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With rising house prices, little wage growth and consistent changes to superannuation incentives, the path to wealth accumulation is arguably becoming more difficult to achieve.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. There are ways to future proof your finances by focusing on priorities at each life stage.
At this stage you want to make sure you are putting your income to good use.
The temptation to spend more than you earn is easy. Avoid a “quick fix” solution like getting a credit card that charges interest rates at around 20 per cent. Instead do what the financially savvy do: budget. Set yourself a goal and contribute regular amounts each month. It doesn’t have to be complicated, try an app like ASIC’s Money Smart app.
If you have a home loan, concentrate on repaying it as quickly as possible. Paying an extra $100 per month could shave three years off the loan and save thousands in interest costs.
With returns on term deposits hovering around two percent it could be worth considering a direct investment in blue chip shares, or through a low cost investment vehicle like an exchange trade fund (ETF) or listed investment company (LIC). Realise the power of compounding returns by investing early and holding assets for the medium to long term.
It’s difficult to get excited about superannuation at this early age. However small steps now will make a significant difference in the future:
It’s difficult to get excited about superannuation at this early age. However small steps now will make a significant difference in the future.
This is the best time to apply for insurance to ensure you’re protected in the event of illness, injury or death: you’re generally healthier and the cover is cheaper.
It’s important to have enough insurance cover to repay your debts but it is even more important to have enough cover to financially protect your greatest asset – your ability to generate income. Income protection insurance is often tax deductible and provides an ongoing income stream in the event you are unable to work for medical reasons.
You’re generally at peak earning capacity here, so make hay while the sun shines! If you have a mortgage, a plan to pay it down is the key priority.
With spare income, you may consider:
If you have increased equity in the home, consider drawing on it for wealth creation. If you are confident the return will be greater than the interest rate on the loan you could consider an investment property or shares.
If you have children and plan to send them to a private school, then saving for it while they’re young should be a priority. Given the long investment timeframe, it may be appropriate to invest regular savings in growth assets like blue-chip shares.
Salary sacrificing can be a powerful way to boost your super balance. The tax rate on super is 15 per cent, compared to your marginal tax rate which could be up to 47 per cent.
Congratulations! You’ve almost made it to the point where you can enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle, but don’t take your foot off the pedal just yet.
While your home has provided you with many years of enjoyment it is also worth considering if its value can boost your nest egg. Downsizing can provide you with a more suitably sized home and release a substantial amount of equity from the family home, to be directed to your nest egg.
Your priority here is ensuring your super balance will provide you with a steady and reliable income stream throughout retirement. Reduce volatility to aid smoother returns.
Review your Will to ensure your affairs are in order, and appoint a trusted individual to act as your Power of Attorney (PoA) in the event you lose capacity to make financial or medical decisions yourself.
Working with a financial adviser will set you up to maximise your financial position throughout the various life stages.
This article initially appeared in Nest Egg: 2 November 2017
Hewison Private Wealth is a Melbourne based independent financial planning firm. Our financial advisers are highly qualified wealth managers and specialise in self managed super funds (SMSF), financial planning, retirement planning advice and investment portfolio management. If you would like to speak to a financial adviser on how you can secure your financial future please contact us 03 8548 4800, email info@hewison.com.au or visit www.hewison.com.auPlease note: The advice provided above is general information only and individuals should seek specialised advice from a qualified financial advisor. The views in this blog are those of the individual and may not represent the general opinion of the firm. Please contact Hewison Private Wealth for more information.