Statistics show that almost 50 per cent of Australians deliberately ignore their finances — maybe they’re hoping what they don’t know can’t hurt them or they’re simply overwhelmed.
If that sounds like you, some expert advice can help you refocus and get back on the path to financial freedom.
Here’s how it could help you:
1. Your life is out of control
“We all lead busy lives, which means our finances often fall to the bottom of life’s to-do list,” says Laura Baker, Senior Financial Planner, Commonwealth Financial Planning. “And finances don’t get easier with age – they become more and more difficult to manage, especially if you are looking to take out a mortgage for a new home, start a family, or begin planning for a comfortable retirement.”
2. Your finances are a mess
You might think you need to sort out your finances before enlisting the help of a planner but that’s a bit like cleaning before the cleaner comes. Financial planners have seen it all and they’re experts at making sense of financial disasters. “An experienced financial planner can help improve the quality of the financial decisions you make by projecting how you can accomplish your life goals, and give you clear steps and guidance on how to achieve them,” says Laura.
3. You think you don’t earn enough
Quite the opposite is true, in fact, a few clever pointers from an expert now when you’re starting out can set you on the right track to build wealth for the future. Streamlining your finances is like decluttering your wardrobe — it becomes easier to make the right decisions every day.
4. You think you have it all under control
You don’t want to take any chances when it comes to your financial wellbeing. A financial planner can help you identify any pitfalls and maximise your finances so they’re working for you. You’ll also feel less stressed. Check out CBA’s The Financial Wellbeing Guide for Women — a guide to all the key milestones and challenges that women face when it comes to their finances.
5. You don’t track your spending
If you’ve done a good job of ignoring your finances, it might be time for the big reveal. A financial planner can take the sting out and help you regain your confidence. It doesn’t mean you haven’t got the smarts to do it yourself — life just got busy and you need a helping hand to get on top of things.
6. You’re not prepared for a rainy day
It can be hard enough taking care of today without having to worry about what tomorrow will bring. But life throws the occasional curveball our way, so we need to be prepared to avoid ending up in dire straits. A financial planner can help you set up an achievable savings plan as well as give you advice on insurances to protect yourself and your family.
To help improve your financial wellbeing, please visit financiallyfitfemales.com.au. Proud partner, CommBank. Always consider your personal circumstances before acting on financial advice
