Smart Money Upside: the before & after of great financial advice

Last Updated: July 2026

People don’t often talk about the full ins and outs of their money, which makes it hard to sift the good money ideas from the not-so-good ones. 

Below are stories from some of our recent clients (de-identified). We hope they help you understand the value we can bring to your situation.

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Individual, mid 40s, GM in fintech, post-divorce reset

She walked out of the settlement with a lump sum and zero plan.

After 14 years married, she was suddenly sole provider for two primary schoolers, sitting on $850k cash from the property split and a $180k salary. She’d never managed investments herself, her super was scattered across three funds from past jobs, and she was terrified of making a wrong call with the settlement money.

We set up a family trust for long-term investing, bought a $1.4m home using the settlement cash plus a manageable mortgage, launched a $350k share portfolio, and consolidated her super into a low-cost fund with a contribution strategy. She’s got a 10 year plan to replace her income and cut back to three days a week once the kids hit high school.

👉 Year one upside: $58k after advice costs. 👉 20-year upside: $2.3m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$180k; $850k cash from settlement; $290k super (across three funds); renting.
• Savings rate: ~$3k per month.
• Frustrations: Frozen on what to do with the settlement, scattered super, no confidence making decisions solo.
• Before: Cash in savings, scattered super, no investment plan.
• After: Family home purchased, trust, share portfolio, consolidated super, income replacement plan.

Couple, late 30s, both in marketing, recent inheritance

They received $1.1m and immediately started second-guessing everything.

When his mum passed, they inherited $1.1m on top of their $240k combined income and small mortgage. They argued for months about whether to smash the mortgage, buy an investment property, or just ETF the whole lot. Meanwhile the cash sat in the offset doing nothing.

We mapped the trade-offs in numbers, then built a hybrid: partial mortgage paydown with a debt recycle, a $500k investment property, and a $400k diversified portfolio held in a trust for long-term estate efficiency. They’re now building a real second income stream and have a proper plan for their kids’ future.

👉 Year one upside: $63k after advice costs. 👉 20-year upside: $2.4m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$240k; $1.1m inheritance; $950k home ($380k debt); $80k existing cash.
• Savings rate: ~$4k per month.
• Frustrations: Decision paralysis, disagreement on strategy, inheritance sitting idle.
• Before: Inheritance in offset, minimal investing, no structure.
• After: Debt recycle, investment property, portfolio in trust, clear kids’ plan.

Couple, late 40s, agency founder + senior corporate partner, two teenagers

They were clearing $800k but still felt stretched.

He’d built a services business generating $600k in personal income, with $200k more from his wife’s senior corporate role. Cash was piling up in the company, tax bills were brutal, and almost all their wealth was tied up in the business with no plan for extracting it or replacing the income when they eventually stepped back.

We restructured through a bucket company and family trust for tax efficiency, pulled a $400k working capital distribution out, bought a $1.6m investment property, launched a $500k diversified portfolio, and set up super contribution strategies for both. They’ve got $60k+ in annual tax savings baked in and a clear path to exit the business in 5 to 7 years without going backwards.

👉 Year one upside: $95k after advice costs. 👉 20-year upside: $4.6m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$800k (including $600k from business); $2.2m home ($600k debt); $450k in business cash; $520k super combined.
• Savings rate: ~$12k per month.
• Frustrations: Huge tax bill, wealth stuck in the business, no exit plan, no personal investment strategy.
• Before: Cash building in company, ad-hoc super, no structure outside the business.
• After: Bucket company, trust, investment property, diversified portfolio, super strategy, exit plan.

Couple, early 40s, dual senior tech roles, three kids under 10

They were drowning in RSU tax and the bigger family home felt permanently 18 months away.

Both working senior tech roles at different companies, they were pulling $850k combined but every quarter felt like a tax scramble. RSUs were being dumped randomly to cover bills, their portfolio was 80% employer stock across two companies, and they’d been “saving for a bigger home” for three years without moving forward.

We built a structured RSU sell-down plan tied to a family home upgrade in 18 months, debt-recycled their existing mortgage, set up a $450k diversified portfolio, and launched investment accounts for all three kids. Their tech concentration is now under control and they’ve got a real timeline to the $3m family home without going backwards on investing.

👉 Year one upside: $80k after advice costs. 👉 20-year upside: $3.1m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$850k combined; $1.8m home ($750k debt); $300k cash; $650k in employer RSUs and vested stock.
• Savings rate: ~$14k per month.
• Frustrations: RSU tax chaos, heavy employer concentration across two companies, no progress on family home upgrade.
• Before: Ad-hoc RSU sales, offset saving, concentrated tech portfolio.
• After: Structured RSU plan, debt recycle, diversified portfolio, kids’ accounts, home upgrade on timeline.

Couple, early 60s, SME owners planning to sell the business in 2-3 years

They looked wealthy on paper, but all of it was trapped in the business.

Running a profitable logistics business doing $4m in revenue, they were taking $500k in personal income but their real wealth sat as stuck equity in the company. Cash was building up in the business, they hadn’t touched the small business CGT concessions planning, and they had almost nothing invested outside the business.

We restructured into a bucket company and family trust, borrowed $1.2m through the bucket company against business cashflow to buy a commercial investment property, maxed concessional super contributions for both, and built the exit blueprint around small business CGT concessions. They’ve now got a tax-efficient exit mapped and real diversified assets outside the business for the first time.

👉 Year one upside: $110k after advice costs. 👉 20-year upside: $4.4m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$500k personal from business; $2.1m home ($200k debt); $800k business cash; $750k super combined; business valued ~$3m.
• Savings rate: ~$8k per month personally, plus significant retained earnings in the company.
• Frustrations: Everything stuck in the business, no exit structure, no diversification, brutal tax position on sale.
• Before: Cash building in the company, minimal super contributions, no personal investment strategy.
• After: Bucket company, trust, commercial property held through company, maxed super, small business CGT plan, clear exit blueprint.

Individual, early 50s, corporate lawyer, post-divorce with two teenagers

He handed over the family home and was starting again at 52.

After a 20-year marriage ended, he walked out with $900k cash, shared custody of two teens, and a $450k income as a partner at his firm. He was in a rented apartment, his super was under-contributed from years of “we’ll deal with it later,” and he needed a new home without blowing the entire settlement on a deposit.

We bought a $1.7m home using the settlement cash, purchased a $650k investment property for deductible debt, set up a $150k share portfolio, and built an aggressive super top-up strategy using carry-forward contributions. He’s now got a home, diversified assets, and is on track to retire at 62 instead of 67.

👉 Year one upside: $52k after advice costs. 👉 20-year upside: $2.0m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$450k; $900k cash from settlement; $380k super; renting.
• Savings rate: ~$7k per month.
• Frustrations: Starting over financially at 52, no home, under-contributed super, stressed about retirement timeline.
• Before: Cash in savings, under-contributed super, renting.
• After: Family home, investment property, share portfolio, carry-forward super strategy, accelerated retirement plan.

Individual, mid 30s, product lead in tech + $2m parental inheritance

He inherited $2m after his father passed and then sat on it for six months.

On a $280k base plus ~$80k in RSUs, he’d never had real money to manage, and the inheritance hit while he was still processing the loss. The cash parked in a savings account while he read blogs, listened to podcasts, and talked himself out of every option. He was worried about wasting it and simultaneously watching it get eaten by tax and inflation.

We set up a family trust for long-term holdings, bought a $1.4m family home with a modest mortgage, purchased a $900k investment property inside the trust, launched a $600k diversified portfolio, and structured a proper RSU plan. The inheritance is now working in structures he’ll benefit from for decades rather than sitting idle.

👉 Year one upside: $68k after advice costs. 👉 20-year upside: $3.4m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$280k base + ~$80k RSUs; $2m inheritance; $150k existing cash; renting.
• Savings rate: ~$4k per month.
• Frustrations: Paralysed by fear of making a wrong move, inheritance losing purchasing power, zero investment experience.
• Before: Inheritance in high-interest savings, no investments, RSUs held unmanaged.
• After: Family home, trust, investment property, diversified portfolio, structured RSU plan.

Couple, late 30s, pre-IPO tech + corporate professional, first baby

His company was moving toward IPO and his equity was starting to look real on paper.

On a $280k salary plus a significant unvested equity package in a pre-IPO tech company, his potential wealth was volatile and hard to plan around. His partner was earning $160k in corporate and about to start maternity leave. They had $300k cash, a small rented unit, and zero clarity on how to handle the equity when (and if) it became liquid.

We modelled three scenarios (no IPO, moderate IPO, strong IPO), bought a $1.3m home with a manageable mortgage, set up a family trust ready to receive future equity proceeds, launched a $200k diversified portfolio, and built a maternity-leave cash buffer. They’ve got a home, a plan for the equity regardless of outcome, and no stress about the maternity leave period.

👉 Year one upside: $50k after advice costs. 👉 20-year upside: $2.3m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$440k combined (plus significant unvested pre-IPO equity); $300k cash; $180k super combined; renting.
• Savings rate: ~$6k per month pre-maternity.
• Frustrations: Unpredictable equity value, no home, nervous about maternity leave, no plan for a liquidity event.
• Before: Cash savings, equity held unmanaged, no investment plan.
• After: Family home, family trust ready for equity, diversified portfolio, maternity cash buffer, scenario-based liquidity plan.

Couple, late 30s, returning expats from Singapore, two young kids

Eight years overseas and they were flying home with cash, zero Australian investment footprint, and a property market they couldn’t recognise.

They’d been earning $600k+ tax-free in Singapore and saved hard, but all their wealth was in offshore accounts, a rental apartment back in Sydney they’d bought pre-expat, and some US-listed shares. They were moving back on a combined $420k income, wanted to buy a family home in Sydney’s inner west, and had no idea how the Australian tax system would treat their offshore holdings.

We restructured the offshore portfolio before they became Australian tax residents, bought a $2.4m family home using their savings plus a $1.6m mortgage, converted the old Sydney apartment into a debt-recycled investment, and set up a family trust for future share investing. They’ve got a $200k cash buffer ring-fenced, appropriate income protection for the single-earner exposure, and a clear plan to redeploy the Singapore dollar savings.

👉 Year one upside: $55k after advice costs. 👉 20-year upside: $2.4m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$420k; $1.1m cash (mix AUD/SGD); $850k existing Sydney apartment ($200k debt); $480k offshore shares; $390k super combined.
• Savings rate: ~$9k per month.
• Frustrations: No Australian tax footprint, offshore assets in the wrong structures, no home in a rising market, stressed about timing the move.
• Before: Offshore accounts, held-for-years rental apartment, unmanaged US shares.
• After: Pre-residency restructure, family home, debt-recycled former rental, trust for future investing, $200k buffer.
• Risk management: 3.8x income leverage, $200k liquid buffer, income protection on both incomes, fixed-rate split on 40% of the family home loan.

Couple, mid 40s, blended family after second marriages, four kids between them

Two financial lives, two sets of ex-partners, two mortgages, and a real estate plan to protect all four kids.

Both in their second marriages with two kids each from prior relationships, they were running separate bank accounts, separate properties (one owner-occupied, one rented), and had never properly combined finances. On $560k combined income they were saving well but every structural decision had ex-partner, binding financial agreement, and blended estate implications.

We built a joint financial structure that preserved each partner’s pre-marriage assets, restructured the rented second property into a deductible investment, set up a testamentary trust strategy for the estate plan, launched a $350k diversified portfolio, and separated the kids’ financial plans so each set is protected regardless of what happens to either parent.

👉 Year one upside: $62k after advice costs. 👉 20-year upside: $2.5m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$560k combined; $1.9m home ($650k debt, his); $1.1m second property ($380k debt, hers); $280k combined cash; $450k super combined.
• Savings rate: ~$8k per month.
• Frustrations: Structural complexity from prior marriages, no unified plan, estate planning a minefield across four kids.
• Before: Two separate financial worlds, ad-hoc investing, outdated wills.
• After: Unified strategy preserving pre-marriage assets, debt-recycled second property, diversified portfolio, testamentary trust estate plan.
• Risk management: 1.8x combined debt, binding financial agreement updated, insurance cover aligned to each partner’s dependants, estate structure protects both sets of kids independently.

Couple, late 40s, both GPs running their own practice, teenage kids

Two medicos, a profitable practice, and a decision to properly lean into debt to build wealth.

Running a co-owned medical practice with $1.1m combined income (practice + rooms), they’d been pretty conservative with debt historically and had most of their wealth in super and the family home. Practice was stable, cashflow was strong, and they wanted to aggressively build an investment property portfolio over the next five years before easing back to four days a week each.

We restructured into a service trust for the practice, used equity release plus new lending to buy three investment properties over 18 months ($2.6m combined), ran a debt recycling strategy on the family home, launched a $400k diversified portfolio inside a family trust, and maxed concessional super for both. Total personal gearing went to 4.1x income, supported by $300k in buffers across offset and trust cash, and income protection sized to cover full debt service.

👉 Year one upside: $88k after advice costs. 👉 20-year upside: $4.1m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$1.1m combined; $2.8m home ($400k debt going to $1.1m post debt-recycle); $180k cash; $850k super combined; practice valued ~$1.5m.
• Savings rate: ~$18k per month.
• Frustrations: Too conservative with debt given their income, wealth trapped in super and PPOR, no real investment plan outside the practice.
• Before: Cash in offset, max super contributions only, no investment property.
• After: Service trust, three investment properties, debt-recycled home, trust portfolio, maxed super.
• Risk management: 4.1x leverage backed by $1.1m income, $300k liquidity buffer, full income protection, fixed-rate splits on 50% of property debt, practice BCP in place.

Couple, early 40s, SME founder + CFO, recent $4m capital raise vesting over 4 years

They’d just raised $12m for his startup and $4m of it was his, but vesting over four years with tax implications every time a tranche released.

Founder of a Series B SaaS business, he was on a modest $220k salary but with ESOP proceeds and the capital raise secondary, he’d have $4m hitting his accounts over four years in uneven tranches. His wife was a CFO at another startup earning $320k plus her own equity. They had a $1.6m home, $400k cash, and zero structure to receive the incoming funds.

We set up an investment company with a family trust as shareholder before the first tranche landed, used $800k of early proceeds plus $1.9m of new lending through the company to buy a $2.7m commercial property, built a plan to deploy each future tranche into a diversified portfolio inside the trust, and structured the remaining equity positions for optimal CGT treatment. Personal leverage stayed low; entity leverage did the heavy lifting.

👉 Year one upside: $115k after advice costs. 👉 20-year upside: $5.8m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$540k salary + $4m equity vesting over 4 years + his wife’s equity package; $1.6m home ($400k debt); $400k cash; $500k super combined.
• Savings rate: ~$10k per month from salaries.
• Frustrations: Big money coming but no structure to receive it, tax exposure on vesting, concentrated risk in two tech companies.
• Before: All personal, no entities, ad-hoc equity management.
• After: Investment company + trust, commercial property held through company, tranche-by-tranche deployment plan, CGT-structured equity.
• Risk management: Personal debt only 0.7x salary income. Company-level leverage $1.9m on a $2.7m commercial asset with strong rental coverage. $400k cash buffer preserved. Vesting contingencies modelled for partial or full failure of the equity package.

Individual, mid 50s, senior exec taking voluntary redundancy to pivot to board roles

He was walking away from $600k a year to chase NED roles, with no guarantee of income for 12-18 months.

27 years in financial services, taking a $400k redundancy package, and planning to transition to a portfolio of non-executive director roles over the next two years. Wife at home, kids at uni and in final years of school, $800k remaining mortgage, and used to a steady corporate income. He wanted to back himself but needed the numbers to work even if the NED pivot took longer than expected.

We built an 18-month zero-income stress test, paid down $300k of the mortgage to reduce baseline cost, moved $400k into a conservative income-generating portfolio inside a trust, maxed his final year of concessional super plus carry-forward contributions, and set up a $150k ring-fenced living expenses buffer. If NED income comes quickly he accelerates investing; if it’s slow, he’s got 18 months of runway without stress.

👉 Year one upside: $70k after advice costs (largely tax on the redundancy + super optimisation). 👉 20-year upside: $2.6m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ending $600k, pivoting to variable NED income; $2.4m home ($800k debt); $400k redundancy; $250k cash; $980k super.
• Savings rate: Variable post-transition.
• Frustrations: Big career bet, no income certainty, kids’ university costs still coming, wife not working.
• Before: Steady corporate income, super on autopilot, no transition plan.
• After: Mortgage paydown, trust-based income portfolio, maxed super with carry-forward, 18-month living buffer, NED transition plan.
• Risk management: Deliberately reduced leverage before the income change. 18-month living expenses ring-fenced. Income protection cancelled (no longer employed) and replaced with cash buffer. Stress-tested to 24 months of no NED income.

Individual, early 40s, senior female tech exec post-acquisition, significant vested equity

Her company got acquired and she suddenly had $2.8m in liquidity plus a two-year retention package.

On $380k base with $2.8m in acquisition proceeds hitting her account over 90 days, plus a $900k retention package vesting over two years, she was single, no kids, and wanted to buy a home, build passive income, and optionally take a year off in three years.

We bought a $2.1m home with a $1.2m mortgage (deliberately higher leverage because the cashflow supports it), set up a family trust, deployed $1.4m into a diversified portfolio inside the trust, retained $200k as a buffer, and structured the retention package to manage tax across the two vesting years. Aggressive debt sized against a $380k salary baseline not including the retention.

👉 Year one upside: $48k after advice costs. 👉 20-year upside: $4.2m.

• Numbers/Background: Income $380k base + $2.8m acquisition proceeds + $900k retention over 2 years; $200k existing cash; $340k super; renting.
• Savings rate: ~$8k per month post-home-purchase.
• Frustrations: Huge liquidity event with no plan, retention tax complexity, never owned a home.
• Before: Cash in savings, no property, unmanaged vested equity.
• After: Family home, family trust, diversified portfolio, retention tax plan, optional sabbatical modelled.
• Risk management: $1.2m mortgage = 3.2x base salary (ignoring retention, deliberately conservative sizing). $200k liquid buffer plus $1.4m in liquid portfolio assets. Income protection in place.

Couple, early 50s, SME business owners focused on maxing SMSF strategy

They’d built a manufacturing business over 20 years and wanted their super to do more heavy lifting before they sold.

Running a family-owned manufacturing business with $650k combined income, they’d been paying themselves reasonably but their super sat in default retail funds with about $720k combined. They had about seven years until planned sale and wanted to use SMSF strategies to buy the business property and accelerate super growth ahead of the exit.

We set up an SMSF, rolled over both super balances, used an LRBA to buy the $1.4m commercial property they were renting from a third party (business now pays rent to their SMSF), started maxed concessional + non-concessional contributions, and built the pre-sale CGT strategy around small business concessions that will flow significant proceeds directly into super at retirement.

👉 Year one upside: $95k after advice costs. 👉 20-year upside: $4.5m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$650k from business; $1.7m home ($180k debt); $720k super combined; business valued ~$3.5m; paying $95k/year commercial rent externally.
• Savings rate: ~$14k per month personally plus super.
• Frustrations: Super on autopilot, paying rent to a landlord, no integration between business exit and retirement.
• Before: Default retail super, rented commercial property, no SMSF strategy, no exit plan.
• After: SMSF, LRBA on commercial property, maxed contributions, integrated business exit + retirement plan.
• Risk management: LRBA debt inside SMSF is limited-recourse (no personal exposure beyond the asset). Business now pays arm’s-length commercial rent to the SMSF. Personal leverage only 0.3x income. Multiple levers to cover SMSF debt service if business income drops.

Couple, mid 50s, creative industry, late-career income surge

She’d just been made partner at an agency and her income jumped from $220k to $480k overnight.

After 25 years in creative, she was suddenly earning $480k as partner on top of his $180k steady income in academia. They had a modest $1.3m home with $450k debt, minimal investments, and had spent the last decade assuming they’d have to work until 70. The income jump meant genuine acceleration was possible, but they had maybe 10 good earning years left.

We restructured around maximising the next decade: debt-recycled the home, bought a $1.2m investment property, set up a family trust, launched a $250k diversified portfolio, maxed concessional contributions for both, and used her previous low-income years to do significant carry-forward super contributions. Retirement target moved from 70 to 64.

👉 Year one upside: $72k after advice costs. 👉 20-year upside: $2.9m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$660k combined (recent jump from ~$400k); $1.3m home ($450k going to $900k post debt-recycle); $140k cash; $540k super combined.
• Savings rate: ~$14k per month post-restructure.
• Frustrations: Late start on wealth building, assumed they’d work forever, no structure to capture the income jump.
• Before: Slow mortgage paydown, minimal investing, default super.
• After: Debt recycle, investment property, trust portfolio, maxed super with carry-forward, 6-year earlier retirement.
• Risk management: $2.1m total debt against $660k income = 3.2x, appropriate for the income tier. $100k offset buffer, income protection on both, partner role income not assumed beyond current term.

Individual, early 40s, single mum, $650k inheritance + career change to consulting

Her mum passed and left her $650k right as she was going out on her own as a consultant after 15 years in-house.

Single parent of two primary school kids, she was moving from a $185k salary corporate role to independent consulting (variable income, likely $220-280k range), had just inherited $650k, a $950k home with $420k debt, and was genuinely scared about giving up the corporate safety net with no partner to fall back on.

We ring-fenced $150k as a 12-month expenses buffer, used $300k of inheritance to aggressively reduce the home loan, invested the remaining $200k into a diversified portfolio in her name (simple structure, no trust given the scale), set up her consulting business as a PTY LTD with proper tax structure, and built a super contribution plan for the higher consulting income years.

