Making smart and informed financial decisions

What’s important to you?

Hi, I’m Amanda – one of the financial advisers at Retirement Essentials, and I’m here to make sense of what can sometimes feel like a whirlwind of financial decisions in retirement.  I understand that money can be a complicated and often stressful topic.  Whether it’s wondering if you can afford to retire, managing superannuation, repaying debt, Age Pension rules, or figuring out the best way to make the most of your wealth, I know that the sheer number of topics and technical terms can make your head spin.  My job is to cut through that confusion and provide clear practical advice that helps you feel confident and in control of your financial future.

So, how did I get here?  I didn’t always know that financial planning was where I’d end up.  I knew I was good with numbers and enjoyed problem solving, but it wasn’t until I started working with real people and seeing the difference that good financial advice can make that I realised it was something I was passionate about. 

Being a financial planner is not just about crunching numbers – it’s about helping people like you with the information and knowledge necessary to make your best financial decisions.

When I meet with a client, the first thing I want to know is: ‘What’s important to you?’ We all have different priorities, whether that’s enjoying a comfortable retirement, downsizing the home, reducing debt, or finding out when you might become eligible for Centrelink Entitlements including the Age Pension or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC).  Whatever your goals, my job is to make sure you have all the information that you need to make  a smart, informed decision.

I’m a big believer in making sure my advice is as practical as it is professional.  I’ve found that many people feel intimidated by financial jargon, and that’s understandable.  When terms like ‘Account-Based Pensions’ (ABPs) or ‘Defined Benefit Pensions’ (DBPs) come up, it’s easy to tune out.  But it doesn’t have to be that way.  Financial planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming or complicated.  With the right guidance it can be empowering. 

One of the most rewarding parts of what I do is seeing that moment when everything clicks for a client – when they go from feeling uncertain about their finances to realising, “I’ve got this.”  For me, that’s what financial planning is all about.  It’s not just about creating a spreadsheet or managing investments; it’s about giving you peace of mind and helping you feel confident about where you’re headed.

A big part of Retirement Essential’s approach is to provide just the advice you need, when you need it.  Life changes, and so do your financial goals.  Maybe you decide to downsize, or, stop working. Not everyone has the means or desire to commit to a comprehensive, ongoing advice relationship to have their questions answered.  By focusing on specific financial challenges or questions as they come up, Retirement Essentials members can get the expert guidance they need without feeling put off by the cost or scope of traditional full-service planning.  This approach empowers members to seek advice when they need it most, without being locked into long-term commitments that may not align with their evolving needs or circumstances. 

When it comes to retirement planning specifically, I know there are a lot of moving parts.  From understanding how your superannuation works to knowing when you might be eligible for the Age Pension – there is a lot to consider.  Life is unpredictable and financial needs can change quickly.  By addressing one issue at a time, Retirement Essentials can focus on the immediate concern that’s relevant to your situation.  It could be working out what to do with an inheritance, or thinking about whether to pay down your mortgage using super. Having the ability to tackle these issues at the time they come up means that our advice is always timely and targeted.  Members can get what they need, when they need it.

I also love the fact that we talk to people from all around Australia, and even overseas.  Our rural customers can have some extra considerations around how their property is valued once they retire from working the land.  Our international Australians might be away from Australia for a while, or they may be receiving overseas pensions and have to consider the impacts on their Age Pension.

Many of our clients do well managing their financial affairs on their own, but still want expert input when needed. Our strategy consults offer the best of both worlds.  Members can maintain control over their finances, while having trusted advisers they can call on for specific guidance when there’s a decision to be made.

In a nutshell, I’m here to make your financial life easier.  I’m passionate about helping people plan for their futures without the stress or confusion that often comes with financial planning.  So, if you’re feeling a little uncertain about where you stand or where you’re headed, I’d love to help.  Let’s sit down, have a chat and see how I can help you with managing your retirement finances and accessing and maximising your Centrelink entitlements.

You  can learn more about me by visiting my profile page.  

I’m really looking forward to working with you!