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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Looking for advice on insurance options to suit your needs? Simply contact us at Atlas Wealth Advisory on 02 9523 2238 or e-mail your enquiry today.

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.

Useful Links

Financial Planning Videos

What Can A Financial Adviser Do For You

Duty of Disclosure

Debt Management

SMSF – Individual vs Corporate Trustee

Cup of Advice - Baby On The Way

Cup of Advice - Changing Careers

General Calculators