by Kodie Axelsen

I think it would be fair for me to say that peace wouldn’t come to mind when people think about things related to money. We’ve had rate hikes, people struggling to pay mortgages and find rentals. Grocery prices have skyrocketed and people are finding themselves budgeting over the small things and rethinking their spending habits. Although I believe we all sometimes need a little shake up, it has been hard for a lot of people.

Through recent experiences in my life I have found that people need an advocate. They need a support system and guidance. I need those things also. A business coach, an accountant, a financial planner, even my own mortgage broker! I am finding my name is being spoken of in instances when people need advice and guidance with their finances. Finding this out absolutely lights me up. Our money is such a private topic. It is such an important topic. I believe that everyone should be conscious of what position they’re in, what they’re capable of achieving and what their future looks like. As you get older the reality of what your life looks like in retirement becomes more important. It should be something to consider at all ages throughout your working life.

I see people in healthy financial positions edging closer to retirement with no thought about what it is going to look like when they’re ready to put the work boots up. Why isn’t this a topic that is discussed more amongst people? Just because you don’t struggle now doesn’t mean you are able to comfortably retire. If you have equity in your property and you are on a decent wage within your family, I urge you to have your finances reviewed. Find out where you stand, what your retirement looks like, what options you have to increase your NET assets and cashflow position to benefit your life now and in the future. Ask all the questions and if you don’t know what to ask just call anyway.

You won’t regret the conversation, but you may regret not having it and realising you were one decision away from making a choice that would have changed your future. Don’t think you aren’t worthy of the conversation. Don’t think it doesn’t apply to you, it does. A plan must start somewhere. Whatever wage you are on, whether you own property or you don’t. Give yourself peace of mind with knowing. Because no one regrets gaining knowledge and the power to steer their future in the right direction. You just need an advocate willing to understand you, where you want to go, help you learn how to get there and give some pointers along the way. Ultimately what I’d like to see is people feeling more encouraged to prioritise their future.