👉 Year one upside: $60k after advice costs. 👉 20-year upside: $1.9m.

• Numbers/Background: Income transitioning $185k → variable $220-280k; $650k inheritance; $950k home ($420k debt); $85k existing cash; $210k super.
• Savings rate: Variable, modelled conservatively.
• Frustrations: Career risk, single-income household with kids, inheritance pressure to “not waste it”, fear of getting it wrong.
• Before: Corporate salary, cash in offset, no business structure.
• After: PTY LTD consulting business, aggressive mortgage paydown, diversified portfolio, 12-month buffer.
• Risk management: Deliberately conservative leverage (1.1x corporate income, 0.7x expected consulting income). 12 months of living expenses ring-fenced. Full income protection structured for self-employment. Simple structures appropriate to scale.

Couple, late 20s, SME co-founders with aggressive growth plans

Two founders, one business, married to each other, and willing to lean hard into debt to accelerate.

Running a fast-growing e-commerce business together, drawing $320k combined plus retained earnings in the company. They were 28 and 29, no kids yet but planning in 2-3 years, renting by choice, and specifically wanted to maximise leverage while they were young, high-earning, and pre-kids. They understood the risks and wanted the aggressive path, not the safe one.

We set up a bucket company and family trust, bought a $1.4m home with an $1.1m mortgage (higher LVR justified by income growth trajectory and business profitability), used a company loan to buy a $900k investment property, launched a $180k diversified portfolio inside the trust, and built a stress test for a 40% income drop plus a future maternity leave period. Total leverage ~6.3x personal income, backed by strong buffers, strong business cashflow, and an explicit risk plan.

👉 Year one upside: $55k after advice costs. 👉 20-year upside: $3.2m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$320k combined + retained business earnings; renting; $480k business cash; $180k personal cash; $190k super combined; business doing ~$4m revenue with strong margins.
• Savings rate: ~$8k per month personally, plus significant retained earnings.
• Frustrations: Renting felt like falling behind, wanted to use their pre-kids window aggressively, no structure to enable it.
• Before: Personal savings only, renting, no property, no entities.
• After: Bucket company, family trust, home, investment property, trust portfolio.
• Risk management: 6.3x total debt vs current personal income is aggressive. Justified by: $150k cash buffer, strong business cashflow covering all debt service 3x over, both partners earning (redundancy of income), income protection and trauma cover in place, stress-tested to 40% revenue drop, and explicit plan to deleverage if maternity leave extends beyond 12 months.

Couple, early 30s, both in tech, planning first home in 18 months

They were earning $380k and couldn’t work out why they felt stuck.

Both in mid-level tech roles, they’d saved $220k, had decent RSUs accumulating, and kept “nearly” pulling the trigger on a first home for two years. Decision paralysis, no structure, RSUs held passively, and a vague sense that someone with their income should be further ahead.

We mapped a clear $1.6m home purchase in 18 months, set up a structured RSU sell-down to build the deposit, launched a $120k diversified portfolio for the non-home funds, debt-recycled a small portion at purchase, and built an investment property plan for 2-3 years after the home purchase. Saving rate jumped from $5k to $9k per month through a new banking structure.

👉 Year one upside: $52k after advice costs. 👉 20-year upside: $2.3m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$380k combined; $220k cash; $140k RSUs; $180k super combined; renting.
• Savings rate: ~$5k going to ~$9k per month.
• Frustrations: Decision paralysis, RSUs on autopilot, no structure despite strong income.
• Before: Cash savings, unmanaged RSUs.
• After: Home timeline, structured RSU plan, portfolio, banking structure, post-home investment property plan.
• Risk management: Deliberately conservative leverage (home mortgage ~2.6x combined income). $40k offset buffer post-settlement, income protection on both, RSUs treated as bonus not base.

Individual, late 30s, female divorcee, senior marketing director

She came out of a 12-year marriage with $420k and needed to rebuild from zero.

Walked out of a Sydney divorce with $420k cash, 50/50 custody of two primary school kids, no home, and a $260k salary in a senior in-house marketing role. Super sat at $180k after years of career breaks around kids. She wanted a home in the next 12 months and was worried about doing it alone on a single income.

We bought a $1.3m home with a $900k mortgage, set up an offset buffer, built a small $80k share portfolio, maxed carry-forward concessional contributions to rebuild super, and structured income protection and life cover appropriate for a sole-earning parent. A measured rebuild, not an aggressive one.

👉 Year one upside: $44k after advice costs. 👉 20-year upside: $1.8m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$260k; $420k cash from settlement; $180k super; renting.
• Savings rate: ~$4k per month.
• Frustrations: Starting over, under-contributed super, nervous about single-income home buying.
• Before: Cash in savings, underfunded super, no investments.
• After: Home, offset buffer, share portfolio, carry-forward super, appropriate insurance.
• Risk management: 3.5x income leverage on the home. $60k offset buffer post-settlement. Full income protection and life cover sized to clear the mortgage. Fixed-rate split on 50%.

Couple, mid 40s, barrister + GP, three kids in private school

$1.2m income, $85k a year in school fees, and somehow no investment plan.

He was a barrister on ~$850k (lumpy income, sole trader), she was a GP contractor on $320k, three kids at private schools costing $85k a year. They had a $3.2m home with $1.4m debt, $180k cash, and almost everything else in super and a messy share portfolio. Tax was punishing, cashflow management was a nightmare given his lumpy billing, and they had no real wealth strategy outside “pay the mortgage and hope.”

We restructured his practice income through a service trust, set up a family trust for investments, debt-recycled $600k of the home loan, bought a $1.6m investment property, launched a $400k diversified portfolio inside the trust, and built a cashflow system designed specifically for lumpy professional income. Tax savings alone were ~$55k annually.

👉 Year one upside: $105k after advice costs. 👉 20-year upside: $4.7m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$1.17m combined; $3.2m home ($1.4m debt going to $2m post debt-recycle + investment property); $180k cash; $680k super combined.
• Savings rate: ~$18k per month after school fees.
• Frustrations: Huge tax bill, lumpy income stress, no investment strategy, all wealth in home and super.
• Before: Sole trader billing, slow mortgage paydown, messy shares.
• After: Service trust, family trust, debt recycle, investment property, portfolio, professional cashflow system.
• Risk management: $3m+ total debt = 2.6x combined income, well within tolerance. $250k liquidity buffer across offsets and trust cash for his lumpy billing. Income protection on both with agreed-value structure for him. Fixed-rate splits across 40% of total debt.

Couple, early 40s, one in tech + one on maternity leave with second child

Single income for 18 months, a big mortgage, and a RSU package they’d been dumping to survive.

He was on $420k in tech (base + RSUs), she’d just started 18 months of maternity leave with their second, they had a $2.1m home with $1.3m debt, $90k cash, and had been selling RSUs quarterly to cover the mortgage + tax + everyday costs. Felt like running uphill.

We restructured the RSU plan to sell strategically rather than reactively, reduced mortgage pressure by refinancing to split fixed/variable with offset, built a 24-month cash buffer of $120k specifically for the maternity period, set up a $60k investment account as a starting point, and locked in income protection and trauma cover on his single income. Aggressive wealth building paused until she’s back at work; this year was about stability.

👉 Year one upside: $48k after advice costs (mostly from RSU tax restructure + loan refinance). 👉 20-year upside: $2.1m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$420k (single income during maternity leave); $2.1m home ($1.3m debt); $90k cash; $180k RSUs; $410k super combined.
• Savings rate: Neutral during maternity leave, ~$8k per month when she returns.
• Frustrations: Single-income pressure, reactive RSU selling, no buffer, tax chaos.
• Before: Ad-hoc RSU sales, minimal buffer, no structure.
• After: Structured RSU plan, refinanced loan, $120k buffer, small investment account, insurance cover.
• Risk management: 3.1x income leverage during single-income period. $120k dedicated maternity buffer. Insurance sized to clear mortgage on his death/disability. Strategy explicitly deferred growth moves until dual income resumes.

Individual, early 60s, widower, inherited from late spouse

His wife passed two years ago and he was still sitting on the insurance payout and her super.

Widower at 61, still working as an engineer on $210k, two adult kids. After his wife passed he’d inherited her $480k super plus a $600k life insurance payout, and simply hadn’t moved any of it. He wanted to retire at 65, leave meaningful money to the kids, and stop feeling frozen about financial decisions that felt tied up in grief.

We consolidated everything into a single low-cost super fund, maxed non-concessional contributions across two years using the bring-forward rule, built a $350k investment account outside super for liquidity, set up a testamentary trust estate plan for the kids, and modelled a $95k/year retirement from 65. Deliberately simple, deliberately conservative.

👉 Year one upside: $68k after advice costs. 👉 20-year upside: $1.9m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$210k; $1.5m home (debt-free); $600k insurance payout; $480k inherited super; $740k own super; $85k cash.
• Savings rate: ~$5k per month.
• Frustrations: Frozen since bereavement, money sitting idle, no plan for retirement or estate.
• Before: Cash and super from wife sitting untouched.
• After: Consolidated super with bring-forward NCCs, investment account, testamentary trust estate plan, retirement income plan.
• Risk management: Zero debt by design. Conservative asset allocation given 4-year retirement runway. Estate plan protects both kids equally via testamentary trusts.

Couple, late 30s, both senior consultants, no kids and not planning any

Two senior consultants, $720k combined, DINK lifestyle, and wanted to retire at 50.

Both on partner track at top-tier consulting firms, $720k combined income, no kids and no intention to have any. Lifestyle was solid but not excessive. They’d saved $350k, had $220k in shares (mostly employer-linked), and a $1.8m home with $900k debt. They had 12 high-earning years ahead and wanted a specific target: $5m in income-producing assets outside super by age 50.

We debt-recycled the home aggressively ($700k to deductible), bought two investment properties over 12 months ($2.2m combined), set up a family trust, built a $500k diversified portfolio inside the trust using existing shares + new contributions, and maxed concessional super for both. Aggressive plan appropriate for their income, lifestyle, and zero-dependant risk profile.

👉 Year one upside: $92k after advice costs. 👉 20-year upside: $4.3m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$720k combined; $1.8m home ($900k debt going to $1.6m post debt-recycle + IPs); $350k cash; $220k shares; $480k super combined.
• Savings rate: ~$22k per month.
• Frustrations: High income with no proportional wealth plan, no use of leverage, no tax strategy.
• Before: Slow mortgage paydown, employer shares, maxed super only.
• After: Debt recycle, two investment properties, trust portfolio, maxed super, age-50 target.
• Risk management: $3.8m total debt = 5.3x combined income. Aggressive but deliberate. $250k offset buffer, income protection on both, no dependants. Stress-tested for single-income scenario where one partner leaves consulting. Fixed splits on 50% of property debt.

Couple, mid 50s, SME owners about to settle a business sale

Sale was contracted for $6.8m and they had eight weeks to get their structures sorted.

Running a wholesale distribution business for 22 years, they’d just signed a share sale agreement for $6.8m settling in 8 weeks. They were both 55, wanted to work another 3-5 years in semi-retirement consulting, but had virtually nothing set up to receive the proceeds. Small business CGT concessions available but complex. Existing trust structure was 15 years out of date.

We restructured the entity setup pre-settlement to maximise small business 15-year exemption and retirement exemption, contributed $1.7m into super via CGT cap, set up a new family trust with a bucket company beneficiary for ongoing investment, bought a $2.8m investment property through the trust using $1.4m of proceeds plus $1.4m lending, and structured the remaining $3m into a diversified portfolio across the trust and bucket company.

👉 Year one upside: $215k after advice costs (heavy front-loaded CGT savings). 👉 20-year upside: $6.8m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$380k personal from business; business sale $6.8m; $2.4m home (debt-free); $340k cash; $890k super combined.
• Savings rate: ~$10k per month pre-sale.
• Frustrations: Huge sale about to land, structures out of date, no plan to receive proceeds, CGT exposure.
• Before: Old trust, default super, no bucket company.
• After: Pre-sale structure refresh, maxed small business CGT concessions, $1.7m into super, new trust + bucket company, investment property, diversified portfolio.
• Risk management: $1.4m entity-level debt against a $2.8m income-producing commercial asset. Personal position is debt-free. Structures provide decades of tax-efficient compounding plus the retirement income they’ll need from 58-60 onwards.

Individual, mid 30s, female founder who just exited her business

She sold her business for $3.2m and had no idea what to do next.

Founded a marketing services agency, sold it to a competitor for $3.2m cash, single, no kids, 34 years old, and suddenly with more money than she’d ever thought about. Planning to take 12 months off, then start something new. She had a $1.1m apartment (owner-occupied) with $380k debt, $95k cash, and the $3.2m sitting in a business account doing nothing.

We moved the sale proceeds through a bucket company structure to manage tax efficiently, bought a $1.9m home upgrade with a $800k mortgage (deliberately leveraged given her wealth and future earning capacity), set up a family trust for investing, deployed $2m into a diversified portfolio across trust and bucket company, and kept $400k as a 24-month living expenses buffer for her planned break.

👉 Year one upside: $88k after advice costs. 👉 20-year upside: $5.2m.

• Numbers/Background: Income transitioning from $280k business earnings to $0 sabbatical then variable; sale proceeds $3.2m; $1.1m apartment ($380k debt); $95k cash; $210k super.
• Savings rate: Variable, negative during sabbatical.
• Frustrations: Post-exit analysis paralysis, no structure, no plan, worried about blowing the windfall.
• Before: Sale proceeds in a business account, no entities, no investment plan.
• After: Bucket company, family trust, home upgrade, diversified portfolio, 24-month buffer.
• Risk management: $800k personal mortgage sized against future earning capacity and $2m liquid portfolio. $400k sabbatical buffer. Structures protect the proceeds from future business risk when she starts something new.

Couple, late 40s, tradie + admin, long-term high earners but no investments

$460k income for eight years running and still nothing to show for it.

He ran a successful commercial electrical business with 6 staff, she handled the admin. $460k combined income, $1.4m home with $320k debt, $180k cash, $260k super combined, and literally no investments outside those. Eight years of high earnings and genuine frustration that they had nothing structural to show for it. Two teenagers, a boat, three cars, and a lot of lifestyle.

We restructured the business through a trust + bucket company (previously operating as sole trader + wife on payroll), debt-recycled $500k of the home, bought a $950k investment property, started a $200k diversified portfolio inside the family trust, maxed concessional contributions for both, and built a banking structure that actually separated lifestyle from wealth building.

👉 Year one upside: $76k after advice costs. 👉 20-year upside: $3.1m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$460k combined from business; $1.4m home ($320k debt going to $820k post debt-recycle + IP); $180k cash; $260k super combined.
• Savings rate: ~$5k going to ~$12k per month post-restructure.
• Frustrations: High income for years with no wealth to show, lifestyle creep, no business structure.
• Before: Sole trader, slow mortgage paydown, cash in offset.
• After: Trust + bucket company, debt recycle, investment property, trust portfolio, maxed super, banking structure.
• Risk management: $1.3m total debt = 2.8x income, conservative. $120k offset buffer, income protection on him given business dependence, business succession plan documented.

Couple, early 30s, one on parental leave + one earning $290k, first home just purchased

They’d just settled on their first home and felt like they’d taken on too much debt.

He was on $290k in professional services, she was on parental leave from a $140k marketing role with plans to return at 3 days a week. They’d just settled on a $1.35m home with a $1.05m mortgage (aggressive, funded by stretching the deposit), $40k remaining cash, $85k in RSUs, one baby, and a lot of anxiety about whether they’d bitten off too much.

We didn’t refinance or restructure aggressively (the loan was already well-priced), but built a specific cashflow plan for the single-income + part-time return period, used $50k of RSUs to build an offset buffer to 3 months of full mortgage payments, structured income protection and life cover to fully clear the mortgage if anything happened to him, and started a $20k investment account as a foundational step. Calm, structured, and focused on risk management rather than growth moves.

👉 Year one upside: $32k after advice costs. 👉 20-year upside: $1.6m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$290k single + variable part-time return; $1.35m home ($1.05m debt); $40k cash; $85k RSUs; $140k super combined.
• Savings rate: Neutral during parental leave, ~$4k per month post-return.
• Frustrations: Fresh mortgage, single income, nervous about having overcommitted, no buffer.
• Before: Fresh settlement, tight cashflow, no buffer.
• After: Cashflow plan, offset buffer to 3 months, insurance cover, starter investment account.
• Risk management: 3.6x income leverage on a single income during parental leave is elevated. Deliberately focused year one on buffer building and insurance rather than growth. Full insurance cover clears the mortgage on death or disability. Growth strategy sequenced for when second income resumes.

Couple, mid 40s, CFO + part-time teacher, three kids and $2.3m inherited property portfolio

Her parents left her three investment properties and they had no idea what to do with any of them.

He was a CFO on $480k, she was teaching two days a week on $55k, three kids in primary school. She’d recently inherited three investment properties worth $2.3m combined (all debt-free, all in her sole name, all in different states), plus $200k cash. Rental yields were mediocre, two of the properties needed significant maintenance, and one was in a declining regional area. Emotional attachment complicated every decision.

We built a sell/hold/restructure analysis for each property on merit, sold the regional one for $580k, refinanced the remaining two to release $1.1m of equity, bought a $1.4m higher-growth investment property in the family trust, and redeployed the cash proceeds into a $600k diversified portfolio inside the trust. Kept the emotional core (one property she couldn’t part with) intact while making the rest work properly.

👉 Year one upside: $71k after advice costs. 👉 20-year upside: $3.2m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$535k combined; $2.1m home ($380k debt); $2.3m inherited properties (debt-free); $200k cash; $520k super combined.
• Savings rate: ~$8k per month.
• Frustrations: Three inherited properties in the wrong structures, no strategy, emotional complexity around selling.
• Before: Three properties in sole name, no gearing, mediocre yields.
• After: One sale, two refinanced with equity release, trust-owned growth property, trust portfolio.
• Risk management: $1.9m total debt = 3.5x combined income, appropriate. Rental income covers 40% of debt service. $150k offset buffer. Income protection on his CFO role (primary income). One property retained for sentiment explicitly excluded from financial optimisation.

Individual, late 20s, tech worker with $380k in unvested RSUs and $120k cash

Earned $195k base and had a pile of RSUs vesting over the next three years.

25-year-old software engineer at a listed tech company, $195k base + $380k unvested RSUs over three years, $120k cash sitting in savings, no property, no investments, renting with flatmates. Wanted to buy a place in the next 2-3 years, didn’t have family money, and felt both wealthy on paper and broke in reality.

We mapped the RSU vesting schedule against tax and sell-down rules, built a $350k home deposit target over 2.5 years using a structured RSU sell-down plan, started a $50k diversified portfolio as a non-home-deposit wealth foundation, set up a first home super saver contribution strategy, and locked in income protection. No entities (overkill at his scale), but clean structure ready to scale.

👉 Year one upside: $38k after advice costs. 👉 20-year upside: $1.5m.

• Numbers/Background: Income $195k base + $380k RSUs over 3 years; $120k cash; $88k super; renting.
• Savings rate: ~$3k per month base + RSU proceeds.
• Frustrations: Paper wealth that didn’t feel real, no home, no strategy for RSUs.
• Before: Cash in savings, unmanaged RSUs, no plan.
• After: Structured RSU sell-down, home deposit plan, starter portfolio, FHSS contributions, insurance.
• Risk management: Deliberately simple structure matched to his stage. No debt. RSUs treated as bonus, deposit targeted via base salary + structured RSU sales. FHSS provides tax-advantaged deposit building.

Couple, late 30s, both self-employed creatives, twin toddlers

Two freelancers, one family, and three years of “we really should sort our money out.”

She ran a graphic design studio on ~$180k, he was a freelance photographer on ~$140k, both operating as sole traders, twin two-year-olds in daycare, renting a $750/week apartment, and a real sense that two self-employed creatives with twins were always going to be behind. $75k cash, $45k in ETFs, and a messy tax situation.

We restructured both incomes through a family trust with them as beneficiaries, bought a $1.1m home with a $850k mortgage (first property purchase), set up a structured banking system designed for lumpy self-employed income, built a $100k investment account inside the trust, maxed concessional contributions for both, and put income protection in place (previously uninsured).

👉 Year one upside: $56k after advice costs. 👉 20-year upside: $2.1m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$320k combined from self-employment; renting; $75k cash; $45k shares; $115k super combined.
• Savings rate: Highly variable, ~$4k per month average.
• Frustrations: Self-employed chaos, no structure, no home, no insurance, twins adding pressure.
• Before: Sole traders, ad-hoc tax, renting, no investment structure.
• After: Family trust for income, home, trust portfolio, banking system, insurance, maxed super.
• Risk management: 2.7x leverage on combined income. Both insured (previously neither). $50k offset buffer specifically calibrated for lumpy self-employed cashflow. Trust structure protects family if one business fails.

Couple, early 50s, both public servants, paying off parents’ aged care bond

Stable incomes, stable pensions, and a $450k aged care bond on his mother’s accommodation.

Both senior APS, $290k combined income, defined-benefit-ish super schemes, $1.8m home with $210k debt, $130k cash, one adult child at uni. His mum had just entered residential aged care requiring a $450k refundable accommodation deposit (RAD), which they’d initially paid out of savings but wanted to restructure.

We refinanced the home to fund the $450k RAD through deductible debt (strategy specifically structured to preserve refundability), rebuilt their cash position to $120k, set up a $180k investment portfolio to run alongside the debt, maxed concessional super contributions for both, and integrated mum’s aged care fee strategy (pensioner status, means-tested fee minimisation) into their broader plan.

