Why every financial goal starts with a plan

Most of us plan our spending weeks or months in advance. Whether we use a spreadsheet or simply mark dates on a calendar, we know that planning ahead makes sense.

Why then do many of us consider a financial plan for 30, 20, or even 10 years ahead unnecessary?

Maybe people think that they must have money before seeking advice. Perhaps they believe financial advisors only work with people approaching retirement.

While it’s important for older people to follow a financial plan, it’s equally important, if not more so, for younger people to develop a strategy for their future.

Naturally, when retirement is decades away, financial planning seems irrelevant. But we still have dreams and goals, right?

Whether we’re saving for a home deposit, to start a family, an overseas getaway, or a comfortable retirement, it always starts with a plan no more complicated than:

• Spending less than you earn,
• Reducing personal debt,
• Saving regularly,
• Investing in assets appropriate to your goals and risk tolerance.

In fact, just about everything in life requires some kind of planning.

Marathon runners adopt training schedules to support gradual increases in distance and pace before tackling their goal. Language students become fluent after years of structured learning and practice.

Similarly, there’s no magic wand to conjure instant wealth. It always comes down to having the right plan to achieve our goals.

Those who find wealth through an inheritance or even a lottery win often struggle to manage their windfall.

According to a report by ABC.net.au, around 70% of lotto winners go bankrupt because they’d never experienced such wealth and had no idea what to do with it.

Creating a financial plan isn’t about predicting the future – it’s the opposite. It becomes the framework for managing the unpredictable nature of life: interest rate rises, income fluctuations, unexpected events.

It also helps answer those nagging financial questions:

• Am I saving enough to achieve my goals?
• Am I paying too much interest on my loans?
• Do I have adequate insurance to protect my family and assets?
• Will I have enough superannuation?

The best financial strategy supports informed decision making that aligns with your age and circumstances.

Financial advisers utilise the latest investment insights to provide guidance on developing a financial strategy that steadily progresses you towards your goals.

As you move through life and your priorities shift, your strategy will move with you, ensuring you’re always on track to achieve the best version of your financial future.