Financial Planning

Financial advice is determining how an investor is going to meet their goals and objectives. It is about helping clients define their goals, gathering information and analysing data to make a plan, then implementing the plan and monitoring the results. It is also monitoring and updating goals and objectives as clients move through different phases of life. 'Failing to plan is planning to fail.'

It's a cliché but when it comes to investing money, setting and then attaining long term financial objectives, then it makes a lot of sense to have a plan. Also, history shows time and again that the sooner you can start the better the outcomes. Attaining long term objectives is better served by setting some short term goals.

For example, such milestones might be set for 1-3 years, then 4-6 years and then 7+ years. However, just having a plan isn’t enough. It needs to be regularly revisited and amended accordingly. Like the initial drafting of a plan the ongoing monitoring can be complex, increasingly so due to an increasing number of rule and regulation changes. We can help you manage this complexity and provide ongoing monitoring.

Our primary aim is to help you attain your financial objectives.

At Peter Vivian Financial Services we will provide the time and expertise needed to help you implement the best financial strategy possible. Contact us today to discuss how we can work together.

Wealth Accumulation

If you are going to become, or remain, financially independent then you need to have a properly constructed investment strategy. It’s very easy to become distracted from your goals and do considerable damage by following messages and ideas that seem attractive 'in the moment.'

The principles of great money management are actually fairly boring by nature, yet one of the hardest things to do for most of us, is to do the simple things consistently. This is why we are convinced that most people need a partner to help them along this path.

Our investment process is not hard to understand, and can be summarised as follows;

• Be clear about the distinction between short term and long term money.
• Invest the long term money in a portfolio of assets (cash, shares, property, bonds, etc) that offers broad diversification.
• Employ proven money managers who have a track record of successful investing in each type of asset class selected.
• Rebalance your assets regularly to ensure that your portfolio remains consistent with your personal and financial objectives.

At Peter Vivian Financial Services we will provide the time and expertise needed to help you implement the best financial strategy possible. Contact us today to discuss how we can work together.

Superannuation

Superannuation is mandatory but taking an early and active interest in it is critical to ensuring the benefits it can offer are maximised by the time you retire. Many will have a superannuation scheme through employment but increasing numbers are starting their own Self Managed Super Fund (SMSF).

However, for many, simply relying on employer contributions may not be enough and you may need to look at strategies such as additional contributions or salary sacrifice. Older Australians will need to focus even more on their superannuation strategies because most came to this form of saving later in life.

It is always best to start saving and planning for your retirement as early as you can.

At Peter Vivian Financial Services we will provide the time and expertise needed to help you implement the best financial strategy possible. Contact us today to discuss how we can work together.

Insurance

Life insurance isn’t just a cost, though it often feels like it. It is peace-of-mind that should a nasty surprise happen in your life then the consequences are covered for you and your family. Insurance provides you with the ability to manage the financial and emotional impact of some of the more drastic surprises, whether personally or in your small business.

Insurance can’t replace a loved one but it can help reduce the financial burden by providing the capital to ensure your family has choices.

If you answer yes to any of the following questions then you should ensure you have adequate insurance. Many Australians are underinsured and the results can be very serious for families should there be a death or serious injury.

1. Do you have a mortgage?
2. Do you have school fees?
3. Do you have any personal loans?
4. Do you have any credit card debt?
5. Do you have dependents?
6. Would your financial position be affected if you were to suffer from an illness or injury?
7. Do you want to have enough capital to look after your dependents if you were unable to care for them for an extended period of time or perhaps indefinitely?

We understand that it can be difficult determining the type and level of cover you might need, let alone choosing an insurer. We can assist by helping you determine your needs and recommend an insurer that is right for you.

At Peter Vivian Financial Services we will provide the time and expertise needed to help you implement the best financial strategy possible. Contact us today to discuss how we can work together.

Retirement Planning

Retiring on your own terms is not always easy to achieve, however it is evident that those who plan for retirement are more likely to do so. Results also show that obtaining professional help during the pre-retirement years further improves the probability of attaining your retirement objectives.

The earlier you start implementing a plan the better the outcomes.

During one’s working life there is always an income to make ends meet when raising children, paying off a mortgage, etc.

Retirement planning is about the lifestyle you will have after you stop work and receiving employment income. Planning focuses on issues such as how much superannuation is enough, taking a super pension, claiming the Age Pension, making superannuation contributions while receiving a pension from a super fund, estate planning and looking after your family.

Planning properly is becoming even more important now we are expected to live longer. This greater need means that professional help has never been more important as well.

At Peter Vivian Financial Services we will provide the time and expertise needed to help you implement the best financial strategy possible. Contact us today to discuss how we can work together.