👉 Year one upside: $58k after advice costs. 👉 20-year upside: $1.8m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$290k combined; $1.8m home ($210k debt going to $660k post-refinance for RAD); $130k cash going to $120k; aged care RAD $450k; public sector super.
• Savings rate: ~$7k per month.
• Frustrations: Aged care cost hit unexpectedly, no strategy, wiped out cash buffer.
• Before: Cash drained for RAD, slow mortgage paydown, no investments.
• After: Refinanced for deductible RAD funding, rebuilt buffer, investment portfolio, maxed super, aged care fee strategy.
• Risk management: 2.3x combined income leverage, comfortable for stable public sector incomes. RAD is refundable and recoverable on mum’s eventual passing (effectively a secured loan asset). $120k offset buffer. Public sector income security high.

Individual, mid 40s, oncologist, single, high cash with zero time to manage it

On $520k and had $680k just sitting in a savings account doing nothing.

Specialist oncologist, single, no kids, renting by choice near the hospital, $520k income from practice + hospital work, and $680k cash from years of high saving with zero time and zero financial knowledge. Had a default super account, a small share portfolio she’d forgotten about, and a deep frustration at how much tax she was paying.

We set up a service trust for her practice income, bought a $1.9m home (first property purchase) with a $950k mortgage, set up a family trust for investing, deployed $400k into a diversified portfolio inside the trust, maxed concessional contributions using carry-forward from prior years, and structured private income protection and life cover appropriate for her specialty.

👉 Year one upside: $102k after advice costs. 👉 20-year upside: $4.0m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$520k; $680k cash; $28k forgotten share portfolio; $290k super; renting.
• Savings rate: ~$14k per month.
• Frustrations: Massive tax leak, cash doing nothing, no time to figure it out, never owned a home.
• Before: Cash in savings, default super, sporadic shares.
• After: Service trust, home, family trust, diversified portfolio, maxed super with carry-forward, specialty income protection.
• Risk management: 1.8x income leverage on home, very conservative given her income. $120k offset buffer. Specialty-specific income protection (oncologists have distinct claims risk). Trust structures provide asset protection given medical professional litigation exposure.

Couple, mid 30s, pilot + flight attendant, irregular schedules and lumpy income

Both flying internationally, rarely in the same city, and a mortgage that felt scary given the industry.

He was a first officer with a major carrier on ~$230k, she was crew on ~$95k, both with irregular rosters and industry memory of COVID stand-downs. $1.1m home with $780k debt, $65k cash, $45k in shares, one kid in primary school. Constant travel meant finances sat permanently on the “we’ll deal with it next month” list.

We built a robust cash buffer of $90k (explicitly sized for industry downturn risk), refinanced to split fixed/variable with offset, set up a $70k diversified investment account, maxed concessional contributions for both, put industry-appropriate income protection in place (aviation exclusions carefully navigated), and automated everything so their schedules didn’t derail the plan.

👉 Year one upside: $42k after advice costs. 👉 20-year upside: $1.7m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$325k combined; $1.1m home ($780k debt); $65k cash going to $90k; $45k shares; $180k super combined.
• Savings rate: ~$4k per month.
• Frustrations: Industry income volatility, travel schedules preventing financial attention, COVID trauma around stand-downs.
• Before: Cash in offset, small shares, standard super, underinsured.
• After: Refinanced loan, $90k buffer, investment account, maxed super, aviation-appropriate insurance, automated system.
• Risk management: 2.4x leverage, moderate. $90k buffer deliberately sized for 6 months of both being stood down (lesson from COVID). Aviation-specific income protection given industry claim complexity. Fixed-rate split on 50% of debt.

Couple, late 40s, pharmacist + engineer, looking at school fee cliff

Two pharmacies, one engineering salary, and private school fees about to double when kid #2 started.

She owned two pharmacies generating $380k personal income, he was a senior engineer on $180k, one kid in private school and a second starting in 18 months. Combined school fees were about to jump from $38k to $76k per year. $1.9m home, $420k debt, $290k cash, and a deep concern about whether they were set up properly given the incoming cost cliff.

We restructured the pharmacies through a trust structure they’d never properly used, debt-recycled $400k of the home, bought a $1.1m commercial property to house one of the pharmacies (business pays rent to them), launched a $250k diversified portfolio in the trust, and pre-funded 4 years of school fees into a tax-efficient investment bond.

👉 Year one upside: $84k after advice costs. 👉 20-year upside: $3.3m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$560k combined; $1.9m home ($420k debt going to $820k post debt-recycle); $290k cash; $480k super combined; two pharmacies.
• Savings rate: ~$12k per month.
• Frustrations: Pharmacies in wrong structure, school fee cliff approaching, paying third-party commercial rent.
• Before: Pharmacies held personally, slow mortgage paydown, rented commercial premises.
• After: Trust-held pharmacies, debt recycle, commercial property held personally with business paying rent, trust portfolio, pre-funded school fees.
• Risk management: $1.9m total debt = 3.4x income. Commercial property tenanted by own pharmacy provides stable internal rental. $150k offset buffer. Income protection on both. School fees de-risked via pre-funded bond.

Individual, early 40s, male tech founder, no kids, considering surrogacy

Considering surrogacy in the US (~$250-350k all-in) and wanting to make sure his finances were ready.

Single, tech startup founder earning $340k base + meaningful equity in his Series A company, $2.2m apartment with $890k debt, $180k cash, $320k in diversified shares, seriously exploring surrogacy in the US within the next 2 years. Estimated $300k cost, plus future single-parent income considerations.

We pre-funded a $350k surrogacy reserve via a dedicated offset sub-account, set up a family trust for future family structuring, restructured some of the startup equity into a bucket company for future tax efficiency, maintained existing investment property and portfolio positions, and re-worked estate planning with guardianship provisions ready for the future child. Insurance restructured to include child-dependent cover ready to activate.

👉 Year one upside: $64k after advice costs. 👉 20-year upside: $3.4m.

• Numbers/Background: Income $340k base + meaningful unvested equity; $2.2m apartment ($890k debt); $180k cash; $320k shares; $240k super.
• Savings rate: ~$11k per month.
• Frustrations: Big life plan approaching, no structure ready, uncertain about single-parent financial requirements.
• Before: Personal holdings, no entities, standard insurance.
• After: Surrogacy reserve, family trust, bucket company for equity, updated estate plan with guardianship, child-ready insurance.
• Risk management: 2.6x income leverage, conservative given impending single-parent status. $350k surrogacy reserve ring-fenced. Estate plan fully updated with guardian provisions. Insurance scaled for single-parent scenario.

Couple, early 60s, downsizers with $1.8m cash from home sale

Sold the family home for $3.2m, bought a $1.4m apartment, and had $1.8m they didn’t know what to do with.

Both 62, he was winding down his law practice ($280k going to $150k over 2 years), she was fully retired from teaching, three adult kids, just downsized from their Mosman family home to a Neutral Bay apartment. $1.8m cash from the sale, $950k combined super, and strong desire to retire properly in the next 24 months while helping the kids into property.

We used the downsizer contribution to put $600k into super ($300k each), set up a family trust for the remaining $1m for tax-effective income generation, deployed $800k into a diversified portfolio inside the trust, retained $200k as a liquid buffer, and built a “bank of mum and dad” structure to help each of three kids with $150k toward property deposits via documented loans rather than gifts. Full retirement modelled at 64.

👉 Year one upside: $78k after advice costs. 👉 20-year upside: $2.4m.

• Numbers/Background: Income transitioning $280k → $150k → $0; $1.4m apartment (debt-free); $1.8m cash from downsize; $950k super combined.
• Savings rate: Declining through transition.
• Frustrations: Huge cash balance, no structure, kids needing property help, no retirement income plan.
• Before: Cash from house sale, default super, no structures.
• After: $600k downsizer contribution, family trust, portfolio, $450k documented kids’ loans, retirement income plan.
• Risk management: Zero debt personally. Kids’ loans documented and secured where possible to protect against relationship breakdown. Income portfolio structured for sustainability across 25-30 year retirement. Conservative asset allocation given retirement horizon.

Individual, late 30s, female mining executive on FIFO contract

$520k income, FIFO rotation, and absolutely no time or mental space for finances.

Mining company executive on a 2-on/1-off rotation, $520k total package, single, two dogs, renting in Perth when home, working in remote WA when away. $380k cash piled up over 3 years of earning well with no spending opportunities, $140k in employer shares, and a strong awareness that the contract wouldn’t last forever.

We bought a $1.4m home in Perth (first property) with a $650k mortgage, set up a family trust, deployed $420k into a diversified portfolio inside the trust, structured the employer shares for sensible wind-down, maxed concessional contributions using carry-forward, and built a 24-month post-contract buffer for when the mining role ends. Explicit plan to use the high-income window aggressively but responsibly.

👉 Year one upside: $82k after advice costs. 👉 20-year upside: $3.5m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$520k; renting; $380k cash; $140k employer shares; $195k super.
• Savings rate: ~$18k per month.
• Frustrations: Contract-driven income, cash piling up, no property, no structure, finite high-earning window.
• Before: Cash in savings, employer shares, renting, default super.
• After: Home, trust, portfolio, structured equity wind-down, maxed super with carry-forward, 24-month buffer.
• Risk management: 1.3x income leverage, very conservative given contract-based income. $180k offset buffer. 24-month living expenses separately ring-fenced for post-contract transition. Income protection structured for resource industry claims specifics.

Couple, early 30s, tech professionals with toddler

They were stuck in RSU tax chaos.

Every tax season meant stress, with RSUs dumped to cover bills. Their cash sat idle in an offset, and a family home upgrade felt out of reach.

After working with us, they structured RSU sales, debt-recycled their mortgage, built a share portfolio, and set up a children’s account. They’re now on track for a $2.5m family home in two years, without giving up wealth-building.

👉 Year one upside: $41k after advice costs.
👉 20-year upside: $2.0m+.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$320k; $1.5m home ($700k debt); $200k cash; $120k RSUs.
• Savings rate: ~$3k per month.
• Frustrations: RSU tax bills, cash sitting idle, unsure how to balance family upgrade with investing.
• Before: Mortgage repayments, ad-hoc RSU sales, cash in offset.
• After: Debt recycling, structured RSU plan, diversified portfolio, kids’ account.

Couple, mid-40s, exec + business owner with teens

He wanted out of the rat race.

Despite $600k income, their mortgage and tax bills made them feel broke. No clear retirement path.

We set up a family trust, refinanced loans, built a tax-optimised portfolio, and boosted super. They now have a strategy to replace income and step back in 8–10 years.

👉 Year one upside: $90k.
👉 20-year upside: $4.3m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$600k; $3.5m home ($1.2m debt); $250k cash; $500k super.
• Savings rate: ~$10k per month.
• Frustrations: High tax bill, no clear retirement strategy, cash building with no plan.
• Before: Ad-hoc mortgage repayments, small super contributions.
• After: Trust, portfolio, bonds, super ramp-up.

Couple, late 20s, tech + healthcare, first child due

They were crushing it on income but still felt behind.

With $400k income and a strong RSU plan, their money sat in tech shares and cash. Maternity leave loomed, and they worried about going backwards.

We restructured RSUs, bought an investment property, and set up a savings system. They’re building a second income stream while preparing for baby number one.

👉 Year one upside: $76k.
👉 20-year upside: $2.8m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$400k; $2.5m home ($1m debt); $150k cash; $250k RSUs.
• Savings rate: ~$6k per month.
• Frustrations: RSUs unmanaged, mortgage slow, no savings system.
• Before: RSUs left to run, minimal mortgage progress.
• After: Structured RSU sales, property purchase, portfolio plan.

Couple, early 50s, senior execs

They had plenty of wealth, but no plan.

On $500k income with $4m+ in assets, their money was sitting lazily in offset. Retirement felt like a mystery.

We cut tax, restructured debt, and invested surplus through super and bonds. They now see a clear glidepath to early retirement with passive income locked in.

👉 Year one upside: $74k.
👉 20-year upside: $5.5m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$500k; $4m assets; $400k surplus cash.
• Savings rate: ~$8k per month.
• Frustrations: Lazy cash, no retirement structure.
• Before: Offset + ad-hoc super.
• After: Portfolio + super strategy, bonds, property.

Couple, early 30s, one in tech, one in education

They thought buying a family home meant giving up investing.

With $250k income and $120k cash, they’d resigned themselves to “just keep saving.”

We mapped a dual strategy: buying an investment property now and planning for a $1.8m family home in three years. They’re growing assets and moving forward with family goals.

👉 Year one upside: $37k.
👉 20-year upside: $1.9m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$250k; $120k cash; no property.
• Savings rate: ~$2.5k per month.
• Frustrations: Unsure how to balance home and investing.
• Before: Cash in savings, unclear home plan.
• After: Investment property, savings plan, family home roadmap.

Single, late 20s, tech worker with $1m liquidity event

He was paralysed by cash.

After a $1m RSU windfall, he left it sitting in cash, terrified of “making a wrong move.”

We set up a trust, bought a $1.3m investment property, and kicked off a $500k portfolio. He now has passive income of $25k a year and still plans a year-long sabbatical.

👉 Year one upside: $55k.
👉 20-year upside: $3.5m.

• Numbers/Background: Income $210k; $1m cash; no property.
• Savings rate: ~$1.5k per month (before windfall).
• Frustrations: Fear of mistakes, no investment plan.
• Before: Savings only.
• After: Trust, property, portfolio, super strategy.

Couple, late 30s, dual engineers

They saved like machines but saw little progress.

Despite saving $200k+ per year, their tech-heavy share portfolio left them exposed and inefficient.

We debt-recycled their home, added an investment property, and diversified their shares. They’re now clipping $50k in annual tax savings and building true passive income.

👉 Year one upside: $67k.
👉 20-year upside: $2.6m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$525k; savings $200k+; $500k shares.
• Savings rate: ~$17k per month.
• Frustrations: High concentration risk, no tax efficiency.
• Before: Tech-heavy portfolio, offset saving.
• After: Debt recycling, diversified portfolio, property.

Couple, early 40s, high-earning professionals

They earned $650k but knew their money was underperforming.

Most of their surplus sat in the offset, with RSUs sold randomly.

We shifted debt into deductible, invested through bonds, and set up a structured banking system. They’ve unlocked tax savings and created a path to $5.8m more wealth.

👉 Year one upside: $30k.
👉 20-year upside: $5.8m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$650k; $5m assets.
• Savings rate: ~$12.5k per month.
• Frustrations: Surplus cash doing little, no structure.
• Before: Offset + RSU sales.
• After: Bonds, property, portfolio, super review.

Couple, late 30s, creatives moving overseas

They wanted to invest but worried about moving.

With $165k income, $110k cash, and plans to relocate to the US, they kept waiting.

We invested $95k into shares, set up accounts they can use overseas, and built a replicable banking system. They’re now growing wealth while staying flexible for future moves.

👉 Year one upside: $38k.
👉 20-year upside: $1.7m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$165k; $110k cash; $30k shares.
• Savings rate: ~$3k per month.
• Frustrations: Unsure how to invest before moving.
• Before: Saving ad-hoc, split money management.
• After: Share portfolio, structured plan, international banking system.

Couple, late 50s, $350k income

They had money but no direction.

With $2.3m in assets and $350k income, they were sitting on cash without strategy, worried about retiring late.

We redirected savings into super, created a share portfolio, and mapped a plan for future home upgrades. Now they’re confident they can retire early and support their kids.

👉 Year one upside: $25k.
👉 20-year upside: $6m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$350k; assets $2.3m; $20k annual savings.
• Savings rate: ~$1.5k per month.
• Frustrations: No clear retirement pathway.
• Before: Minimal super contributions, cash hoarding.
• After: Super boost, share portfolio, property strategy.

Individual, mid-30s, fashion industry

She was great at saving but stuck.

With $90k income, $560k cash, and a $1.3m property, she knew she could be doing more but didn’t know where to start.

We bought an investment property, launched a small portfolio, and put a super strategy in place. She’s confident, saving tax, and building toward replacing her income with investments.

👉 Year one upside: $59k.
👉 20-year upside: $2.2m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$90k; $560k cash; $55k shares; $1.3m property ($200k debt).
• Savings rate: ~$2k per month.
• Frustrations: No strategy for savings, unsure next move.
• Before: Cash in offset.
• After: Investment property, portfolio, super contributions.

Couple, late 30s, young family

They felt a family home was out of reach.

With $200k income, $145k cash, and a small shareholding, they thought the dream of upgrading was years away.

We built a roadmap: buy an investment property today, then upgrade in 5 years. They’re now investing confidently and building wealth alongside their family plans.

👉 Year one upside: $33k.
👉 20-year upside: $1.8m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$200k; $145k cash; $15k shares.
• Savings rate: ~$1.5k per month before, $3k+ after.
• Frustrations: Unsure how to buy family home, confused about investing.
• Before: Cash saving, small ad-hoc shares.
• After: Property purchase, rental upgrade, investment plan.

Couple, early 30s, lawyer + consultant, no kids yet

They earned well but had nothing to show for it.

On $280k combined income, most of their savings leaked away through lifestyle creep. They wanted to start investing but didn’t know where to begin.

We set up a banking system to automate saving, built a $150k investment portfolio, and created a plan for a family home in 3 years. They’re now saving $4k per month without feeling the pinch.

👉 Year one upside: $39k.
👉 20-year upside: $1.6m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$280k; $60k cash; renting.
• Savings rate: ~$1k per month before, now $4k+.
• Frustrations: No discipline with savings, unsure how to invest.
• Before: Spending most income, occasional small share buys.
• After: Structured portfolio, banking system, home plan.

Couple, late 30s, GP + tech worker with two kids

They were working hard but paying huge tax.

With $400k income, a $2m home, and $150k cash, they felt like they were treading water.

We set up a trust, debt recycled their mortgage, and launched a $250k share portfolio. They’re saving $5k a month and clipping $30k in annual tax savings.

👉 Year one upside: $86k.
👉 20-year upside: $2.9m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$400k; $2m home ($1m debt); $150k cash.
• Savings rate: ~$3k per month before, $5k after.
• Frustrations: High tax, lack of passive income.
• Before: Paying down mortgage slowly, cash build-up.
• After: Trust, debt recycling, portfolio.

Single, early 40s, corporate lawyer

She was earning $350k but still felt behind.

Most of her wealth was tied up in super and cash. She wanted passive income but wasn’t sure how to get started.

We created a property and portfolio strategy that delivered a second income stream and reduced tax via super contributions.

👉 Year one upside: $72k.
👉 20-year upside: $2.5m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$350k; $300k cash; $2.2m super; renting.
• Savings rate: ~$8k per month.
• Frustrations: All wealth tied up, no strategy outside super.
• Before: Cash hoarding, no investments outside super.
• After: Property purchase, portfolio, super tax strategy.

Couple, early 30s, both in design/marketing

They wanted to buy a home but felt locked out.

On $190k combined income, they had $90k in cash and no clue where to start.

We mapped a dual plan: purchase an investment property now, while still building a share portfolio for flexibility.

👉 Year one upside: $36k.
👉 20-year upside: $1.4m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$190k; $90k cash; renting.
• Savings rate: ~$2k per month.
• Frustrations: Unsure how to balance property vs investing.
• Before: Saving cash, no investments.
• After: Property + portfolio, structured plan.

Couple, late 40s, finance + small business owner

They were asset rich but cash poor.

On $450k income with a $3.5m home and two businesses, most of their wealth was tied up and working against them.

We refinanced, released equity, and created a diversified portfolio plus super top-ups. They unlocked $70k+ in year one savings and tax benefits.

👉 Year one upside: $92k.
👉 20-year upside: $3.8m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$450k; $3.5m home ($1.2m debt); $120k cash.
• Savings rate: ~$5k per month.
• Frustrations: No liquidity, paying excess tax.
• Before: Overcommitted to home, little investing.
• After: Refinancing, portfolio, super strategy.

Single, late 20s, healthcare worker with inheritance

He inherited $600k but was terrified of wasting it.

With $120k salary and no investment experience, he parked it all in savings.

We created a $400k share portfolio, bought a $700k property, and set up a cash buffer. He now has clarity and confidence about the future.

👉 Year one upside: $42k.
👉 20-year upside: $1.7m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$120k; $600k inheritance.
• Savings rate: ~$1.5k per month.
• Frustrations: Fear of mistakes, no investment knowledge.
• Before: Inheritance in cash.
• After: Portfolio, property, super plan.

Couple, mid-30s, tech founders post-exit

They had a $3m liquidity event but no strategy.

After selling their start-up, most of the proceeds sat in cash. They wanted tax efficiency and future passive income.

We created an investment company, structured distributions, and launched a $1.5m portfolio.

👉 Year one upside: $110k.
👉 20-year upside: $5.2m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$250k + $3m cash.
• Savings rate: ~$15k per month.
• Frustrations: Overwhelmed, no tax strategy.
• Before: Cash parked, minimal super.
• After: Investment company, portfolio, property, super.

Couple, early 40s, public servants with two kids

They were disciplined but inefficient.

On $280k income and $150k savings, they invested inconsistently and weren’t sure about property vs shares.

We overhauled their banking system, launched an ETF portfolio, and created a tax-efficient debt recycling plan.

👉 Year one upside: $37k.
👉 20-year upside: $1.9m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$280k; $150k cash; $1.5m home ($600k debt).
• Savings rate: ~$3k per month.
• Frustrations: Ad hoc investing, no clarity.
• Before: Cash + random shares.
• After: Portfolio, debt recycling, structured plan.

Single, early 50s, senior exec planning retirement

He earned well but had no clear path to retirement.

