I don’t need to see a Financial Planner… do I?

Mal Smith • January 22, 2015

Who do you usually talk to about your retirement, your investments, your loans and insurances? Your partner, your friends, your neighbour? Have you ever considered talking to a Financial Planner? Being financially savvy is not all about having money right now. It’s about getting professional advice to make your money work for you. It’s like going to the doctor, you know that you’ve got a cold but you’re not sure about how to fight it. Similarly you know you’re going to retire one day, but you’re not sure if you’ve got the right steps in place for when you do.

Financial Planning isn’t just about how to invest your money either. It’s more about working with you to provide peace of mind. Knowing that whatever the future brings, you have a plan in place not only for your long term retirement, but also to protect you and your family from the unexpected detours along the way. Seeing a Financial Planner can make all the difference when it comes to working out budgets, Superannuation Planning, insurances and loans. Our aim is to get you to a place where you can live the life you want, with no worries or fears.

So who needs to see a Financial Planner? Anyone and everyone. However, to get the full benefits of advice you need to be prepared to commit to a partnership with your adviser. Think of it as a coach/athlete relationship where you have the goal in sight and the adviser has the skill to realize your dreams. Unfortunately life is complex, and it’s not as simple as just putting money away in the bank. There are rules, regulations, and laws that make it that little bit more complicated. That’s where we come in, our job is to keep up with the latest rules, regulations, and laws and in turn use that to help benefit you. As always there is a price for professional advice. However, a good adviser will deliver benefits that far outweigh the cost. Here’s some of the ways we can help you:

Budgeting & Goal setting: After a weekend, you come to Monday and find that your bank account is looking a little worse for wear and you’re not entirely sure why. Seeing a Financial Planner can help you set realistic budget goals and start working towards any goals you have, like traveling, buying a car or saving for a house. They can make that dream a reality for you. Sound advice at this point can assist you to be better positioned in the future to minimize borrowing levels, therefore saving you money on interest paid.

Pre-retirement Planning: You are never too young to start planning for your retirement! Whether once you retire you plan on just taking life as it comes, or whether you’re planning on ditching the kids and caravanning around Australia, for a year. It’s important to have a plan in place that will allow you to do those things. “What if I out-live my money?” If you have that thought in the back of your mind, seeing a Financial Planner can help you avoid living with that worry.

Insurance: We’ve all seen the ads on TV ‘What would your family do if something was to happen to you?’ or ‘How would you pay the bills, if you could no longer work?’. Most of the time we tune out and it becomes a dull lull in the background. But it is important you ask yourself ‘What would my family do?’ Do you have insurances such as trauma, life, income protection?. If you’re not sure what will happen, talking to a Financial Planner can give you and your family peace-of-mind knowing that you have done the right thing and put cover in place if something was to go wrong.

So next time you find yourself chatting about dreams for retirement or how you plan to ‘get rich’, consider talking to a Financial Planner. It can make all the difference.

*Disclaimer- Principal Wealth Management Pty Ltd are corporate authorised representatives of Charter Financial Planning Limited, ABN 35 002 976 294, AFS License No. 234665 Member of the AMP Group. This document provides general information only. Before making any financial or investment decisions, we recommend you consult a financial planner to take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situation and individual needs. Charter Financial Planning and its Authorised Representatives do not accept any liability for any errors or omissions of information supplied in this document.

Adrian Rasmussen retires after decades supporting Regional Queensland

By BMO • June 30, 2026
After an incredible career dedicated to supporting regional businesses, farming families and rural communities, BMO Business Centre Partner Adrian Rasmussen will officially retire from the partnership effective 30 June 2026. For many across the Western Downs and beyond, Adrian has been far more than an accountant or advisor. Over decades in business, he has built trusted relationships grounded in honesty, loyalty and a genuine understanding of regional life and the people who live it. Adrian’s connection to the country and agriculture has always been at the heart of who he is. He has worked alongside generations of farming families and business owners through seasons of growth, challenge and change, becoming a steady and respected presence for clients, colleagues and the wider community alike. Reflecting on his time at BMO, Adrian said the relationships formed throughout his career have been among the most rewarding parts of the journey. “It has been a privilege to work with so many wonderful people over the years; not only clients, but colleagues and communities who have become lifelong friends,” Adrian said. “Regional communities are built on relationships, trust and supporting one another, and I’m incredibly grateful to have been part of that throughout my career.” BMO Business Centre Managing Partners Kelvin Tyler and Michelle McVeigh said Adrian’s contribution to both the business and the region would leave a lasting legacy. “Adrian has played an incredibly important role in shaping BMO into the business it is today,” they said. “His care for clients, commitment to regional communities and calm, practical approach have earned enormous respect across our industry and the communities we serve. While we will certainly miss having him in the office, we are excited for Adrian and his family as they enter this next chapter.” While stepping away from the partnership, Adrian is looking forward to spending more time with family, on the farm and enjoying a well-earned change of pace after many years dedicated to supporting others. Everyone at BMO Business Centre extends their sincere thanks to Adrian for his years of service, friendship and leadership, and wishes Adrian and his family all the very best for the future.

Your 30 June superannuation checklist

By Nikki Ashurst • June 4, 2026
Five easy ways to get more into your super fund before the end of the financial year.