From first job to retirement: why financial advice matters more than you think

An older couple sits at a table, smiling and listening to a person off-camera. They have a laptop and documents with colorful charts in front of them, suggesting a discussion or consultation at home.

At some point, we’ve all winged it with money.

Splurging on a holiday, then scrambling to pay off the credit card bill months later. 

Guessing how much of a house deposit we’ll need — and hoping we’ll somehow get there. 

Putting off setting up a proper budget, assuming we’ll “figure it out” eventually. 

Hoping an emergency won’t come up before we’ve built a safety net.

Delaying retirement planning because it feels too far off… until it suddenly isn’t.  

And the truth is, most of us are just doing our best — with limited knowledge, too many choices, and not enough time to get it all right. 

That’s why financial advice matters

With the right money guidance, you’re not ‘leaving it all to chance’. You’re making conscious, informed decisions — especially as your financial priorities evolve across life’s many seasons. 

 

Starting out: why your first job is a golden opportunity

Your first pay cheque isn’t just a reward for a job well done — it’s a starting block. It’s when financial habits begin to form. And while many people wait until they’ve got ‘more money put aside’ to see a financial planner, starting earlier sets you up for long-term success. 

You can start by learning the basics, like:

  • Building an emergency fund
  • Understanding your super (and making extra contributions)
  • Following a simple budgeting plan to balance spending and saving
  • Exploring low-risk investment options

Besides the basics, getting personal financial advice at this early stage can help you avoid common traps — like holding multiple super accounts or overpaying fees. 

And most importantly, it helps you make the most of your greatest asset: time. Compound interest needs time to work its magic, and starting young gives your money more of it.

 

The ‘midlife’ money juggle: complexity grows with you

By midlife, your financial world tends to get more complex. You’re likely juggling mortgage repayments, kids’ education, rising living costs, and maybe even helping ageing parents. It’s a lot.

This is where personalised advice can really come in handy. A personal financial advisor can help you:

 

  • Optimise your superannuation and review your investment strategy
  • Plan for tax efficiency (especially if your income has grown)
  • Protect your income with insurance
  • Put a plan in place for estate and legacy goals

With competing demands on your income, it’s easy to fall behind on retirement planning. In fact, research shows many Gen Xers feel underprepared and uncertain about their financial future. That’s where tailored, actionable strategies from a professional can offer peace of mind and clarity.

 

Approaching retirement: making your money last

Retirement is about ‘winding down’ but it’s also a whole new chapter that requires careful planning.

Without a good plan, the risks of outliving your hard-earned savings are real. That’s why a superannuation strategy is so important in the lead-up to retirement.

Here’s where personal financial advice becomes invaluable. It can help you:

  • Map out your retirement income streams
  • Minimise tax on withdrawals
  • Ensure your estate documents are in order
  • Plan for aged care needs and costs before they become urgent

A steady, well-informed strategy can give you confidence that your money will last for as long as you need it to.

 

The bottom line?

No matter what season you’re in—starting out, juggling family and career, or preparing for retirement—getting the right money advice at the right time makes all the difference.

So, is financial planning worth it? Absolutely. (We’d know—it’s what we do!)

When tailored to your goals and life stage, personal financial advice helps you feel clear, confident, and in control of your money. And that’s something we believe everyone deserves.

 

 

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What our clients have to say

Steve Pollard is a highly professional and ethical financial planner, who practices what he preaches. He is on the few financial planners to have provided independent fee for service advice since he started in the industry. I trust Steve to provide quality advice to me, my friends and clients.

Andrew Wegener Aquila
Andrew Wegener

Every time I see Steve present at a seminar, I realise it is so much more than financial information, which anyone can provide, and more about finding the right motivator. Steve definitely knows how to motivate in a friendly non confronting manner. I can see why his greatest successes are with clients that stay with him year on year.

Greg Davies Davies Home Loans
Greg Davies

I have know Steve pollard personally now for a couple of years and meet with him once a week for breakfast. He is literally a breath of fresh air as I have always been wary of Finance Advisors in the past. Steve is now working with myself and my partner to help build a financial plan for the future and has really opened my eyes to the possibilities there are. I totally recommend that if you are looking at advice for your personal or business matters to book a time to Steve as you won’t be disappointed.

Sam Skehan "Great Advice"
Sam Skehan

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Any information provided on this website is general advice only and does not take account of investors’ objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this general advice, investors should therefore consider the appropriateness of the advice having regard to their objectives, financial situation or needs.

Please note that your adviser is a qualified tax relevant provider. We may discuss tax implications of certain financial products, and benefit payments where the advice is: 

- provided in the context of the personal advice given to you, and

- part of the financial advice which interprets and applies the tax laws (including tax, superannuation and SMSF laws) to your personal circumstances. 

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