On $400k income and $3m assets, he wasn’t sure how to transition to life after work.

We created a drawdown plan, boosted super contributions, and added investment bonds for long-term income.

👉 Year one upside: $78k.
👉 20-year upside: $3.2m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$400k; $3m assets; $250k cash.
• Savings rate: ~$7k per month.
• Frustrations: No clarity on retirement timeline.
• Before: Cash in offset, little strategy.
• After: Super strategy, bonds, drawdown plan.

Couple, late 30s, small business owners

They made good money but lacked structure.

On $300k income, they had $500k in business equity but no personal wealth strategy.

We set up a family trust, bought a $1m investment property, and launched a $200k share portfolio.

👉 Year one upside: $71k.
👉 20-year upside: $2.4m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$300k; $200k cash; $500k tied up in business.
• Savings rate: ~$4k per month.
• Frustrations: Wealth stuck in business, no personal plan.
• Before: Business reinvestment only.
• After: Trust, property, portfolio.

Couple, late 20s, creatives with big goals

They earned modestly but saved well.

On $150k combined income and $100k cash, they wanted to grow wealth without giving up lifestyle.

We started a $75k share portfolio, set up a banking system, and created a roadmap for their first property.

👉 Year one upside: $35k.
👉 20-year upside: $1.3m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$150k; $100k cash.
• Savings rate: ~$2.5k per month.
• Frustrations: Didn’t know where to start.
• Before: Cash savings only.
• After: Portfolio, banking system, home plan.

Couple, early 60s, nearing retirement

They wanted confidence to step away from work.

On $300k combined income with $3.5m assets, they weren’t sure if they could afford to retire.

We restructured debt, boosted super, and created a passive income plan using bonds and shares.

👉 Year one upside: $69k.
👉 20-year upside: $2.7m.

• Numbers/Background: Income ~$300k; $3.5m assets.
• Savings rate: ~$5k per month.
• Frustrations: Uncertainty around retirement affordability.
• Before: Cash + property-heavy.
• After: Super top-up, portfolio, income plan.

Couple mid 30’s working in tech + marketing w. one child under 5

Numbers/Background
Household Income $200k + ~$100k RSU income, cash $75, ~$550k investment property w. $400k mortgage

Frustrations when first coming to see us
No plan around RSU’s, no clear plan to own a family home.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Achievable plan towards buying a home for their family. Ability to have another child and take maternity leave without going massively backwards financially.

What money strategy they were following when we started working together
Selling RSU shares to pay tax bills, saving in cash in investment property offset account.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Growing second income stream through a diversified investment portfolio, cranking offset account, children’s investment account, purchase family home in 2 years.

Key benefits of going through the process
Confidence they were on track to end up in a good position, clear plan to family home, building second income stream.

Year 1 projected upside after all advice fees: $15,047
Year 20 projected upside after all advice fees: $1,890,312

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Couple mid 30’s, dad working in tech sales, mum looking after two children under 5

Numbers/Background

Household Income $350k, cash $100k, ~$2.5m home w. $400k mortgage

Frustrations when first coming to see us

Paying too much tax, lazy equity in property, and totally reliant on employment income. Info overload and making the wrong call.

What they wanted from us / the advice process

Passive revenue streams e.g. property rent that is positively geared one day + a solid share portfolio with dividends/capital growth. 

What an awesome result looked like for them

Setting up a share portfolio with an income stream (low risk), at least one investment property, reducing tax bill. Also paying off the home in three years and being able to pull the rip chord from the crazy income job in 5-8 years time whilst making sure they’re maximising all the opportunity along the way.

What money strategy they were following when we started working together

Putting every spare sent into the home loan, add hoc spending plan

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work

Purchase two small investment properties ~$800k, refinance all loans, index fund investment and debt recycle existing mortgage

Key benefits of going through the process

Clear plan on how to build income streams to kick in, in 8 years time and using up their lazy equity of $2m to do this.

Year 1 projected upside after all advice fees: $58,363
Year 20 projected upside after all advice fees: $2,721,610

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Couple early 30’s, working in tech, first child on the way

Numbers/Background

Household income ~$500k, home $3m w. ~$900k mortgage, $300k shares

Frustrations when first coming to see us

Strong employer share plan but no plan for tax, not making progress at the rate they wanted.

What they wanted from us / the advice process

Better understanding of their position and options, clarity on where they were headed financially, strategies to save tax, framework to make day to day money management easier.

What an awesome result looked like for them

Pay down home mortgage, grow investment assets through property and shares to create strong second income stream.

What money strategy they were following when we started working together

Paying down home mortgage (slowly), investing into mainly tech shares, minimal saving.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work

Clear banking framework to make day-to-day savings easier, plan around RSU shares, purchase investment property, build share portfolio.

Key benefits of going through the process

Asset growth through property and share investments, tax optimisation through debt restructuring and investment plan, increased savings rate, clarity on where they were headed financially, kids investment plan.

Year 1 projected upside after all advice fees: $74,813 (reflecting a 427% return on investment)

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Individual early 30’s, working in fashion

Numbers/Background

Income ~$90k, property $1.3m, debt ~$200k, cash $560k, shares $55k. Saving $2k monthly.

Frustrations when first coming to see us

Good at saving and had created some good property assets, but not sure how to get the most out of existing assets and set up for the future.

What they wanted from us / the advice process

Optimise tax position, get clear on next investment move. Create a clear approach for when it was time to invest into share type investments.

What an awesome result looked like for them

Replacing employment income of $10k per month with investment income, buying family home while not being stretched or stressed.

What money strategy they were following when we started working together

Saving in cash which was building up in an offset account.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work

Purchase investment property while preserving ability to buy family home with partner in 1-2 years, start small share portfolio to start building investment knowledge. Super contribution strategy to reduce taxable income

Key benefits of going through the process

Uplift from buying property, better tax outcomes from existing assets, increased knowledge of investing, tax saving from super strategy, reduced fees, more financial confidence.

Year 1 projected upside after all advice fees: $59,646 (reflecting a 512% return on investment)

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Couple in their 30’s, working in entertainment and design, no children

Numbers/Background

Household income $165k, saving ~$3k monthly. No property investments, share portfolio $30k, $110k cash

Frustrations when first coming to see us

Want to invest, don’t know what to do given moving to US next year then Back to Australia in 5 years

What they wanted from us / the advice process

Do we invest or save with our money? how do we set up an investment portfolio, and where does property fit? 

What an awesome result looked like for them

Knowing the pathways and understanding the impact of doing A over B over C

What money strategy they were following when we started working together

Save, had a money plan separate to each other. Very ad hoc

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work

Invest $95k into the sharemarket, regular investment plan, save for wedding, and have cash available to return to Australia without stress of having to find work immediately

Key benefits of going through the process

Clarity, pulling the trigger on a strategy, having super looked after, bank account structure set up in the UK which can be replicated in US and again here in Aus when they return

Year 1 projected upside after all advice fees: $37,984
Year 20 projected upside after all advice fees: $1,749,915

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Couple 30’s and 40’s dual engineers (our favourites) working in tech dev

Numbers/Background

Household income $525k, saving $220k annually before ($255k after), Home $1.7m, $500k shares $120k cash

Frustrations when first coming to see us

Strong savings but no tax efficiency, no real investment income given portfolio skewed to tech

What they wanted from us / the advice process

Financial security and being smarter with tax, building investment income.

What an awesome result looked like for them

To eliminate dependency on employment income within 10 years, reduce volatility in their investments.

What money strategy they were following when we started working together

Saving against offset, running highly concentrated investment portfolio with employer shares.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work

Upgrade home, but investment property, debt recycling. 

Key benefits of going through the process

$50k annual tax deduction from debt recycling, building passive income. 

Year 1 projected upside after all advice fees: $67,481 (reflecting a 294% return on investment)

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Couple mid 30’s, working in software and marketing, w. one 3 year old child

Numbers/Background

Household income $200k, saving $15k annually before ($35k after), $15k shares + $145k cash.

Frustrations when first coming to see us

Decent savings and wanting to ultimately get into a family home for their growing family but this seeming unattainable, not sure the right strategy, not sure how to tackle investing.

What they wanted from us / the advice process

Clear plan to family home, put cash savings to work

What an awesome result looked like for them

Be able to grow their family, and make some smart money moves to get their money working for them, mapping a clear plan to family home within 5 years and building investment income.

What money strategy they were following when we started working together

Saving money in cash, very small amount of share investing but unclear on the strategy. 

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work

Buy an investment property around $1.2m, upgrade rental property.

Key benefits of going through the process

Growing investments, gearing with property, confidence to execute, and building knowledge around investing. 

Year 1 projected upside after all advice fees: $33,061 (reflecting a 246% return on investment)

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Single tech worker, late 20’s, no kids

Numbers/Background

Income $210k, employer option plan, saving $20k annually + employer shares, no debt, $50k cash savings, no property or non-employer shares.

Frustrations when first coming to see us

Significant cash >$1m coming in from sale of employer shares but not sure how to make it work harder, wanted to buy property but not sure the right strategy or approach.

What they wanted from us / the advice process

Clear plan to purchase property, help making cash savings work harder.

What an awesome result looked like for them

Create passive income from investing to replace employment income, ability to take 12 months out of the workforce, invest in property, ability to start a family and purchase a home in a reasonable timeframe.

What money strategy they were following when we started working together

Saving money in cash driven by the fear of doing something wrong.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work

Establish trust and investment company to save future tax, buy $1.2m investment property, commence ~$500k investment portfolio, improve super investment mix.

Key benefits of going through the process

Tax saving via investment trust + company, clear plan around employer share tax, confidence to execute on property purchase AND take 12 month sabbatical, build investment income of ~$25k p.a., saving on superannuation fees, tax-saving on super contribution strategy.

Year 1 projected upside after all advice fees: $55,512 (reflecting a 494% return on investment)

Couple, early 40’s; household income ~ $650k; total assets ~ $5m; saving ~ $150k annually.

Numbers/Background
Couple, early 40’s; household income ~ $650k; total assets ~ $5m; saving ~ $150k annually.

Frustrations
Knowing that their money could be working harder for them but not having the time or expertise to manage it better.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Managing tax more efficiently, growing their investment portfolio and buying a property.

What success looks like for them
Creation of passive income.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Moving all surplus cash into the offset account and selling off their RSUs.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Paying down variable debts and then using redraw to purchase a property and shares (non-deductible debt to deductible), a new banking structure to improve their cash flow, a review of their superannuation funds and insurances as well as investing into new investment bonds to create long term passive income.

Key benefits of going through the process
Education and understanding of what needs to happen prior to retirement as well as better tax management.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $30k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $5.8m

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Couple, early and late 50’s; household income ~ $350k; total assets ~ $2.3m; saving ~ $20k annually.

Numbers/Background
Couple, early and late 50’s; household income ~ $350k; total assets ~ $2.3m; saving ~ $20k annually.

Frustrations
Savings are building up in the bank with no strategy, lack of knowledge and no clear pathway forward.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Understand how to retire early, set the kids up for the future and ensure that their superannuation is on track

What success looks like for them
Not having to work so hard, cut back work, own a new home on the beach, have multiple sources of income, retire comfortably, ensure that the kids are being looked after and be able to take holidays when they want to.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Minimal additional super contributions and building surplus cash in the bank.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Multiple additional super contributions, building a new share portfolio to accelerate future home purchases and a clear strategy for what to do with a future cash surplus.

Key benefits of going through the process
Clear advice and plan around future property purchases, an easy-to-follow banking structure that makes it easy to track and save, building a portfolio that will generate passive income in the future and switching to a new low-cost super fund with access to a range of quality passive investment options.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $25k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $6m

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Couple, early 40’s; household income ~ $250k; total assets ~ $2m; saving ~ $5k annually.

Numbers/Background
Couple, early 40’s; household income ~ $250k; total assets ~ $2m; saving ~ $5k annually.

Frustrations
Not progressing with investments and no accountability to building wealth.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Simple and scalable wealth accumulation whilst still maintaining a good lifestyle.

What success looks like for them
Ability to maintain their current lifestyle but still scale up their investment portfolio.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
No investment allocation and any surplus were built in the bank.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Maintaining their current property, overhauling of their banking system, and starting a new investment portfolio using tax-friendly bonds and new regular contributions into super.

Key benefits of going through the process
A better understanding of their current position and the levers that can be pulled to boost savings and kick off investments.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $10K
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $1.6m

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Individual, late 30’s; household income ~ $150k; total assets ~ $15k; saving ~ $15k annually.

Numbers/Background
Individual, late 30’s; household income ~ $150k; total assets ~ $15k; saving ~ $15k annually.

Frustrations
No clear savings plan in place, feeling behind with finances at the current stage of life, no accountability or structured goals.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
A clear and concise plan, motivation towards goals and accountability to reach those goals.

What success looks like for them
Clarity and direction – particularly with saving and investing.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
None.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Purchase a new property utilising a guarantor, clarify a new cash flow structure to save better, paying down outstanding debts as fast as possible.

Key benefits of going through the process
Accountability to a plan, a clear plan on a property purchase, knowledge and an action plan on future investing post property purchase.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: Cost neutral
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $1.6m

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Individual, mid 30’s; household income ~ $100k; total assets ~ $600k; saving ~ 30k annually.

Numbers/Background
Individual, mid 30’s; household income ~ $100k; total assets ~ $600k; saving ~ 30k annually.

Frustrations
No guidance or direction on an investment strategy and uncertain property prospects.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Clarity on investment direction and whether purchasing a property is the right move as well as a strategy that will result in passive income in the future when needed.

What success looks like for them
Having flexibility and owning a property.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Investing into shares sporadically with no overarching strategy for its development.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Buying a new property, a new banking structure making it easy to save and distinguish surplus funds, a clear direction around share investments and investing into a new portfolio, a super review and regular cash surplus being directed towards both the new property and investing simultaneously.

Key benefits of going through the process
A clear investment strategy moving forward that will fund passive income when required as well as clarity on property and cash surplus.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $20k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $1.8m

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Couple, late 30’s; household income ~ $270k; total assets ~ $350k; saving ~ 50k annually.

Numbers/Background
Couple, late 30’s; household income ~ $270k; total assets ~ $350k; saving ~ 50k annually.

Frustrations
No structure or clarity on goals, not on track with their desired savings and a lack of financial education.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Clarity on goals, some structure with their money, automation of their finances where possible and importantly, education.

What success looks like for them
Clarity on their first home purchase as well as having a solid plan in place and staying accountable to that plan.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
The ability to save but at times compromise their current lifestyle, ad-hoc investments into direct shares and cryptocurrency.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Family planning strategies, buying an investment property and redirecting the remaining surplus to a tailor-designed share portfolio that meets their goals.

Key benefits of going through the process
Clarity on goals and a better understanding of what is achievable, automation of a financial plan and financial finances, simplification of their investment strategy and a robust financial education.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $8k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $3.2m

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Individual, early 40’s; household income ~ $400k; total assets ~ $1.3m; saving ~ $120k annually.

Numbers/Background
Individual, early 40’s; household income ~ $400k; total assets ~ $1.3m; saving ~ $120k annually.

Frustrations
Overwhelmed and stressed by the complexity. Education around finances is always a struggle and he knows that he could be doing so much more with his money.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Learn how to leverage the tax and investment rules, and to get a solid plan but something clear and easy to follow.

What success looks like for them
Maintaining his current lifestyle, a better understanding of the complex landscape of finances (shares, property etc.), and having an understanding of the pros and cons of paying down property debt and investment opportunities.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Investment property with new constructions, maintaining RSUs and paying down current debts as much as possible.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
A new banking structure, investing in new diversified equity portfolios, buying a new investment property, a new debt management strategy and a superannuation review.

Key benefits of going through the process
Education on his position as well as opportunities in front of him, a new sounding board where he can bounce ideas off advisers and get their input, and a clear and easy-to-implement plan to follow that builds substantially more long-term wealth.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $5k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $7m

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Individual, early 30’s; household income ~ $170k; total assets ~ $650k; saving ~ $5k annually.

Numbers/Background
Individual, early 30’s; household income ~ $170k; total assets ~ $650k; saving ~ $5k annually.

Frustrations
Serviceability has become difficult due to HECS debt, not sure how to take the next step and buy the next property, not sure what other wealth weapons to use outside of the property.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Advice on the next right move for them in terms of building wealth through both property and other means.

What success looks like for them
Having the freedom to live life the way they wanted to.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Investing in a small portfolio, paying off current investment property debt and saving funds in an offset account.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Investing in new investment bonds, re-aligning superannuation investments to match their risk profile, a brand new banking structure to manage cash flow better and a more robust debt management strategy to provide both short-term and long-term benefits.

Key benefits of going through the process
Education around their finances, understanding what to focus on now and next, and a better understanding of what trajectory they are on and where they could end up from taking action.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $10k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $700k

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Couple, mid 40’s; household income ~ $200k; total assets ~ $950k; saving ~ $10k annually.

Numbers/Background
Couple, mid 40’s; household income ~ $200k; total assets ~ $950k; saving ~ $10k annually.

Frustrations
Not sure what to do with their finances. No structures or strategies in place to level up how they wanted. Wanted to upgrade their home but were not sure where to start and have zero confidence in when to pull the trigger on a property purchase. They had fully paid down their debt but now are not sure about the next move.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Upgrade their home and help to decide whether to sell or keep their existing property. Ability to fund regular holidays. How to budget to still enjoy life, save for the kids and set themselves up for the future.

What success looks like for them
Clarity and confidence around when to buy the next home as well as a clear plan to build wealth for the long-term but enjoy themselves in the short-term.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Allocating savings towards the bank.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Clear plan on the purchase of their property, a new banking structure with separate bank accounts for each expense type, a strategy for what to do with future cash surplus and a new diversified investment portfolio.

Key benefits of going through the process
Clear advice and plan around their new property purchase, less stress and more confidence with their money, an easy-to-follow banking structure that makes it easy to track and save, building wealth through an investment portfolio that will generate passive income in the future, a switch to a lower cost superfund with access to a range of quality investment options.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $10k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $700k

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Couple, late 50’s; household income ~ $650k; total assets ~ $3.5m; saving ~ $30k annually.

Numbers/Background
Couple, late 50’s; household income ~ $650k; total assets ~ $3.5m; saving ~ $30k annually.

Frustrations
No idea what to do with our existing cash and am also frustrated with their current tax position.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
A clear financial plan and a better understanding of how to reach retirement.

What success looks like for them
A solid retirement plan, clear use of money and a better understanding of how to manage their tax position.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Saving money in cash, retaining their vested RSUs.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
A new banking structure, a detailed superannuation review, starting to invest into investment bonds for long-term growth, a top-to-bottom insurance review and implementing new tax structures to manage their situation more effectively.

Key benefits of going through the process
Education and understanding of what needs to happen prior to retirement as well as better tax management.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $90k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $4.5m

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Individual, late 30’s; household income ~ $150k; total assets ~ $100k; saving ~ $5k annually.

Numbers/Background
Individual, late 30’s; household income ~ $150k; total assets ~ $100k; saving ~ $5k annually.

Frustrations
Feeling overwhelmed, having no plan in place and lacking financial education.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Help to purchase a property, put a clear financial plan in place and help with improving financial confidence.

What success looks like for them
Not having to worry about money and having clarity on finances.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Any savings building in the bank.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Purchase a property, implement a structured cash flow system and allocate surplus towards paying down debts and building wealth.

Key benefits of going through the process
improved education and confidence, having structure and a plan and feeling supported reducing stress.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $30k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $1.7m

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Couple, late 40’s; household income ~ $450k; total assets ~ $1.7m; saving ~ $60k annually.

Numbers/Background
Couple, late 40’s; household income ~ $450k; total assets ~ $1.7m; saving ~ $60k annually.

Frustrations
Not having clarity and not knowing what the next step should be.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Better structure, a clear path forward and how best to utilise any surplus cash.

What success looks like for them
Having more passive income, maintaining their current lifestyle, having the choice to reduce work, being debt free and being prepared for retirement.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Saving cash in the bank.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Purchase an investment property as well as a strategy to simultaneously pay down debts & build shares.

Key benefits of going through the process
Improved accountability and clarity moving forward on what their next step is as well as what retirement may look like for them.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $32k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $3m

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Couple, late 30’s; household income ~ $200k; total assets ~ $600k; saving ~ $5k annually.

Numbers/Background
Couple, late 30’s; household income ~ $200k; total assets ~ $600k; saving ~ $5k annually.

Frustrations
Not having money sitting in the right spots, needing to constantly take money out of savings and not having any investment knowledge.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Trying to save for a house in a new area and help put their money in the right spot.

What success looks like for them
Move out of town – down towards the coast, keep the current home as an investment, have diversified investments across super, shares and property, not living paycheck to paycheck, money to go on other holidays and cut back to part-time work.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Saving money in cash.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
A new debt management strategy, superannuation rollover, a new banking structure and starting to build an investment portfolio.

Key benefits of going through the process
A better understanding of their financial future, a clearer idea of how money is working for them and a clearer picture of the steps needed to move to their dream home.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $2k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $750k

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Couple, late 40’s; household income ~ $240k; total assets ~ $1.9m; saving ~ $2k annually.

Numbers/Background
Couple, late 40’s; household income ~ $240k; total assets ~ $1.9m; saving ~ $2k annually.

Frustrations
Lack of clarity and direction.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
To become more financially organised, have a clear retirement plan in place and have provisions for their children’s future.

