Finances are an integral part of our lives. Money helps us care for ourselves, support our families, reach our goals and simply live life to the fullest. So, it’s no surprise that smart financial planning is important.
My name is David Smart and I am an experienced financial adviser in New Zealand dedicated to helping clients bring out their full financial potential through pertinent advice and personalised support. I know that everyone’s situation is different. This is why I seek to provide you with help specifically meant for you, your goals and circumstances while following the Code of Professional Conduct for Financial Advice Services.
The Key Elements Of All Good Financial Plans
Essentially, a great financial plan is a roadmap that’s tailored to your specific goals and situation. Although every plan is unique, here are a few key qualities that all plans should have:
It Should Be Simple And Easy To Understand. First, your plan should be straightforward and easy for you to grasp. It should never overwhelm you with complex jargon but rather offer clear guidance that makes sense to you. I know that some financial concepts or terms can be confusing at first, especially if financial planning is new to you, so I’m happy to explain anything you’re confused about so that we can stay on the same page.
It Should Be Personalised. No two people have the exact same financial circumstances, goals and limitations. A great financial plan should be perfectly customised to fit your unique needs. This is why generic advice that anyone could give is no good, as it might not work for you. We can go over your situation together to create a customised plan that’ll set you on the right path for life.
It Should Be Designed To Achieve Your Particular Goals. A financial plan should help you reach your personal goals. No matter what your ultimate goals are, your plan should guide you in realistically achieving them.
It Should Be Realistic. Your financial plan should always remain realistic and doable. Staying realistic and reasonable will help you follow your plan with a positive mindset and a healthy level of patience, as setting your goals too high can lead to disappointment and stress.
Your plan should also account for potential risks and setbacks, as there’s always a chance that something unpredictable will happen that’ll mess with your plans.
It Should Be Capable Of Easy Review. Your financial situation and goals may change over time, so a perfect plan for you today may not be ideal in a year or two. Your plan should be easy to review and adjust as needed to reflect your evolving needs and objectives.
How You Can Benefit From A Solid Financial Plan
Having a plan is always a good idea, regardless of what you’re trying to do. Yet, some may still wonder why they need a set plan rather than just going on instinct. How can a financial plan benefit you?
Clarity And Direction. A well-crafted financial plan can provide you with clarity and direction, helping you understand where you stand financially and where you’re headed. Together, we can discover a plan that sets you up for success.
Smart Budgeting. By fully understanding your situation, you can stick to your budget and avoid overspending. Only spending what you can afford and staying on budget can help you reach your long-term goals.
Achieving Your Goals. Aligning your financial decisions with your goals will help you increase the likelihood of reaching them, even if it's at a slower pace than you’d hoped. Goals like buying a new house or saving for retirement can be achieved if you take smart steps and make practical decisions.
Smart Risk Management. Financial planning helps to identify and mitigate potential risks, allowing you to avoid getting into situations that could negatively impact your finances. One thing I can do for you is to define your risk profile, which means I’ll identify potential risks you may face.
Peace Of Mind. Financial management can be stressful. Money is something that most of us worry about, and it can be a serious cause of stress and conflict in our lives. Knowing you have a solid financial plan can give you peace of mind, even if you have yet to reach your goals or are in a financial situation you’re not entirely happy with. Having a financial plan is like having a map to help you reach a destination - while you still have to do the work yourself, you have a clear path to follow, and all you need to do is stay on track.
Unleashing Your Potential With A Well-Thought-Out Plan
If you’re interested in creating a personalised financial plan, please feel free to contact me, David Smart.
Getting in touch is easy; just call me on 0275 434555 or use my contact page. Or, to learn more about what I can do for you, you can read about my services on my site.
Together, we can find the best ways for you to meet your goals.