Self-Managed Superannuation Fund

Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs) offer a good strategy option for many individuals, families and small business owners to build tax effective wealth and to protect assets over time. SMSFs are becoming popular for those who are ready to take control of their own super investments as they give you ultimate control and flexibility to manage your retirement benefits.

It must be noted though, that you will have increased responsibilities as a trustee of the fund. As a SMSF Trustee you need to keep up to date with all required regulations and keep up with the fast paced financial markets.

Peter Vivian Financial Services can work with you to understand your personal financial situation and decide whether a SMSF structure is appropriate for you. We will also make sure your assets are invested in the most effective way to maximise your retirement benefits.

It is generally agreed that there are a number of benefits of an SMSF but it is important that you also understand that an SMSF may not suit your situation, see below for some of the reasons why.

Benefits:

• Control - the trustees make the investment decisions.
• Asset allocation – the trustees are in control of asset allocation decisions as well as issues related to borrowing.
• Tax strategies – trustees have control of tax strategies and other planning options.
• Transparency – your SMSF provides you with good transparency concerning investment decisions and gives complete visibility over taxation treatment.
• Cost – the cost of running and administering a SMSF fund are not based on a percentage of the value of the fund but more on the time needed to prepare reports and address relevant compliance matters.

Disadvantages:

Running and managing a SMSF may not be suitable to everyone. For example, many of the advantages are also a disadvantage. Costs may be relatively high, there can be too much flexibility for prudent investing, remaining on top of trustee responsibilities can be complex and time consuming, and poor personal knowledge of the investment landscape can have serious consequences.

Should you wish to consider establishing a SMSF then we can help with:

• Establishing your fund
• Annual Compliance Services
• Portfolio Administration Services
• Pension advice
• Superannuation Advisory Services

At Peter Vivian Financial Services we will provide the time and expertise needed to help you implement the best financial strategy possible. Contact us today to discuss how we can work together.

Estate Planning

Your estate is made up of everything you own. This includes your home, property, furniture, car, personal possessions, business, investments, superannuation and bank accounts. Firstly, having a legally valid will is extremely important, as without one it is called 'dying intestate'. This can be costly and create added stress forloved ones at an already difficult time.

You may think that having a current will outlines what will happen to your estate should you die or become unable to manage your affairs. Unfortunately, for those with more complex financial structures this may not be the case.

To make sure your affairs are in order an Estate Plan will:

• provide for and protect loved ones with specific needs, including children
• ensure your children’s inheritance receives increased protection if a relationship breaks down
• ensure you receive professional advice on how to structure your assets to gain available tax advantages
• ensure your wishes are recorded in legally binding documents including your will, free from ambiguity
• provide you with peace of mind knowing, should you die or be unable to legally manage your affairs, that they will be managed by someone you trust
• ensure non-estate assets such as jointly held assets, family trusts, super funds and private companies are also documented as it may not be possible to deal with them in your will.

At Peter Vivian Financial Services we will provide the time and expertise needed to help you implement the best financial strategy possible. Contact us today to discuss how we can work together.

Centrelink Advice

Social Security assistance is provided by various Australian Government Departments including Centrelink and the Department of Veteran Affairs. We understand that Centrelink plays an important role for individuals and families when it comes to planning. Payments such as the Age Pension and Disability Support Pension provide long-term financial support whilst Newstart Allowance and Sickness Allowance provide assistance for a shorter period of time. Other payments such as Family Tax Benefit, Parts A & B assist with the cost of raising children.

As well as the payment of benefits you may be entitled to access certain fringe benefits. For example, if you are of Age Pension age and/or are receiving the Age Pension you may be entitled to concession cards such as Pensioner Concession Card, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card or the State Seniors Card which offer concessions, benefits and discounts. The Department of Veteran’s Affairs also provides similar benefits.

Our Centrelink advisory services provide you with strategies and advice to ensure you:

• Maximise Centrelink benefits, such as the Aged Pension
• Gain entitlement for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card
• Gain entitlement for the Low Income Health Care Card
• Family entitlement planning, incorporating Family Tax Benefits, Paid Parental Leave, and/or the Baby Bonus

Fund Manager Links

General Calculators

Useful Links

• ASIC's Money Smart
• Australian Bureau of Statistics
• Australian Stock Exchange (ASX)
• Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
• Bureau of Meteorology
• Centrelink
• Macquarie WRAP Client Log on
• Reserve Bank of Australia
• Reserve Bank of Australia - Exhange Rates
• Morgan Stanley Capital Indices (MSIC) for Sharemarkets

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