What success looks like for them
Potentially purchasing an investment property, knowing super is on track, and having confidence in their finances and financial plan leading into retirement.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Using all their money to pay down their mortgage.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Refinance their debt, create a savings surplus through better budgeting, balancing their cash flow better to both pays down debt and maximise contributions to super before retirement.

Key benefits of going through the process
Receiving clarity on financial direction, having better confidence, and ultimately receiving a better financial outcome.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $2k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $1.5m

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More Client Stories…

Couple, early 40’s; household income ~ $280k; total assets ~ $1.5m; saving ~ $10k annually.

Numbers/Background
Couple, early 40’s; household income ~ $280k; total assets ~ $1.5m; saving ~ $10k annually.

Frustrations
Having a large debt and not knowing how to use surplus cash properly.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
A better way to invest money and have a structured financial plan. They were open to suggestions about how to build their assets.

What success looks like for them
Managing their debt more effectively, maintaining their current lifestyle, growing wealth through investment properties, the ability to travel regularly, more education on their finances and setting their kids up for the future.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Utilising micro-investing platforms and individual investments as well as using an offset account for their loan.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
A superannuation review and a change of investments within their super, a new banking structure, investing in a new diversified portfolio and buying an investment property.

Key benefits of going through the process
Knowledge of their position, education about different investment options and getting clear on their financial trajectory to build confidence they’re on track while being able to help their children.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $40k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $2.8m

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Couple, late 30’s; household income ~ $140k; total assets ~ $870k; saving ~ $5k annually.

Numbers/Background
Couple, late 30’s; household income ~ $140k; total assets ~ $870k; saving ~ $5k annually.

Frustrations
Lack of support, not having a financial strategy in place, feeling stagnant and having little money momentum.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Getting some financial accountability and coaching, begin building a passive income stream and have clarity on their financial strategy.

What success looks like for them
Having a better work/life balance and less overall stress, a property portfolio journey laid out in front of them and working towards building a passive income stream.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Trying to save in their bank but not to their potential.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Clearly allocating portions for debt, and living expenses and then investing the remaining surplus.

Key benefits of going through the process
Clarity on a financial roadmap, better confidence and outlook for their future and some clear guidance and direction.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $8k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $1.2m

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Couple, mid 30’s; household income ~ $230k; total assets ~ $1.5m; saving ~ $5k annually.

Numbers/Background
Couple, mid 30’s; household income ~ $230k; total assets ~ $1.5m; saving ~ $5k annually.

Frustrations
Information overload, decision paralysis, no clear goals in mind, the fear of making mistakes and no strategy around shares and employer share plans.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Clear strategy to buy another property, reduce taxes and a solid long-term investment plan.

What success looks like for them
Having another investment property, feeling more confident and secure that their wealth is building and the ability to do the things they love.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Surplus towards savings and a little towards investments with a budget tracking system.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Buy another investment property, building a diversified share portfolio and additional super contributions.

Key benefits of going through the process
Clear advice and plan around how to arrange for the property deposit using existing cash, an easy-to-follow banking structure that makes it easy to track and save, access to a diversified investment portfolio that will generate passive income in the future and the switch to low-cost superfund with access to a range of quality passive investment options

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $2k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $3.3m

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Couple, mid 30’s; household income ~ $140k; total assets ~ $700k; saving ~ $5k annually.

Numbers/Background
Couple, mid 30’s; household income ~ $140k; total assets ~ $700k; saving ~ $5k annually.

Frustrations
Money not working as well as it should, lack of knowledge around finances.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Structure and direction of where to go, a plan to help with private schooling for the kids.

What success looks like for them
Money is working harder for them, on track to buy a property within 5 years, on track to retire early and have passive income to support their lifestyle.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Surplus towards savings with no other plan.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Rentvesting (renting where they want to live but buying an investment property), additional super contributions and excess surplus towards building a long-term diversified share portfolio.

Key benefits of going through the process
Clear plan to arrange for the property deposit, a new easy to follow banking structure that makes easy to track and save for future investments, building a diversified investment portfolio that will generate passive income in the future and a switch to a low cost superfund with access to a range of quality passive investment options.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $15k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $1.3m

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Individual, early 40’s; household income ~ $110k; total assets ~ $280k; saving ~ $10k annually.

Numbers/Background
Individual, early 40’s; household income ~ $110k; total assets ~ $280k; saving ~ $10k annually.

Frustrations
Funds only sit in cash not doing anything, and the fear of making a mistake and having no idea where to start.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
A plan to build a larger investment portfolio and a detailed look into super.

What success looks like for them
A solid investment portfolio, managing debts, being stress-free and more confident with money, having an emergency buffer in place and being on track to retire early.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Surplus cash was being directed towards paying off debt.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Buying an investment property, additional super contributions and building a new share portfolio.

Key benefits of going through the process
Clear advice and plan around buying a property, clear and easy-to-follow banking structure that makes it easy to track and save, access to a diversified investment portfolio that will generate passive income in the future, switching to a low cost superfund and more confidence knowing when they could retire.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $20k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $1.5m

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Individual, early 30’s; household income ~ $120k; total assets ~ $270k; savings ~ $10k annually.

Numbers/Background
Individual, early 30’s; household income ~ $120k; total assets ~ $270k; savings ~ $10k annually.

Frustrations
No idea where to start and the information overwhelms me.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Building a plan for the next 20 years, increasing her financial literacy and getting more assistance on investment opportunities and strategies.

What success looks like for them
Owning her home, having a strong investment portfolio that incorporates elements of passive income and a plan to help support family planning and education costs.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
No clear strategy for investing, just saving money in the bank.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Buying her first home, investing in shares, super contributions, a clear plan on arranging the deposit for the home, a solid banking structure and a plan to build a long-term diversified investment portfolio.

Key benefits of going through the process
A clear plan around arranging the property deposit using existing cash, an easy-to-follow banking structure that makes it simple to track and save, access to a diversified investment portfolio that will generate passive income in the future and a switch to a low-cost superfund with access to a range of quality investment options.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $27k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $1.4m

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Couple, mid 20’s; household income ~ $180k; total assets ~ $980k; savings ~ $10k annually.

Numbers/Background
Couple, mid 20’s; household income ~ $180k; total assets ~ $980k; savings ~ $10k annually.

Frustrations
Uncertainty around whether we have set up our investments so that our money is working as hard as it possibly can, particularly in terms of structure and tax.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
How should we best use our existing equity, define and execute a property strategy, reach financial stability ASAP, how to better structure our investment portfolio

What success looks like for them
Another property, debt-free, builds stock portfolio and confidence around family planning

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Share portfolio, offsetting mortgage

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Banking structure, super rollover, insurance rollover, debt recycling, family trust, convert home to investment property

Key benefits of going through the process
Education, more confidence to execute plans, family planning education, understanding of how decisions today can impact the long-term financial health

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: – $23k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $1.6m

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Couple, mid 30’s; household income ~ $400k; total assets ~ $1.2m; savings ~ $5k annually.

Numbers/Background
Couple, mid 30’s; household income ~ $400k; total assets ~ $1.2m; savings ~ $5k annually.

Frustrations
Procrastination, not understanding how to start investing and a big bill at tax time.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Another perspective on their situation, a good sounding board to bounce ideas off of, education on index funds and tax, and to know options that have and what decisions will positively impact their future.

What success looks like for them
Looking after the family, building up a solid emergency fund, paying for children’s education.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Buying individual shares and retaining their vested RSUs.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
A new banking structure, super rollover inclusive of a group insurance rollover, index fund investment strategy, and a proper cash management strategy to ensure they can sustain their lifestyle whilst their family grows.

Key benefits of going through the process
Understanding the options they have available, how to appropriately plan for a growing family and starting to invest in a more diversified investment portfolio.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: – $10k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $3m

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Couple, late 40’s; household income ~ $180k; total assets ~ $800k; savings ~ $15k annually.

Numbers/Background
Couple, late 40’s; household income ~ $180k; total assets ~ $800k; savings ~ $15k annually.

Frustrations
Lack of knowledge when it comes to their finances, not knowing what to do with their money and the fear of making a mistake.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Pay down their mortgage faster, secure an investment property, and a solid plan for their future that helps support their kid’s education as well as their retirement goals.

What success looks like for them
Having their investments aligned with their values, an overall feeling of security and confidence when it comes to their finances, the ability to maintain their current lifestyle but take holidays more regularly and education planning for the kids.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
No investing, only cash savings and following the barefoot investor approach, separating bank accounts for different reasons.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Clear banking structure with separate bank accounts for each expense type, a clear strategy for what to do with their future cash surplus, access to a diversified investment portfolio that incorporated benefits for their children and maximising their super contributions.

Key benefits of going through the process
Clear and easy-to-follow banking structure that makes it easy to track and save, access to diversified investment recommendations that will generate passive income in the future, a clear plan and investment to support the kids in the future, switching to a low-cost superfund with access to a range of quality passive investment options.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $9k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $5m

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Couple, early 30’s; household income ~ $240k; total assets ~ $110k; savings ~ $6k annually.

Numbers/Background
Couple, early 30’s; household income ~ $240k; total assets ~ $110k; savings ~ $6k annually.

Frustrations
Knowing very little about tax minimisation strategies, a lack of diversification of investments, and wanted to know how they can improve saving, so that they can save for a home.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Putting a plan in place, helping them save more, diversifying assets and knowing when buying a property is feasible.

What success looks like for them
A diversified portfolio that will set them up for later down the track, getting a property within a reasonable timeframe.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Investing in individual shares and no other saving structure.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
A new banking structure, super contributions for the First Home Super Saver Scheme, purchasing a new home and superannuation rollovers inclusive of their group insurance

Key benefits of going through the process
Education around their finances, knowing how long it will take to purchase a property and feeling more confident to pull the trigger, working out what their savings are and how they can improve them.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: – $3k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $1.2m

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Individual, mid 30’s; household income ~ $200k; total assets ~ $200k; savings ~ $10k annually.

Numbers/Background
Individual, mid 30’s; household income ~ $200k; total assets ~ $200k; savings ~ $10k annually.

Frustrations
Earning good money but having no structure and not making the most of her salary, feeling exhausted in her current role and would like to be able to cut back on work in the next 5-10 years.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Help to put in place a plan to take control of finances, build a solid structure and have the ability to maintain her existing lifestyle while working less in the future.

What success looks like for them
Feeling like financial flexibility is within reach, a better work/life balance, confidence in investing that also provides passive income, owning a new home and having clarity on what retirement might look like.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Any cash surplus is directed towards a saving account with no other structure in place.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
A clear plan for arranging the deposit to purchase a new property, implementing a new banking structure and the direction of future surplus into a more sustainable investment portfolio to meet long-term goals.

Key benefits of going through the process
A clear strategy to arrange for the property deposit, an automated banking structure to make it easy to track and save as well as maximise any opportunities in the future, an investment strategy to allow for a cut back from work in a few years and switching to a more appropriate super fund that provided substantial fee savings.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $24k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $1.7m

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Individual, early 30’s; household income ~ $200k; total assets ~ $50k; savings ~ $1k annually.

Numbers/Background
Individual, early 30’s; household income ~ $200k; total assets ~ $50k; savings ~ $1k annually.

Frustrations
Credit card debt, overspending and no clarity into the future.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Create a strategy to build wealth and get help entering the property market. Simplify their savings, create passive income and minimise tax as well as improve education around RSUs.

What success looks like for them
Maintaining a nice lifestyle but implementing a disciplined structure around savings. Clarity around finances and a clear strategy regarding RSUs.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
No money strategy, minimal savings and with their default super.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Buying an investment property, investing funds into the share market, automated banking structure with separate bank accounts, clear strategy around RSUs, switching to a more appropriate super fund.

Key benefits of going through the process
Clear strategy on when and how to buy a property as well as how to arrange the deposit, clarity on managing existing debts, easy to manage banking structure to track and save, strategy for RSUs to reduce risk and taxes.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $33k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $900k

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Couple, late 30’s; household income ~ $210k; total assets ~ $4.4m; savings ~ $15k annually.

Numbers/Background
Couple, late 30’s; household income ~ $210k; total assets ~ $4.4m; savings ~ $15k annually.

Frustrations
Finances seem confusing and there is an overwhelming information overload. They are busy people with high-performing roles and a family to manage. No clear game plan or clarity on what a good outcome would look like.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Clarification on a financial strategy and plan for the future. They wanted to grow their wealth and have some goals to work towards.

What success looks like for them
Having confidence with their finances and knowing exactly what to do with their money. They wanted to feel more empowered and be able to meet their children’s education needs. Ultimately they want a financial plan that provides them with structure and security for their family.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Barefoot investor banking structure.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Implementing a financial plan with structured bank and cash accounts, purchase of an investment property and investing in assets that are both ethical and meet their long term risk appetite.

Key benefits of going through the process
A clear structure was put in place, and now they have more confidence with how their money is working. They are more educated about strategies and ways to utilise structures, and investments to save money and grow their wealth.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $56k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $2.5m

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Couple, late 30’s; household income ~ $320k; total assets ~ $850k; savings ~ $2k annually.

Numbers/Background
Couple, late 30’s; household income ~ $320k; total assets ~ $850k; savings ~ $2k annually.

Frustrations
Not being effective with money, time poor and analysis paralysis.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Knowing they’re making progress, confident they’re on the right track and maintaining their lifestyle.

What success looks like for them
Having investments accumulate, purchasing an investment property and having a clear tax minimisation strategy.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
They had little to no strategy.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Utilising their cash to help purchase an investment property, fund their upcoming expenses and building a diversified portfolio.

Key benefits of going through the process
Better education, confidence and clarity.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $30k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $1.3m

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Individual, early 40’s; household income ~ 111k; total assets ~ 660k; savings ~ $24k annually

Numbers/Background
Individual, early 40’s; household income ~ 111k; total assets ~ 660k; savings ~ $24k annually

Frustrations
Holding a large cash balance, with no real direction as to what to do. He felt that he was suffering from analysis paralysis.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Primarily a structured plan and timeline to ensure that proper use of his funds was taken into account and that he was building wealth in a comprehensive and tax-effective way.

What success looks like for them
Primarily a property under his belt. In addition to this, a diversified share portfolio produces passive income. At some stage down the track and into the future, another property is likely to be on the cards for him and he flagged this as a goal.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Build in cash, and all savings continue to go to cash. He really had no strategy when he engaged Pivot Wealth.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
A multi-pronged investment strategy, including property, share portfolio, cash build, and a review of superannuation.

Key benefits of going through the process
Clarity, certainty, a plan that he could follow and one that was easy to follow, as well as a plan that really achieves his goals.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $25k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $1m

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Individual; early 60’s, income ~$164k, total assets ~1.6m, savings~ $16k annually

Numbers/Background
Individual; early 60’s, income ~$164k, total assets ~1.6m, savings~ $16k annually

Frustrations
Too much dead cash

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Ensure super money is working hard, have a plan and navigate the possibilities of an investment property at my age.

What success looks like for them
Money is to be dealt with in an organised, planned and efficient way. No leakage, with a clear plan around finances. Minimising the effort – being as efficient time and money-wise. I no longer want to think too much about my finances and focus on being comfortable.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Savings in cash, has an investment property and sporadic investments with no strategy.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Structured banking accounts, superannuation contributions and diversified share portfolio.

Key benefits of going through the process
Support from an adviser who can keep creating an efficient financial plan that allows me to maximise my potential and allow me to focus on my business and life enjoyment.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: – $28k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $5m

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Individual; late 30’s, income ~$205k, total assets ~$850k, savings~ $10k annually

Numbers/Background
Individual; late 30’s, income ~$205k, total assets ~$850k, savings~ $10k annually

Frustrations
Feeling like the system knows so much more than me. Not knowing what to do to grow it/optimise it. I have shares but I’m nervous to take sell them and invest in a property (finding the right one).

What they wanted from us / the advice process
To really understand areas that Pivot Wealth can help and what kind of advice I’m lUnderstand what’s possible beyond saving to optimise and maximise financial position.

What success looks like for them
Confident in my investment strategy, being financially secure and on a good path.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Existing equities portfolio, participating in an ESPP employee share plan and offsetting current mortgage.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Diversified investment portfolio, rolling over superannuation, investment property, banking structure, estate planning

Key benefits of going through the process
Education, confidence by looking at models and seeing what is possible, and a clear plan on how to get there

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $41k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $2m

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Couple; late 40’s, income ~$600k, total assets ~$3m, savings~ $15k annually

Numbers/Background
Couple; late 40’s, income ~$600k, total assets ~$3m, savings~ $15k annually

Frustrations
No tax management strategy. Not clear that their superannuation is working hard enough and a desire to explore alternatives but not knowing where to start. A desire to retire early but no clarity if that’s possible.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Ensure their super is working hard for them, and build education around different tax and investment rules, thus creating confidence that they have a solid plan in place to achieve their long-term goals. Most importantly, clarity on the possibility of retiring early.

What success looks like for them
They would like to pay off their family home and have confidence in their investments, clarity on their superannuation, and a clear tax stategy in place. Additionally, they want knowledge of when they can realistically retire, and how to maximise their potential. Confidence that they are on the right track to provide for their children and grandchildren, along with maintaining a comfortable lifestyle.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Paying down the debt of family home with any surplus cash with an aim to be no tax deductible debt free and covering tax bills through savings.

What money strategy they choose to pursue from our planning work
Set a clear plan on how to upgrade the family home in the short-term future, as well as planning for how to treat the holiday home to maintain a cash surplus. A clear investment property strategy to boost income-generating assets, and a plan to effectively manage the debt of the new investments. Realignment of investments to better match their risk profile. A definitive employer share plan strategy and the rollover of superannuation to a more cost-effective investment fund that aligns with their investment mandate.

Key benefits of going through the process
Education, confidence, and a clear plan that can help them achieve their goals. Clear financial modelling shows them how different decisions they make in the short-term future can have a significant impact on their long-term financial position.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $42k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $3.2m

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Individual; mid 20’s, income ~$100k, total assets ~$950k, savings~ $20k annually

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Couple; late 30’s with income of approximately $320K. Total assets worth $560k. Saving about $5k annually.

Numbers/Background
Couple; late 30’s with income of approximately $320K. Total assets worth $560k. Saving about $5k annually.

Frustrations
Not knowing what to do with their money or where to put it. Also managing enormous tax bills from running a small business.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Get a clear plan and understanding on how to structure investments to provide us with enough passive income for them to retire earlier. Eventually buy a home in Sydney without stretching themselves.

What success looks like for them
Purchasing 1-2 investment properties and working towards a diversified portfolio of investments that drive passive income. Additionally, we want to supplement income for maternity leave, and have a clear plan around family planning.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Ad hoc investing, slowly paying down their mortgage.

What money strategy they choose to pursue from our planning work
Banking structure, investment properties, superannuation rollover, investments into a diversified index portfolio

Key benefits of going through the process
Education, confidence and knowledge that by following the plan, they can achieve the goals they want.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $13k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $3m

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Individual; early 40’s with income of approximately $130K. Total assets worth $600k. Saving about $2K annually.

Numbers/Background
Individual; early 40’s with income of approximately $130K. Total assets worth $600k. Saving about $2K annually.

Frustrations
Understanding where and how to invest savings that are currently in an offset account. Eager to use the funds to generate larger medium-term goals.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Education, confidence in a plan, models to illustrate a future based on different decisions, and a better understanding of how to use funds to build wealth.

What success looks like for them
A solid return on investments, on track, to upgrade their home in 2-4 years. Ability to regularly travel and maintain current lifestyle by having confidence in their financial situation.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
None

What money strategy they choose to pursue from our planning work
Investing into a diversified investment portfolio, setting up a solid banking structure, building an emergency fund as a safehold, reallocating superannuation to a more cost-effective fund that aligns closer to their goals and risk profile, and setting up an estate plan.

Key benefits of going through the process
Understanding what a good investment is, getting over the fear of paralysis with investments, and a clear plan to get to where I want to go. The modelling showed me what is achievable should I follow certain paths.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $7k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $800k

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Couple; early 30’s with income of approximately $66K. Total assets worth $700k. Saving about $7K annually.

Numbers/Background
Couple; early 30’s with income of approximately $66K. Total assets worth $700k. Saving about $7K annually.

Frustrations
Lack of knowledge about financial planning, as all of our focus, time and energy goes towards our business.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Learning foundations and getting educated to determine if they are using their money in the best way to save. Clarification around super, and ensure that our foundations are strong for investments and property.

What success looks like for them
Be in our dream home and have more time. Have a better work/life balance, with investment properties, and financial foundations to allow us to live the life we want.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Saving in cash

What money strategy they choose to pursue from our planning work
Upgrade family home, purchase multiple investment properties, banking structure, superannuation restructure, investments into an ethical portfolio, additional super contributions

Key benefits of going through the process
Education and confidence that we can achieve all our goals if we take the right steps. Having more confidence in understanding different investment vehicles and decisions has been incredibly helpful in our journey, and we are excited to see how it all plays out.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $11k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $3.8m

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Individual; late 30’s with income of approximately $300K. Total assets worth $900k. Saving about $11K annually.

Numbers/Background
Individual; late 30’s with income of approximately $300K. Total assets worth $900k. Saving about $11K annually.

Frustrations

• Generally finds money overwhelming
• Has always put money to a side, never thought about it deeply, not a priority
• Knows that there is a lot of potentials, but doesn’t know where to begin

What they wanted from us / the advice process

• To have a budget and have clarity over finances
• Be more efficient with finances
• Clarity on a retirement figure
• Set a clear plan to have a diversified portfolio in place

What success looks like for them

• Having a clear financial plan
• Minimising tax
• Happy with budgeting and lifestyle
• Clear strategy around RSUs

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process

• No money management strategy, savings kept inside offset account, retaining employer shares

What money strategy they choose to pursue from our planning work

• Clear banking structure, diversified share portfolio and super contribution

Key benefits of going through the process

• Provided clarity over finances and retirement planning
• Switch to a well-diversified share portfolio
• Switch to a low-cost super fund with access to a range of quality passive investment options
• Minimised tax through additional super contributions

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $43k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $1.7m

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Individual; late 30’s with income of approximately $350K. Total assets worth $550k. Saving about $10K annually.

