-day expenses, supporting your family and recovering until you return to work. The annual premium for income protection is also generally tax deductible.

Business Expenses Insurance

Business expenses insurance is similar to income protection insurance, though tailored for business owners. It provides a monthly benefit to cover business costs (generally for up to 12 months) if you were to suffer from illness or injury and unable to work. What business costs are covered varies from plan to plan, thus make sure to review the appropriate insurance plans for the cover you require.

Trauma / Critical Illness

Trauma / critical illness insurance provides a lump sum on the diagnosis of a specified medical condition or procedure. The applicable medical conditions vary between insurers and can cover cancer, heart attack, stroke or organ transplant.

The financial support provided by trauma / critical illness insurance can help you with focusing on recovery, while providing you with funds to cover costs such as bills, loan payments and living expenses.

What does insurance cost? How much cover is enough?

The cost of insurance plans and the appropriate amount of cover can vary based on different aspects including your age, gender and income. As such, it is best to discuss your insurance options and plans with a professional to determine what would suit your lifestyle and goals before committing to an insurance plan.

Contact us today to discuss how we can work together: (02) 9523 2238 or email us at enquiries@atlaswealthadvisory.com.au

Aged Care

Aged care is an increasingly complex area for us all to navigate but we have little choice. Issues such as changing legislation, taxation issues, bonds, care facilities, general planning, types of assisted living, Centrelink, and estate planning need to be considered. And all this at a time in life when managing such matters can become increasingly daunting and difficult.

We specialise in managing all matters to do with aged care and can help in the following ways:

• Preparation of your age pension application and review forms.
• Attending your pension application reviews on your behalf.
• Identification of opportunities that may assist with increasing and maximising your pension.
• Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) - We arrange for and attend all ACAT assessments and assist with documentation prior to your admission into your selected "Assisted Living Aged Care Facility".
• Assisting with the set up of automatic bill payment services
• Connecting you with care assessment teams and home support services
• Participating at family meetings to help ease the stress of challenging conversations during difficult times for your family
• Working with your accountant and lawyer to ensure the needs of your parents are well supported.

Contact us today to discuss how we can work together: (02) 9523 2238 or email us at enquiries@atlaswealthadvisory.com.au

Useful Links

Financial Planning Videos

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