Numbers/Background
Individual; late 30’s with income of approximately $350K. Total assets worth $550k. Saving about $10K annually.

Frustrations

• No savings or investments plan at all.
• Overwhelmed with information.
• Didn’t know where to begin

What they wanted from us / the advice process

• A clear banking and saving structure
• A plan with their employer shares, specifically RSU’s
• Advice on property, a solid tax minimisation strategy, and a superannuation review

What success looks like for them

• They wanted their money to be working harder
• Have confidence  that they have put the right things in the right place for the future
• Clarification over their home and tax minimisation strategies moving forward

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process

• No plan in place

What money strategy they choose to pursue from our planning work

• Upgrade their primary place of residence
• Implement a strategy to have sufficient savings for their upcoming expenses
• A strategy to deal with employer shares (RSU’s)
• Purchasing an investment property in the long term
• Appropriate superannuation review

Key benefits of going through the process

• Education around tax, investments and RSU’s
• A solid banking structure with a clear plan for the future
• Knowledge of their financial trajectory

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $53k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $800k

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Individual; early 30’s with income of approximately $80K. Total assets worth $180k. Saving about $2K annually 

Numbers/Background
Individual; early 30’s with income of approximately $80K. Total assets worth $180k. Saving about $2K annually

Frustrations

• Feel like paying too much tax and not having enough to retire
• Poor money mindset and limiting beliefs

What they wanted from us / the advice process

• Setting up a saving plan to fund my ideal lifestyle
• Set up a clear investment plan, diversify and increase investments
• Set up multiple income streams

What success looks like for them

• Feel financially secure
• Ability to cut back on work
• Have more disposable income

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Saving inside offset account and investing into high dividend-paying stocks and CFS portfolio

What money strategy they choose to pursue from our planning work
Putting excess cash into super and shares and pivot banking framework

Key benefits of going through the process

• Increased investment diversification
• Switch to a low cost super with access to a range of quality passive investment options
• Clear super contribution strategy that is inline with her circumstances

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: – $6k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $400k

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Couple; early 30’s with joint income of approximately $250K. Total assets worth $1.3mil with some debt held on properties. Saving about $15K annually

Numbers/Background
Couple; early 30’s with joint income of approximately $250K. Total assets worth $1.3mil with some debt held on properties. Saving about $15K annually

Frustrations
Lack of confidence in execution and felt that the process of purchasing a property was stressful. Never seemed to have complete conviction in their purchases.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Wanted a plan to purchase another investment property as well as a more stable plan around their existing property, tax, superannuation and RSUs.

What success looks like for them
Having another investment property under their belt and having the confidence knowing that they are maximising every opportunity. They also wanted to be on track for a comfortable retirement.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Investing in single equities with no game plan around their RSUs. No clear banking structure or process for buying their next property.

What money strategy they choose to pursue from our planning work
Set up a clear and easy-to-follow banking structure and started investing excess cash into their share portfolio. They also put in place a game plan for selling RSUs to arrange for their new property purchase and we completed a full rundown on their super which resulted in switching to a low-cost superfund with access to a range of quality investment options that we could add to for tax savings.

Key benefits of going through the process
Review of existing share portfolio and a switch to a more appropriate risk-oriented portfolio. Provided a clear plan that will help them purchase their next investment property as well as implement a clear and easy-to-follow banking structure that makes it easy for them to track and save. Their new super fund will also provide access to a low-cost, risk-appropriate fund with quality investment options.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $36k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $3m

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Individual; late 30’s with income of approximately $140k. Total assets of approximately $800k and saving about $10K annually.

Numbers/Background
Individual; late 30’s with income of approximately $140k. Total assets of approximately $800k and saving about $10K annually.

Frustrations
No clear insights into the future. No game plan to maximise the current position. The client had no confidence in money, and financial literacy levels aren’t where they could be.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
To make sure they could get on top of tax and have more confidence with money. The client also wanted to attain more financial literacy and have a better understanding of the ‘how and why when it comes to her finances.

What success looks like for them
Buy a bigger home, and have more long-term security with finances. The client wanted to be in control of her finances and know that she was on track to have a good level of income in retirement.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
No plan at all.

What money strategy they choose to pursue from our planning work
Purchase an investment property, update a superannuation fund, implement an appropriate banking structure, invest into an ethically driven portfolio and continue to build a super nest egg before retirement through tax-friendly contributions.

Key benefits of going through the process
Increased financial literacy, more confidence knowing where money is going and how it is being structured, a better understanding of the complexities of tax around share plans and investments in general

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $25k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $2m

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Individual; early 30’s with income of approximately $150k. Total assets of approximately $300k and saving about $5K annually

Numbers/Background
Individual; early 30’s with income of approximately $150k. Total assets of approximately $300k and saving about $5K annually

Frustrations
Not having the confidence or structure in place to be able to ‘spend freely.’ Working a job with irregular commission income, reducing the confidence to plan or forecast. Wanted to also make cash surplus work harder.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Plan on when and how to buy a home as well as put a structure in place to provide confidence now and into the future.

What success looks like for them
Living in a new home that compliments their desired lifestyle. Feeling more confident about spending limits and budgeting.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
No banking structure but several accounts for expenses. Purchasing single stocks irregularly with no clear game plan.

What money strategy they choose to pursue from our planning work
Clear banking structure set up. Implement a plan on how to arrange for all the upfront costs of the property. Better aligning investments with overall goals whilst reducing risk through diversification.

Key benefits of going through the process
A clear banking structure that makes it easy to track and save. Transforming existing investments into a lower risk, more diversified portfolio that meets both short-term and long-term goals whilst allowing for cost savings.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: – $4k (negative due to home purchase and lifestyle choice)
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $1.6m

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Individual; late 20’s, income ~$270k, total assets ~$670k, saving~ $4k annually

Numbers/Background
Individual; late 20’s, income ~$270k, total assets ~$670k, saving~ $4k annually

Frustrations

• A strong desire to purchase a property, but no idea on how to actually do this
• No knowledge of as to how much to spend on a property
• Lack of diversification with existing investments
• Overall lack of knowledge around finances but eager to learn

What they wanted from us / the advice process

• Clear plan to purchase a first home
• Maximise the financial position
• Diversify investment portfolio
• Optimise cash flow and super

What success looks like for them

• Buying first property
• Freedom and flexibility to be working abroad
• Having a diversified portfolio in place
• Understanding property and employer share scheme

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Simple spreadsheet budgeting, basic savings, retaining employer shares as they vest

What money strategy they choose to pursue from our planning work
Clear and easy to follow automated banking structure, investing excess cash into diversified shares, selling employer shares to arrange for property purchase and switching to a low-cost super fund with access to a range of quality passive investment options.

Key benefits of going through the process

• Reviewed existing shares and transformed existing portfolio into a diversified portfolio
• A clear plan that will help arrange the property deposit and buy within the next 12 months
• Clear and easy to follow banking structure that makes it easy to track and save
• Switch to a low-cost super fund that gives access to a range of quality passive investment options

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $45k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $2.6m

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Couple; late 40’s, income ~$350k, total assets ~$560k, saving~ $12k annually

Numbers/Background
Couple; late 40’s, income ~$350k, total assets ~$560k, saving~ $12k annually

Frustrations
Our inability to save, and trying to exit a poor property purchase that has not gone up in value. We’re frustrated that we cannot save a deposit fast enough to outpace market growth.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Clear property strategy and savings plan

What success looks like for them
We want to own a place similar to what we’re renting and have a beach holiday house. We want to support our child and be comfortable having regular holidays.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
None

What money strategy they choose to pursue from our planning work
Buy mulitple investment properties, invest in a diversified high growth index portfolio,  set up a clear banking structure, realign super to match our risk profiles and save on fees

Key benefits of going through the process
Education, the confidence in where we are heading if we follow the plan, and the modelling was a great equalizer that showed us where we are, and where we can go if we make different investment decisions.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $41k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $3.4m

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Couple; late 30’s, income ~$300k, total assets ~$2.3m, saving~ $5k annually

Numbers/Background
Couple; late 30’s, income ~$300k, total assets ~$2.3m, saving~ $5k annually

Frustrations
They weren’t great at managing money or being able to make longer-term plans, and there are too many options, it was overwhelming.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Understand property investing and how it can help us, learn how they can create a tax minimisation strategy, and have a clear savings plan to maintain a nice lifestyle as well as a clear plan of what to do next.

What success looks like for them
Building a solid property investment portfolio, having solid business growth knowing that they’re being as strategic as possible with their structure, clarity around when exactly they’ll create a passive income of $100k annually, finances are essentially managed well and they don’t need as much energy put into it.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Nothing

What money strategy they choose to pursue from our planning work
Upgrading their family home, debt strategy for current and future mortgages, acquiring a new investment property, treatment of business income, cash management, revised banking structure, investment into equities, trust strategies, superannuation rollover, superannuation contributions, group insurance rollover and estate planning.

Key benefits of going through the process
Education, a clear plan to follow and more confidence in achieving the goals they want to achieve, and securing a nice lifestyle they want to have in the future.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $64k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $6m

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Individual; early 40’s, income ~$150k, total assets ~$1.1m, saving~ $10k annually

Numbers/Background
Individual; early 40’s, income ~$150k, total assets ~$1.1m, saving~ $10k annually

Frustrations

• Analysis paralysis
• Understands finances but doesn’t know where to begin
• Just doesn’t know, what they don’t know

What they wanted from us / the advice process

• Help to understand their current financial position
• How to invest idle cash
• How to be efficient with tax
• How to do all of the above without being stretched or feeling cash poor

What success looks like for them

• Have mortgage paid down to around $200k
• Increase super contributions
• Invest spare cash to shares
• Purchase an investment property if possible
• Be able to retire with an income of $50k p.a.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Saving cash surplus into offset account and building an investment portfolio of individual stocks and a few ETFs

What money strategy they choose to pursue from our planning work
Additional concessional contributions and diversified share portfolio

Key benefits of going through the process

• Clear strategy with current investments that helped arrange upcoming important costs
• Increase concessional contribution each year to reduce tax
• Clear plan to regularly contribute and build an investment portfolio
• Banking framework that makes it easy to save
• Access to a low cost super with a range of quality passive investment options

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: – $2k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $1.5m

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Individual; early 30’s, income ~$160k, total assets ~$660k saving~ $15k annually

Numbers/Background
Individual; early 30’s, income ~$160k, total assets ~$660k saving~ $15k annually

Frustrations
Previously had a negative experience through employer share schemes, and wanted to know how to manage these better moving forward. Would like to upgrade my existing home and remove roadblocks that are making me unmotivated to put in the time to do things with the money they have.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Clarity on how to use my excess funds, and maximise their investments. Confident around how their money is being invested, and confident that their position is being maximised.

What success looks like for them
I would like to own a house in the near future. Have more confidence with how my funds are being used to maximise my wealth. Knowledge of what to be doing, in order to feel more comfortable with my money.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Saving in cash and employer shares.

What money strategy they choose to pursue from our planning work
Purchase a home, invest in shares and set up a banking structure that will automate their finances so that it maximises the ability to reach their goals.

Key benefits of going through the process
Knowledge of investment products and vehicles, as well as the tax implications of their employer share plan. Additionally, the banking structure sets out a clear path towards their savings potential, and how long is needed to save for before purchasing a home.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $25k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $2.1m

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Individual; late 30’s, income ~$150k, total assets ~$360k saving~ $5k annually

Numbers/Background
Individual; late 30’s, income ~$150k, total assets ~$360k saving~ $5k annually

Frustrations

• Information overload
• Feeling like it’s impossible to purchase a home due to rapid price increases
• Bad spending habits and an overall need to change
• Choosing between investing in shares and saving for a deposit

What they wanted from us / the advice process

• Clarity around purchasing a home
• Clear investment strategy for children in the future

What success looks like for them

• Purchasing a home
• Having savings
• Feeling comfortable
• Having a clear investment strategy set up for children

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
No clear plan or strategy in place.

What money strategy do they choose to pursue from our planning work
Utilised our structured banking framework to plan out spending and stay on track with investments and savings goals.

Key benefits of going through the process
Support from an adviser to help me put in place a clear banking structure, provide advice and guidance on purchasing a home and set up my super with investments I’m comfortable with for the long term.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $53k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $2.7m

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Individual; late 20’s, income ~$200k, total assets ~$200k saving~ $3k annually

Numbers/Background
Individual; late 20’s, income ~$200k, total assets ~$200k saving~ $3k annually

Frustrations
Lack of understanding combined with a huge amount of available information. In a fortunate position with a large windfall from employer shares, but concerns around how this should be invested. Wants to make the right decisions to maximise the opportunity.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Learn how I can leverage the tax and investment rules, understand property investing, review of super and changes made if necessary. A clear plan for surplus funds.

What success looks like for them
Have an investment portfolio – shares and property with a focus on capital growth for the short to medium term and a long term outlook that drives passive income. Ability to travel and maintain current lifestyle. Have a clear tax minimization strategy in place and uplift my own financial literacy. I would like to have the ability to retire at a time of my choosing.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
None, money complexities are a new problem.

What money strategy do they choose to pursue from our planning work
Rentvest w. shares and investment property

Key benefits of going through the process
Obtain financial literacy, have a clear savings plan in place to reduce expenses and help build my net worth. Help to manage my options and create a good tax strategy to minimise tax and create wealth.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: – $6k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $2m

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Couple; early 50’s, combined income ~$140k, total assets ~$2.4m, saving~ $11k annually

Numbers/Background
Couple; early 50’s, combined income ~$140k, total assets ~$2.4m, saving~ $11k annually

Frustrations
A clear path to retirement, ideally to finish work in the next 5 years. Confidence that they have the funds to do this and live a comfortable life outside of a major city. Had embarked on downsizing family home, but unclear on how to manage surplus funds.

What they wanted from us / the advice process

• Would like to plan out retirement in the next 12 months
• Ability to provide assistance to children
• Understanding of the options to cut the tax bill
• Understanding of the options available to them in terms of strategy and a plan to execute

What success looks like for them

• Investments growing faster than the cost of living
• Comfortable retirement
• Being smart around government benefits
• Feeling financially secure

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
No clear strategy, holding large amounts of cash and some term deposit investments.

What money strategy do they choose to pursue from our planning work
Putting in place a strategy to retire in 1 year, maximising super contributions, setting up a new investment account and investing excess cash above emergency fund into shares.

Key benefits of going through the process
Clear strategy around managing super and utilising the tax benefits of concessional contributions with a plan to retire early. Setting up a plan for building wealth outside super by opening an investment account with a clear path on when and where to invest.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $24k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $1.3m

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Couple; early 30’s, combined income ~$300k, total assets ~$1.5m, savings~ $4k annually

Numbers/Background
Couple; early 30’s, combined income ~$300k, total assets ~$1.5m, savings~ $4k annually

Frustrations
Not making the best use of what we already own, and lots of overwhelming moving parts. Recently had their first child and struggling to navigate upgrading their family home. They have no time or education to manage investments. One partner was on maternity leave and the other working full time, generally struggling to find the time to prioritise finances.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Deciding whether buy a new family home or renovate their existing home, having a structure that can help them achieve the purchase of the family home, as well as private school fees. Family planning for a second child, and a good financial structure in place to feel comfortable.

What success looks like for them
Being on track to purchasing a bigger family home or renovating a current home to accommodate a family. They also wanted a clear plan in place to be on track for the private school, as well as having a clear banking structure in place to keep savings on track.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Small regular share investments done ad hoc with limited confidence.

What money strategy do they choose to pursue from our planning work
Buy a family home, banking structure, invest into the share market, change of superannuation to a fund more aligned with investment goals.

Key benefits of going through the process
Education, more confidence with our money, and a clear structure to help us achieve goals over the short, medium and long term.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: – $12k
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $7.2m

---

Couple; late 30’s, income ~$233k, total assets ~418k, savings~ $2k annually

Numbers/Background
Couple; late 30’s, income ~$233k, total assets ~418k, savings~ $2k annually

Frustrations
Their main frustration was feeling like getting into the property was impossible. Additionally, they had no tax minimisation strategy.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
They wanted a clear savings plan that can help fund our ideal lifestyle. Having a clear, easy to follow plan to assist with this. They were also eager to learn how to leverage the tax and investment rules to help their long term financial goals.

What success looks like for them
Success looked like having a secure future, as well as having a clear and easy to follow strategy in place to follow. Confident that they were informed and educated, to help them reach their goals and feel more comfortable with their financial future.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
No current strategy in place

What money strategy do they choose to pursue from our planning work
Purchase a primary place of residence, setting up a clear banking and saving plan, investing into a diversified investment portfolio, changing superannuation to a more affordable option with investments more aligned to our long term goals and ethical considerations, and setting up an estate plan.

Key benefits of going through the process
Having a clearer picture of the amount they are saving, and a clear trajectory for where they are headed was really helpful and comforting. Knowing that by implementing the strategies they can achieve the lifestyle goals, increase their financial literacy, and have a structured financial plan.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $23,946
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $1,804,201

---

Individual; mid 30’s, income ~$290k, total assets ~620k, savings~ $5k annually

Numbers/Background
Individual; mid 30’s, income ~$290k, total assets ~620k, savings~ $5k annually

Frustrations
Missing out on lots of opportunities and just slack in terms of moving forward and taking responsibility for my finances. I want to be in control and on top of my finances.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Structured plan, tax strategies, investment options and education of financial products.

What success looks like for them
Money is working hard for me, being confident across my finances by having a clear plan. I want to be confident I can retire by having investments lined up (property and shares). I want to learn about tax strategies that can help me achieve my goals faster.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
None

What money strategy do they choose to pursue from our planning work
Investment property, shares, banking structure

Key benefits of going through the process
Education about products, a structured easy-to-follow plan, and learning about when I can achieve milestones.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $42,340
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $1,542,278

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Individual; late 30’s, income ~$250k, total assets ~$300k, savings~ $10k annually

Numbers/Background
Individual; late 30’s, income ~$250k, total assets ~$300k, savings~ $10k annually

Frustrations
Not knowing what to do with savings & having a plan or goal in mind. Paying too much tax and fees that could be avoided.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Have a plan – something clear and easy to follow, a clear tax minimisation strategy, confidence that super is invested effectively, a clear savings plan that maintains my lifestyle.

What success looks like for them
Purchasing a property, having a better understanding of investments and tax strategies, and getting a clear plan to achieve their goals

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
None

What money strategy do they choose to pursue from our planning work
Reinvest with shares and property, readjust my superannuation and get a solid banking structure in place which will help me achieve my goals

Key benefits of going through the process
Education, understanding of a banking structure, and seeing that there are ethical investment options out there that may be more beneficial for me than what I currently have

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $21,483
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $1,689,631

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Couple 30’s, income ~$340k, total assets ~$2.5m, saving~ $12k annually, RSU’s

Numbers/Background
Couple 30’s, income ~$340k, total assets ~$2.5m, saving~ $12k annually

Frustrations
Not making the most of income, stocks/equity in the home and unsure as to what to do. Complete lack of confidence with personal finances. Not sure if selling RSU’s to pay off the mortgage and taxes or should we hold the stock so it grows. Overall concerns around a lack of diversification.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
How to maximise the potential of RSUs and reduce a hefty tax bill

What success looks like for them
Maximise potential out of their employer shares, clear tax minimisation strategy, have a clear plan that’s easy to follow

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Saving excess cash and holding on to RSUs

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Clear banking management makes it easy to save, maximise super strategy to minimise tax, sell future RSUs and invest in a diversified portfolio to derisk.

Key benefits of going through the process
Having a banking framework that makes it easy to save. Superannuation strategy that minimises tax substantially at the end of every year. Switching to a Super that provides access to a range of quality passive investment options and has low fees. Clear strategy around RSUs to diversify and derisk.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $4,432
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $3,758,598

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Couple; late 30’s, income ~$300k, total assets ~$4m, savings~ $20k annually

Numbers/Background
Couple; late 30’s, income ~$300k, total assets ~$4m, savings~ $20k annually

Frustrations
We find the topic of finances confusing and there is an information overload, which is overwhelming for us. We’re generally busy people, with high performing roles and want an ability to focus on our family outside of work. We are not super clear on a plan or what a good outcome looks like for us.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Clarification on a financial strategy and plan for the future. A clear plan to grow our wealth, something we can work towards and know our money is working hard for us.

What success looks like for them
Have confidence in our finances and know exactly what to do with our money and how it works for us. We want to feel more empowered with our finances and confident that they can meet our children’s education needs and enable us to give them rich experiences. We want an effective use of funds received from a payout this year and feel confident that we have maximised the opportunity. Ultimately a financial plan that provides them with structure and security for their family.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Savings structure with little else.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Financial plan, structured bank and cash accounts, purchase of an investment property and investments that are both ethical and meet our long term risk profiles.

Key benefits of going through the process
A clear structure was put in place, and we have more confidence with how our money is working for us. We are more educated about strategies and ways to utilise structure, and investments to save money and grow our wealth.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $56,016
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $4,418,078

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Individual; mid 20’s, income ~$77k, total assets ~130k savings~ $2k annually

Numbers/Background
Individual; mid 20’s, income ~$77k, total assets ~130k savings~ $2k annually

Frustrations
Having more money available than ever before, but not utilising it properly and no clear strategy in place.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Have a plan – something clear and easy to follow, understand property investing and how it can help. Additionally, ensure super money is working hard.

What success looks like for them
Not needing to compromise on lifestyle, and owning a property.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
No clear plan in place, savings in cash and sporadic investments with no strategy.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Structured banking accounts, investing over the long term in investment properties and a diversified share portfolio.

Key benefits of going through the process
Support from an adviser who can create a financial plan that allows them to utilise their funds appropriately, and provide the education and guidance they are after in order to create a plan.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $23,480
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $1,485,322

---

Individual; early 60’s, income ~$180k, total assets ~1.4m, saving ~$20k annually

Numbers/Background
Individual; early 60’s, income ~$180k, total assets ~1.4m, saving ~$20k annually

Frustrations
Too much lazy cash.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Ensure super money is working hard, have a plan and navigate the possibilities of an investment property.

What success looks like for them
Money to be dealt with in an organised, planned and efficient way. No leakage, with a clear plan around finances. Minimising the effort – being as efficient time and money-wise. Don’t want want to think too much/stress about my finances and focus on being comfortable.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Savings in cash has an investment property and sporadic investments with no strategy.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Structured banking accounts, superannuation contributions and diversified share portfolio.

Key benefits of going through the process
Support from an adviser who can keep create an efficient financial plan that allows for maximising financial potential and allow me to focus on business and life enjoyment.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: – $27,747
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $5,059,211

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Individual; early 30’s, income ~$115k, total assets ~220k, savings~ $3k annually

Numbers/Background
Individual; early 30’s, income ~$115k, total assets ~220k, savings~ $3k annually

Frustrations
Feeling paralysed with information overload and fear of doing the wrong thing. No strategy or understanding of how their money can work for me. Overall inaction and a feeling of inadequacy.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Set up a savings plan to help fund an ideal lifestyle, have a plan – something clear and easy to follow, learn how to leverage the tax and investment rules, understand property investing and how it can help them.

What success looks like for them
Buying a property to live in, and having assets that are working hard. An overall feeling of confidence around a plan and to be secure in their finances. A pathway for growth and consistent awareness of their money and overall finances. An ability to donate 10% to philanthropic causes, increase financial literacy and be confident in their super and how this will track in the future.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
None.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Purchase of an investment property and a rentvesting strategy.

Key benefits of going through the process
Having a clear and thought out savings plan and budget, while also starting to build their net worth through investments. Superannuation to match their ethical mandate while also being appropriately invested based on their risk profile.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: – $5734
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $986,799

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Individual; mid 30’s, income ~$310k, total assets ~1.8m, savings~ $10k annually

Numbers/Background
Individual; mid 30’s, income ~$310k, total assets ~1.8m, savings~ $10k annually

Frustrations
Overall feeling that their investment strategy had plateaued

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Long term plan for multiple income streams. Clean up their current debt.

What success looks like for them
Feel financially steady
Income, earnings and wealth are greater than their debt
Confident that there’s a growth trajectory

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Saving in cash and using personal loans to fund lifestyle expenses

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Clear all personal debt, use cash savings to invest in a diversified investment portfolio

Key benefits of going through the process
Maximising the opportunities that are available.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $5,526
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $4,564,465

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Couple; early 30’s, income ~$210k, total assets ~148k, savings~ $5k annually

Numbers/Background
Couple; early 30’s, income ~$210k, total assets ~148k, savings~ $5k annually

Frustrations

• Not Saving Enough
• Not knowing if they’re making the right decision

What they wanted from us / the advice process

• Clear strategy and plan
• Awareness of finances with control over cash flow
• Manage cash flow to be able to invest in property/stocks

What success looks like for them

• Having more security
• Purchasing family home for around ~$2m
• Investment property
• Overall sense of confidence
• Clear financial plan in place

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
No clear strategy around savings or investing

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Agree to use current cash balance for emergency and use the remaining to set up banking accounts and investment accounts

Key benefits of going through the process
Agree to use the current cash balance for an emergency fund and use the remaining to set up banking accounts and investment accounts

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $4,693
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $4,073,473

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Individual; mid 20’s, income ~$85k, total assets ~930k, savings~ $19k annually with an inheritance

Numbers/Background
Individual; mid 20’s, income ~$85k, total assets ~930k, savings~ $19k annually

Frustrations
No clear strategy in place

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Good strategy to go with investing inheritance in a way that makes the most sense to current circumstances. Review a few financial options to see what the best way to go. Understanding of property investing and how it can help achieve their goals

What success looks like for them
Good investment portfolio that is growing

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
No strategy

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Clear banking structure and investing into diversified investment portfolio

Key benefits of going through the process
Organisation and structure.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $65,320
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $1,294,119

---

Individual; early 20’s, income ~$603K, total assets ~740k, savings $20k annually with Shares and diversified investments

Numbers/Background
Individual; early 20’s, income ~$603K, total assets ~740k, savings $20k annually with Shares and diversified investments

Frustrations
Has a number of investments but no real structure around holdings.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Career trajectory and earning potential was up in the air. Keen to ensure that they are able to plan and have a strategy that can be flexible with this.

What success looks like for them
Have a clear plan for their money, be on a good budget and be across monthly spending.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Purchasing some shares on an ad-hoc basis and a couple of investments with family. Never sought advice around the bigger picture.

What money strategy they choose to pursue from our planning work
Deprioritise purchasing a family home, clean up and consolidate current investments. Purchase a new investment property, continue to rent and invest in a diversified investment portfolio along the way.

Key benefits of going through the process
Organisation and structure.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $60,617
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $2,062,609

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Individual; early 30’s, income ~$160K, total assets ~135k, savings $3k annually, set up a long-term savings plan

Numbers/Background
Individual; early 30’s, income ~$160K, total assets ~135k, savings $3k annually

Frustrations
Feeling stuck, overwhelmed by choice. Analysis paralysis, information overwhelm.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Set up long-term savings plan to help plan for future investments and manage a mortgage. Savings plan in place to help fund an ideal lifestyle, ensure super money is working hard.

What success looks like for them
Would love to be debt-free with the exception of a mortgage. Maximise the opportunity with their current employer around share options.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
No strategy around banking, debt, little savings

What money strategy they choose to pursue from our planning work
Have a clear plan on how to repay debt and start building assets.

Key benefits of going through the process
Clarity and support, the team was able to provide tough love that was needed to help set a clear plan and stay on track to achieve the goals.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: – $4,695
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $286,042

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Individual; late 30’s, income ~$235k, total assets ~176k, savings $2k annually, Unclear on how to financially plan

Numbers/Background
Individual; late 30’s, income ~$235k, total assets ~176k, savings $2k annually

Frustrations
Unclear on how to financially plan for the future, as an ex-partner managed this on their behalf historically. Lack of financial literacy and generally a poor saver.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Understand property investing and how it can help achieve long-term financial goals. Have a plan – something clear and easy to follow. Set up a savings plan to fund an ideal lifestyle.

What success looks like for them
Having a financial plan, owning an investment property, owning investments in a portfolio,
a clear trajectory of where the investments are leading to, and enough money to maintain lifestyle.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Savings in cash and sporadic investments with no strategy.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Structured banking system, investing over the long term in investment properties and a diversified share portfolio.

Key benefits of going through the process
Support from an adviser who can keep them accountable as well as provide the education and guidance they were after in order to create a plan.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $41,876
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $1,517,990

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Individual; late 20’s, income ~$90k, total assets ~990k, savings $3k annually, received a windfall

Numbers/Background
Individual; late 20’s, income ~$90k, total assets ~990k, savings $3k annually

Frustrations
Received a windfall and was uncertain how to allocate the funds. An overall fear of mucking up and analysis paralysis.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
How to invest the windfall and navigate the choices available

What success looks like for them
Buy a dream home, have a firm grasp on their finances. In particular structured banking and savings. Get educated on the dos and don’ts.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Savings held in cash and sporadic investments with no strategy

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Structured banking accounts, investing over the long term across investment properties and a diversified share portfolio.

Key benefits of going through the process
Support from an adviser who can keep them accountable and provide education and guidance.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $5,386
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $568,598

---

Couple; early 30’s, income combined ~$300k, total assets ~$14m, savings ~ $180k annually, w. family home and w. 2 kids.

---

Couple; early 30’s, income ~$360K, total assets ~600k and RSU’s, savings $34k annually, ~ with RSU

Numbers/Background
Couple; early 30’s, income ~$360K, total assets ~600k and RSU’s, savings $34k annually

Frustrations
Uncertainty on RSUs and tax implications, lack of clarity for overall money path, overwhelm with options resulting in analysis paralysis

What they wanted from us / the advice process
A clear strategy and a structure that can be flexible when needed. Assistance in getting clarity and deciphering goals for both now and the long term

What success looks like for them
Being confident in decisions and not having any sense of dread come tax time. To know they have a strategy in place that is working.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Retaining all RSUs, purchasing single equity on an Adhoc basis and storing the bulk of surplus funds in our bank accounts

What money strategy do they choose to pursue from our planning work
Deprioritised purchasing a family home across the short term and using current assets to help purchase a $1.2m investment property. Then invest in a diversified portfolio.

Key benefits of going through the process
An adaptive plan, that doesn’t feel restrictive. Clarity as a couple and also how they will achieve this.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $49,417
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $2,079,524

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Single, income ~$230K, have purchased properties with family members in the past and equities investments

Numbers/Background
Single, income ~$230K, have purchased properties with family members in the past and invested into equities (firing from the hip approach)

Frustrations
Have a number of investments but no real structure around the holdings nor a game plan.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
My career trajectory and earning potential is very much up in the air. I want to ensure that I am able to plan and have a strategy that can be flexible with this – never sought advice around the bigger picture

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Purchasing some shares on an adhoc basis and looking to exit a couple of investments that were made with family members.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Going to deprioritise purchasing a family home, clean up/consolidate my current investments. I’ll purchase a new investment property, continue to rent and invest in a diversified investment portfolio along the way. Will make ad-hoc superannuation contributions to benefit my tax footprint and also ensure I am planning for the longer term as well – building wealth both inside and outside of the superannuation environment.

Key benefits of going through the process
Was able to identify what my highest priorities are and find a balance between achieving them today and planning for the future. With such a unique earning trajectory, I wanted to be on the front foot to maximise my position over the next few years -setting me up for a lifetime. I feel that this plan has given me clarity on how to do this and some structured steps to get cracking.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $69,198
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $2.06m

---

Couple, mid 30’s, 2 kids, household income ~$120k, saving $0 annually, multiple investment properties ~$3.7mil with $2.9mil mortgage, $45k in shares, and $154k super combined.

Numbers/Background
Couple, mid 30’s, 2 kids, household income ~$120k, saving $0 annually, multiple investment properties ~$3.7mil with $2.9mil mortgage, $45k in shares, and $154k super combined.

Frustrations
Too much noise from multiple specific expert services, properties underperforming, large management levels for the property value, uncertainty around equity investments.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Clear path to the family home, how to accommodate for maternity leave and family planning, how to simplify asset growth. Adequately insured.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Rentvesting, saving in cash, continually refinancing interest-only loans.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Rentvest for 5 years. Realise some of the existing assets over that period to help streamline asset accumulation, taking a more hands-off approach to spend more time with family.

Key benefits of going through the process
Confidence in the pathway to the family home. Reduced complexity. Clear banking and savings structure. Effective investment strategy.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $73,761
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $213,094

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Couple, early 30’s, household income ~$310k, saving $60k annually, investment property ~$550k with $300k mortgage and $200k super, no shares.

Numbers/Background
Couple, early 30’s, household income ~$310k, saving $60k annually, investment property ~$550k with $300k mortgage and $200k super, no shares.

Frustrations
No path to financial security, realised they have an opportunity to get more out of what they have. Financial stress about the future.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Clear path to family home, second income stream to reduce reliance on employment income.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Buying family home @$2.5m, paying down investment property debt, small extra super contributions.

What money strategy they choose to pursue from our planning work
Leverage equity to buy two investment properties, clear family planning for time out of the workforce, and buy a family home.

Key benefits of going through the process
Substantial investment upside, confidence in their financial future, the achievable pathway to family home.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $592,057
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $1,162,545

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Individual, early 40’s; household income ~ 111k; total assets ~ 660k

Numbers/Background
Individual, early 40’s; household income ~ 111k; total assets ~ 660k; savings ~ $24k annually

Frustrations
Holding a large cash balance, with no real direction as to what to do. He felt that he was suffering from analysis paralysis.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Primarily a structured plan and timeline to ensure that proper use of his funds was taken into account and that he was building wealth in a comprehensive and tax-effective way.

What success looks like for them
Primarily a property under his belt. In addition to this, a diversified share portfolio to produce passive income. At some stage down the track and into the future, another property is likely to be on the cards for him and he flagged this as a goal.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Build-in cash, and all savings continue to go to cash. He really had no strategy when he engaged Pivot Wealth.

What money strategy they choose to pursue from our planning work
A multi-pronged investment strategy, including property, share portfolio, cash build, and a review of superannuation.

Key benefits of going through the process
Clarity, certainty, a plan that he could follow and one that was easy to follow, as well as a plan that really achieves his goals.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $25,079
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $1,005,105

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Individual, late 30’s; household income ~ 190k; total assets ~ 230k; savings

Numbers/Background
Individual, late 30’s; household income ~ 190k; total assets ~ 230k; savings ~ $4k annually

Frustrations
Not knowing what to do with my money

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Understand how to get the most out of my savings, and how to build wealth for the future

What success looks like for them
Having a solid plan in place, knowing where my money is going and expectations around future outcomes

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
No clear strategy in place – not doing anything with my money, not even in a high-interest account

What money strategy they choose to pursue from our planning work
•  Create a banking structure that makes it easy to save
•  Set aside a “rainy day” fund
•  invest available cash into a diversified equity portfolio
•  Save for an investment property deposit
•  Super invested in a cost-effective product with access to quality investments that align with their investment philosophy
•  Take advantage of employer-provided benefits

Key benefits of going through the process
• Having the confidence to pull the trigger on investment strategies with 100% confidence it’s the right move
• Support in assessing options through long-term financial modelling
• Delivering clarity and visibility of overall financial direction
• Saving time – all the grunt work is completed to make informed decisions

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $32,820
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $892,406

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Expat couple, late 30’s and early 40’s; household income ~ 285k; total assets ~ 520k

Numbers/Background
Expat couple, late 30’s and early 40’s; household income ~ 285k; total assets ~ 520k; savings ~ $8k annually

Frustrations
Lack of knowledge, and lack of a long-term financial plan. Lack of effective savings discipline and ex-pat complexities

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Accountability to take action on financial plans. Have a long-term financial plan in place, to be able to purchase a home, look after the kids financially and retire comfortably.

What success looks like for them
Long-term security, having their own home, being able to support their children

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Accumulating money in cash, utilising 100% of the client’s salary packaging to assist with paying rent

What money strategy they choose to pursue from our planning work
Purchase an investment property in the next 2-3 years, with the view of using this asset to buy a family home down the line

Key benefits of going through the process
A clear long-term game plan, accountability to take action

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $45,408
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $471,625

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Couple, early 30’s and early 40’s; household income ~ 200k; total assets ~ 305k

Numbers/Background
Couple, early 30’s and early 40’s; household income ~ 200k; total assets ~ 305k; savings ~ $3k annually

Frustrations
Overwhelmed with information, playing catch up with things like superannuation, no system to keep them in check with their finances, generally overwhelmed with finances and options available.

What they wanted from us / the advice process

• Understand how to get more out of their finances, get clear on retirement strategy.
• How to set up long term financial security (property, super, tax, investments)

What success looks like for them
To have more investments

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process

• No clear strategy in place, worried about a comfortable retirement.
• Paralysed by information overwhelm.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Clear banking structure so they are able to save, and then allocate these funds towards a diversified index-based investment. Once the funds build, they will buy a property.

Key benefits of going through the process
Putting in place a clear strategy, investing into the appropriate risk profiles, and in line with their ethical mandate. Understanding how the different strategies work and how property will play a big role in their wealth accumulation.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $3,008
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $1,065,341

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Individual, early 30’s; household income ~ 151k; total assets ~ 340k; investment property & shares

Numbers/Background
Individual, early 30’s; household income ~ 151k; total assets ~ 340k; savings ~ $2k annually

Frustrations
Holding a significant amount of cash savings which is growing at a rate below that of inflation. Client also had no other measurable assets.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Advice on what to do with such a large lump-sum, and in particular an investment strategy designed to roll out quickly.

What success looks like for them
A multi-pronged and robust investment strategy, involving property, shares, cash and super. Eventually, purchasing a farm to live on, whilst drawing a passive income for $65,000 per annum.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Building cash alone

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Buy an investment property for approximately $700K; Invest $60K into shares now and $300 per week moving forward; set-up a banking framework to help save more, and ensure super and insurances are in the best possible place for long term success.

Key benefits of going through the process
Guidance, help and a plan to meet her wants and needs.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $23,959
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $512,150

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Individual, late 30’s; household income ~ 110k; total assets ~ 190k

Numbers/Background
Individual, late 30’s; household income ~ 110k; total assets ~ 190k; savings ~ $4k annually

Frustrations
Savings not improving, not feeling confident when it comes to investing

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Having a financial plan, leverage tax and investment rules to get ahead faster, understand property investing, manage money easier, make sure super is working hard, make sure my expenses and/or loved ones are covered if the unexpected happens

What success looks like for them
Being a homeowner

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
No real plan or direction

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Savings plan, Salary Sacrifice Arrangement / First Home Super Saver Scheme, Investing super appropriately – low cost, high growth index investment options, retain existing insurances

Key benefits of going through the process
Feeling confident in financial plan/investment strategy, delivering clarity on financial direction, access to a professional network to assist with tax and small business queries

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $34,971
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $598,892

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Individual, early 30’s; household income ~ 180k; total assets ~$750k;  savings ~ w. employer shares

Numbers/Background
Individual, early 30’s; household income ~ 180k; total assets ~$750k;  savings ~ $3k annually

Frustrations
Lack of financial literacy, risk creating uncertainty and lack of action, no strategy around investments, unsure around what percentage of cash to keep in the bank.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Loan structuring advice to drive tax efficiencies, long term investment plan w. clear goals, tax strategies.

What success looks like for them
On track to creating a passive income stream, dream home purchase while holding current property, flexibility to start own business.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Nothing clear. Savings were limited and could have been higher. No long term plans around employer share plan.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Start to liquidate some employer shares while retaining a portion as a long term play.  Dream home purchase, ethical investment portfolio. Baking asset protection into a strategy to protect against the potential for future relationship breakdown.

Key benefits of going through the process
Clear financial direction to financial security, tax efficiencies, financial confidence.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $38,100
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $887,058

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Couple, early 30’s; household income ~ 160k; total assets ~ 650k

Numbers/Background
Couple, early 30’s; household income ~ 160k; total assets ~ 650k;  savings ~ $2k annually

Frustrations
No real plan when it came to a wealth-building strategy. clients knew only that they wanted to buy a family home, and nothing else.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Goals and a way of using what that had to really amplify their wealth position. Wanting a way to convert home to an investment property, build an equity portfolio and move forward with a robust savings plan

What success looks like for them
Three properties (two investments and family home) as well as assets delivering passive income.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Offset account build using all savings capacity, as well as a small regular investment on a regular basis.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Dollar-cost averaging strategy into equities on a weekly basis as well as moving toward having a family home and their current place as an investment

Key benefits of going through the process
Strategy and pathway, with clear guidance and products to help.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $21,090
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $2,065,187

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Individual, early 30’s; household income ~ 140k; total assets ~ 280k; have an investment in Raiz

Numbers/Background
Individual, early 30’s; household income ~ 140k; total assets ~ 280k;  savings ~ $2k annually

Frustrations
He felt that he doesn’t have a ‘plan’ and that his strategy to date has been fairly reactionary. He wants to follow a path that builds on what he has done so far and amplify that further

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Really reaching a solid passive income, and therefore realising a level of comfort he doesn’t currently have.

What success looks like for them
Passive income to replace wages and ensure he doesn’t have to work beyond early 40’s

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Offset build along with a small, regular investment in Raiz.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Buy a box that produces money – an Investment Property for $650K – $800K in the Sutherland Shire region, as well as a more robust equity plan.

Key benefits of going through the process
Guidance and strategies would ensure that he could achieve those goals. I think before coming to Pivot, he didn’t have a real plan as to how he was going to press forward with some of these things.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $30,088
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $1,796,828

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Individual, early 40’s; household income ~ 170k; total assets ~ 750k; no kids

Numbers/Background

Individual, early 40’s; household income ~ 170k; total assets ~ 750k; savings ~ $2k annually

Frustrations

• Saving but not in a smart way (not maximising savings – could save more – no kids, low rent, etc),
• Lack of understanding on investing and where to put savings,
• Superannuation – lack of understanding, doesn’t align with an investment mandate around ESG,
• Optimising tax,
• Strategies around any financial gains.

What they wanted from us / the advice process

• Get more out of my finances,
• Understand super better and whether my super is ok,
• Get clear on property strategy

What success looks like for them

• Deposit for home
• Have an understanding if she can retire at 64 to 65 years old
• Living a comfortable lifestyle after retirement (house paid off, go on holidays),
• Maximised tax opportunities.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process

• No clear strategy in place.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work

• Buy a house for her and her partner to live in, need to arrange a Binding Financial Agreement so they are clear on what happens with a relationship breakdown, super moved to a low-cost index strategy (ESG not proceeded with due to cost),

Key benefits of going through the process

• Savings strategy put in place, house to be purchased, large super savings, clarity on her long term financial future, and a future plan regarding super and tax strategies.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $40,149
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $885,465

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Couple, early 30’s; household income ~ 520k; total assets ~ 1.1m; with an Investment property

Numbers/Background
Couple, early 30’s; household income ~ 520k; total assets ~ 1.1m; with Investment property;  savings ~ $7k annually

Frustrations

• No plan in place
• Not sure what’s the correct path forward is
• Good income but unsure if we are maximising them
• Paying too much tax

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Advice on what to do with cash and investments holdings

What success looks like for them

• Having a clear plan in place
• Knowing that our money is working harder for us
• Maximising our opportunities (income, savings, investments)
• Making good progression on paying down our debt
• Early retirement ideally
• Have another investment property

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process

• No clear plan for RSUs or shares, saving money in cash but not allocated properly (large lump sums sitting in a bank account and not offset for no purpose)
• No plan for managing tax implications of high income and employee shares

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work

• Setting up a discretionary trust, buying an investment property in the next 12 months ($750k), Transfer a portion of employer shares into trust, sell a portion of shares and reinvest 50% of proceeds into a diversified portfolio via trust. The remaining 50% of proceeds will be used to pay down debt.
• Swap super to low-cost funds with passive index investments matching high growth.

Key benefits of going through the process

• Have a clear plan in place
• Effective management of RSUs will prevent nasty tax bills
• Investing via trust will allow income and gains to be distributed to the most tax-effective beneficiaries as needed.
• Peace of mind in knowing that their money and investments are allocated appropriately

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $40,225
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $1,118,765

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Couple, early 30’s; ; household income ~ 350k; total assets ~ 1m; CryptoCurrency; Investment Portfolio

Numbers/Background
Couple, early 30’s; ; household income ~ 350k; total assets ~ 1m; CryptoCurrency; Investment Portfolio;  savings ~ $7k annually

Frustrations

• Not knowing when the right time is to take stock out,
• Not knowing when money is in the bank,
• What’s a reasonable budget for them to live by, Not knowing how to plan,
• People are conscious of what money they have to work with to an extent
• Don’t have a plan to utilise to
• How to budget for what you’re planning for
• Tax burden –
• Need to pay US tax for the next 4 years
• Needs an immediate tax plan

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Rainy day savings. Lifestyles savings. Home, family planning. Setting up the next 10 years for them.
Mid to high $2.0m’s for a 10-15 year home – Probably closer to $3.0m.

What success looks like for them
Be in a family home, On track to pay off family home, Good base of an emergency fund, Formulaic approach to RSUs – clear advice in investments, Structured advice on investments, When something comes up, having security.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
No clear strategy or structure.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Buy an IP now, diversify their concentrated share portfolio, sell GSU’s as they vest.

Key benefits of going through the process
Having an emergency fund in place, diversifying their share portfolio, GSU’s to be sold as and when.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $29,837
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $1,632,501

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Individual, late 20’s; household income ~ 90k; total assets ~ $970k; ~ with inheritance

Numbers/Background
Individual, late 20’s; ; household income ~ 90k; total assets ~ $970k; ~ savings ~ $3k  annually

Frustrations
Holding a huge amount of cash from an inheritance, with a low rate of return.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Passive income, growth from investments and capital growth for the long term.

What success looks like for them
Wealth creation and diversification, with a view to creating a substantial asset position.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Building cash alone

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Property as an investment; large index investment (exchange-traded fund); banking structure and set up; review of superannuation etc.

Key benefits of going through the process
Understanding, clarity, a plan they can achieve and pursue.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $8,996
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $1,719,433

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Couple, late 30’s; household income ~ 300k; total assets ~ $570k; ~ with Investment Property

Numbers/Background
Couple, late 30’s; household income ~ 300k; total assets ~ $570k; ~ Owning multiple properties; savings ~ $31k  annually

Frustrations
Inertia around money and the desire to buy a home

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Ways of funding a property and ideas and strategies to really accelerate capital growth

What success looks like for them
Owning multiple properties; a debt that is manageable; freedom to go back to Scotland and having kids

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Savings cash to build a home deposit and fund maternity leave

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Buy an investment property in Sydney for $1m; sell their place in Adelaide; build an equity portfolio and open an offset account

Key benefits of going through the process
Understanding, confidence, structure, timing and clarity

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $41,205
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $1,146,406

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Couple, late 20’s; household income ~ 520k; total assets ~ $380k; annual savings ~ US Citizen and owning assets in both countries

Numbers/Background
Couple, late 20’s; household income ~ 520k; total assets ~ $380k; annual savings ~ $33k  annually

Frustrations
Lack of knowledge on investing (knowledge vs action, No clear & easy to follow plan, Complexity of being a US Citizen and owning assets in both countries,  Plan on RSUs & Options

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Have a plan – something clear and easy to follow showing how I can get the money outcomes I want, Learn how I can leverage the tax and investment rules to get ahead faster, Understand property investing and how it can help me get ahead, Make sure my super money is working hard for me, Make sure my expenses and/or loved ones are covered if the unexpected happens

What success looks like for them
– Maintaining their current level of lifestyle while still building towards their long term wealth and passive income
– Have their own home
– Having full confidence in their financial strategy
– Making better use of their money, having them only they have working harder for them
–  Would like to change careers at some point, after they get their PR
– Promoted to Partner within the company

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Earning good money, saving a bit but spending alot more. Adhoc and small scale investing. No clear plan or direction.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Reduce Spending and Lifestyle budgets, increase initial and regular investing, build deposit to buy investment property in 12-24 months.

Key benefits of going through the process
Clients have greater clarity over their current financial position and the trajectory of their future

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $65,581
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $1,099,429

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Individual, late 30’s; household income ~ 120k; total assets ~ $500k; with Investment Portfolio

Numbers/Background
Individual, late 30’s; household income ~ 120k; total assets ~ $500k; with Investment Portfolio; savings ~ $3k  annually

Frustrations
Has a really good savings plan in place, but doesn’t have a plan with savings, Feels like he’s doing lots of things that aren’t necessarily making sense.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Doesn’t want money to be the focus of his attention, Do not worry about money, Would like a plan with money – house/investments.

What success looks like for them
To not worry about money, Would like a plan with money – house/investments.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Guided by blogs/internet education.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Get ready to buy a home within 2-3 years (Possibly 12 months), invest regularly into a globally diversified investment strategy that has a clear goal.

Key benefits of going through the process
Plan, and have peace of mind.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $45,469
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $1,357,103

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Individual, late 30’s; household income ~ 150k; total assets ~ $780k; with Investment Property & Portfolio

Numbers/Background
Individual, late 30’s; household income ~ 150k; total assets ~ $780k; with Investment Property; Investment Portfolio; annual savings ~ $6k  annually

Frustrations
Not having a plan or strategy in place. Needing to pay additional tax annually and the accountant not helping. IP running a deficit because her parents are living there and can’t afford to pay much rent.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
A clear plan and strategy.

What success looks like for them
Upgraded home, clear plan for her retirement and nest egg.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
No clear plan-has heaps of bank accounts and a basic structure around this. No plan on the investing front.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Sell the IP and purchase a 2 bedroom apartment – wealth in 20 years circa $1m better off.

Key benefits of going through the process
Plan, and peace of mind that she is going to be okay, albeit her parents will need to live with her.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $31,359
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $356,862

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Couple, late 30’s; household income ~90k, total assets ~150k, savings ~with Crypto shares

Numbers/Background
Couple, late 30’s; household income ~90k, total assets ~150k, savings ~13k annually

Frustrations
Not having confidence in their decisions, not earning enough to fund the lifestyle they want, property ownership seems impossible.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Have a plan that is easy to follow and helps them get the outcomes they want. Understand property and how this can help them get ahead. Figure out where their money goes.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Nothing really. Have bought some shares and crypto (made a loss on the latter), and have tried to sort out their banking – but that doesn’t seem to be working.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Going to look to buy a family home with help from Alex’s parents. Sell their shares and crypto to use for the home purchase costs and get super working more efficiently and get Alex contributing at a good level once the property is purchased.

Key benefits of going through the process
Clarity, peace of mind that property ownership is possible. Having a plan in place.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $36,375
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $1,032,429

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Individual, household income ~140k, total assets- $1.3m, Seer shares

Numbers/Background
Individual, household income ~140k, total assets- $1.3m, savings- 12k  annually

Frustrations
Not having the right people to speak to. He’s read lots of books and articles but wants to make sure he is making the most of his money to build long-term wealth through investments, whilst minimising tax. Right now he isn’t sure he’s on the right path.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
He wants to have a plan – something clear and easy to follow to help him get the money outcomes he wants. To learn how to leverage tax and investments to get ahead faster.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
He’s read the Barefoot Investor so has set up the bucket banking system.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
He still wants to retain the Seer shares – despite our best intentions and attempts to convince him otherwise.

Key benefits of going through the process
Will be to have a clear plan and knowledge that he’s speaking to the “right” people who are unbiased.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $6,371
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $276,628

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Individual late 50’s, household income ~$300k, small ETF portfolio

Numbers/Background
Individual, late 50’s, household income ~$300k, Cash ~$100k, total assets ~$700k, saving $10k annually

Frustrations
Unclear about his retirement strategy which is in 7 years’ time – whether he should buy a property or contribute to an ETF or Super.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Guidance on what is achievable and how to action that plan.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Nothing really. Had a pile of credit card debt, personal loans and a small ETF portfolio without a clear investment strategy. He is maxing his concessional contributions which is a default due to his income – not a conscious decision.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Going to try to save the deposit funds for the home purchase in the next 2-3 years. We will be paying off their debt in the first few months which will free up around $31k per annum in repayments. We will get rid of the credit card.

Key benefits of going through the process
Clear plan and insight into what is possible.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $31,380
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $479,744

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Individual late 30’s sales manager, household income $240k

Numbers/Background
Individual late 30’s sales manager, household income $240k, $140k cash, investment property + own home, saving $3k per month

Frustrations
Lack of a broader strategy/Lack of direction around ways to build wealth.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Clear pathway to build wealth, road map to get there

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Buying property, saving cash in an offset

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Multiple investment properties combine with a passive share portfolio to help build asset position.

Key benefits of going through the process
Clear roadmap, assistance, products, and help to achieve the goals mentioned.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $11,600
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $2,012,767

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Couple mid 30’s, household income ~$100k saving $20k annually; RSU’s

Numbers/Background
Couple mid 30’s, household income ~$100k saving $20k annually, ~$1m cash, minimal other assets.

Frustrations
Want to get a clear strategy in place and have someone manage it for them.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Passive income, growth from investments and capital growth for the long term.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Retaining tech company employer shares from RSU’s, buying direct shares – no clear plan or strategy.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Could be a combination of buying the business and getting this setup for mum to run, and then dad going back to work. Keen on buying an investment property, but need to sort out the business and employment before we go ahead with this.

Key benefits of going through the process
Having a plan and strategy in place. Being able to see the different scenarios and how these impact their wealth.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $120,300
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $1,074,749

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Individual mid 20’s, household income ~$100k saving $20k annually

Numbers/Background
Individual mid 20’s, household income ~$100k saving $20k annually, ~$1m cash, minimal other assets.

Frustrations
Holding substantial cash from an inheritance with next to no return

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Passive income, growth from investments and capital growth for the long term.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Saving in cash in an offset, minimal super contributions.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Property as an investment; large index investment (exchange-traded fund); banking structure and set up; review of superannuation etc.

Key benefits of going through the process
Wealth creation and diversification, with a view to creating a substantial asset position. Understanding, clarity, a plan they can achieve and pursue.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $14,454
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $1,719,433

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Couple early 30’s; household income ~$320k; no shares; taking maternity leave with one baby

Numbers/Background
Couple early 30’s, household income ~$320k, saving $70k annually, investment property ~$500k with $300k mortgage, $100k cash and $150k super, no shares.

Frustrations
Had money in multiple locations and in multiple assets. They wanted to have a game plan which would set the course for what to do with their money over the next several years. They felt like they were not maximising opportunities with their mortgage in particular, and are very keen on the idea of buying a home within the next three years.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Direction, confidence, and strategic plan which would lay out a roadmap for them to achieve their goals which include buying a home, whilst trying to keep their IP or potentially buy another investment property, and whilst maintaining as much money as possible in the share market.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Saving in cash in an offset, minimal super contributions.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Owning a home, Mrs taking a year’s worth of maternity leave with one baby while maintaining the ability to maintain a higher level of investments.

Key benefits of going through the process
Clarity; confidence; a robust strategy; and a structure will allow them to implement the strategy.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $1
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $1,442,850

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Couple early 30’s, Household income ~$310k, no shares

Numbers/Background
Couple early 30’s, household income ~$310k, saving $60k annually, investment property ~$550k with $300k mortgage and $200k super, no shares.

Frustrations
No path to financial security, realised they have an opportunity to get more out of what they have. Financial stress about the future.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Clear path to family home, second income stream to reduce reliance on employment income.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Buying family home @$2.5m, paying down investment property debt, small extra super contributions.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Leverage equity to buy two investment properties, clear family planning for time out of the workforce, buy a family home.

Key benefits of going through the process
Substantial investment upside, confidence in their financial future, the achievable pathway to a family home.

Value of advice after all advice fees year one: $592,057
Year 20 upside after advice fees: $1,162,545

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Single female early 40’s, Household income ~$160k, no shares

Numbers/Background
Single female early 40’s, Household income ~$160k, saving $25k annually, investment property ~$700k with $500k mortgage and $160k super, no shares.

Frustrations
Not having a plan or strategy in place. Needing to pay in additional tax annually and accountant not helping. IP negatively geared and outlay holding back other asset-building strategies. No clear plan-has heaps of bank accounts and a basic structure around this. No plan on the investing front.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
A clear plan and strategy, getting into forever home, the pathway to a comfortable retirement.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Building savings in offset and making some extra super contributions

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Sell the IP and purchase an apartment to live in, regular share investments, cranking super to provide for retirement.

Key benefits of going through the process
Clear plan to achieve financial security, peace of mind that it will happen, asset uplift from property and share investments.

Year 1 projected upside after all advice fees: $31,359
Year 20 projected upside after all advice fees: $356,861
(these factor in the benefit of our advice including tax savings, increased savings rate and projected growth on investments)

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Couple with kids; Household income ~$340k (including RSU’s); RSU income

Numbers/Background
This lovely couple did their initial plan with us a couple of years back, all around looking to start a family and work at a reduced pace to be there for the kidlets. That strategy is now in place, and we recently caught up for their progress and strategy review, where they wanted to focus on building assets to create financial security.

Household income ~$340k (including RSU’s), saving $80k annually with RSU and bonus income, $50k savings with minimal assets outside employer share plan.

Frustrations
Good lifestyle and family plan, but minimal assets outside employer shares. Wanting to move towards their dream home.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Financial modelling of business launch, adequate provisioning for RSU tax, family planning, working toward a property purchase.

What money strategy they were following before we went through the planning process
Creating a buffer for starting a family, provisioning for tax on employer share plans that they hadn’t done in the past.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Further building cash buffer + buying an investment property and investing in shares.

Key benefits of going through the process
Taking action on property investment and kicking off regular contributions to a share portfolio and starting the next step to building money momentum now the family plan was provided for.

Year 1 projected upside after all advice fees: $252
Year 20 projected upside after all advice fees: $709,702

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Couple early 30’s; Household income $250k; RSU income

Numbers/Background
Couple early 30’s, household income $250k, wanting to set up a smart plan to start a business without sabotaging ability to start a family or risk their financial future, get on top of RSU’s, start investing, and set their financial foundations the right way from the start.

Frustrations when first coming to see us
Expats that didn’t fully understand the rules around money, limited knowledge of investing, good business ideas but not sure how to set financial boundaries / targets to give their ideas a go without creating too much downside or risk.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Financial modelling of business launch, adequate provisioning for RSU tax, family planning, working toward a property purchase.

What money strategy they were following when we started working together
Retaining employer shares and saving strong surplus cash into a savings account.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Starting a business with clear targets around what would need to happen for this to be the best option for them financially, building money momentum through investing.

Key benefits of going through the process
Confidence to walk away from golden handcuffs to launch own gig, solid family and investment plan, knowledge they would eventually be able to fund their dream home

Year 1 projected upside after all advice fees: -$28,391 (including walking away from employment income to no salary)
Year 20 projected upside after all advice fees: $3,452,155

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Couple late 20’s; working in tech w. RSU income

Numbers/Background
Couple late 20’s, household income $200k, wanting to set the right foundations for their money plan, working in tech w. RSU income, wanting to start a family and create time out of the workforce.

Frustrations when first coming to see us
Getting smashed with tax bills that weren’t anticipated, dream home seeming unaffordable, no investment plan.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Forecasting of RSU tax, achievable plan to buy a family home, investment ideas to build another income stream.

What money strategy they were following when we started working together
Investing via employer share scheme, paying down investment property debt.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Building investment income via diversified share portfolio, Brisveagas relocation to dream home, creating the option to have three rugrats.

Key benefits of going through the process
Realistic family planning and confidence to pull the trigger on property purchase and relocation, building another income to move towards financial security.

Year 1 projected upside after all advice fees: $2,009
Year 20 projected upside after all advice fees: $546,232

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Couple late 40’s

Numbers/Background
Couple late 40’s, second relationship, household income $250k, cash $300k, home ~$1.4m, investment property ~$1m, ~$1m mortgage debt.

Frustrations when first coming to see us
Lazy cash and property equity not working for them, second relationship not sure how to merge their finances, building investment income to give a clear pathway to retirement.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Strategy to build investment income, help putting lazy cash to work, optimise property strategy.

What money strategy they were following when we started working together
Building cash savings, running one positively geared investment property.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Buying one investment property now, another in four years, building superannuation, investment account for children.

Key benefits of going through the process
Being able to confidently make big property decisions, scenario planning to deliver achievable retirement income.

Year 1 projected upside after all advice fees: $11,812
Year 20 projected upside after all advice fees: $1,241,833

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Couple 30’s; four week old first child

Numbers/Background
Couple 30’s, four-week-old first-child, household Income $260k, cash $60k, crypto $20k, saving $3k monthly.

Frustrations when first coming to see us
Starting to hit their straps with savings but not sure how to best put the money to work.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Clear path to building a second income stream to set up their future.

What money strategy they were following when we started working together
Small amount of random investing in crypto, saving in cash.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Rentvesting $1.3m, providing for a second bub, building a second income stream from investing.

Key benefits of going through the process
Starting investment portfolio, growing assets through property purchase, clarity on financial future to allow them to adjust savings rate to achieve their ideal financial position

Year 1 projected upside after all advice fees: $54,230
Year 20 projected upside after all advice fees: $1,200,929

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Couple early 30’s; first bub on the way, no kids

Numbers/Background
Couple early 30’s, first bub on the way no kids, Household Income $600k +$~USD$150k RSU income, home $2.2m, investment property ~$600k, cash $1m, ~$150k shares

Frustrations when first coming to see us
Paying too much tax, money coming in from property sale and not sure how to maximise. Wanting to ditch the 9-5 to create more family-friendly lifestyle.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Plan to start own business without sabotaging financial success, building second income stream. Holiday house in Europe.

What money strategy they were following when we started working together
Paying down mortgage and selling RSU’s to pay massive tax bills.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Start a family, start a business, buy a family home + investment property, build share portfolio.

Key benefits of going through the process
Confidence to execute on investments, clarity around how much to invest into starting a business without sabotaging their financial progress

Year 1 projected upside after all advice fees: $256k
Year 20 projected upside after all advice fees: $206k (noting that there is an assumed $400k annual reduction in income as a result of leaving corporate to start their own business)

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Couple early 30’s; no kids

Numbers/Background
Couple early 30’s no kids, Household Income $300k, cash $360k, ~$150k shares

Frustrations when first coming to see us
Plan on how to maximise employer share plan, family home purchase seeming unattainable. No mechanism to validate decisions around broader strategy..

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Building second income stream through investing to reduce reliance on employment income. Maternity leave plan to start a family without going backwards, and a clear plan into family home.

What money strategy they were following when we started working together
Saving in cash, small amount of share investing.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Buying family home ~$1.5m, set up money to have children and allow for maternity leave, planning around employer shares.

Key benefits of going through the process
Validation of strategy to give confidence to execute, family / maternity leave plan, purchase family home.

Year 1 projected upside after all advice fees: $0
Year 20 projected upside after all advice fees: ~$1.1m

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Couple early 30’s; two kids 3 and 5, working in tech and logistics

Numbers/Background
Household Income ~$250k +$80k RSU’s , cash $86k, ~$250k RSU holdings, ~$20k shares, family home~$800k

Frustrations when first coming to see us
Not enough room for growing family, wanting to look after aging parents, wanting to capitalise on employer share plan.

What they wanted from us / the advice process
Clear plan to upgrade from apartment to home with a granny flat for parents. Plan for RSU income, building a second income stream to replace employment income over time.

What money strategy they were following when we started working together
Holding money in offset account, holding RSU shares but reactively selling to pay tax bills. Small amount of share investing.

What money strategy they chose to pursue from our planning work
Sell + upgrade home, debt recycling, build passive income with investment portfolio.

Key benefits of going through the process
Five figure tax savings every year forever, confidence on strategy, getting the home they want.

Year 1 projected upside after all advice fees: -$53,000 (based on home purchase)
Year 20 projected upside after all advice fees: $1,014,530

Disclaimer:

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