independent financial advisors

Independent Budgeting Advice For Wealth Building

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Budgeting and saving are indeed vital building blocks in managing your finances and building wealth. A personalised budget and savings plan will enable you to get closer to achieving what is important to you in life. 

Budgeting advice at Plutus Financial Guidance

We will continuously work with you to manage your changing circumstances and needs to achieve what is important to you. 

We can help you understand where your cash flow is coming from and what you are doing with it. We believe that a critical first step in creating wealth is establishing a defined budget and making the most out of what you currently have. 

We can help you streamline your wealth and lifestyle aims by completing a comprehensive review of your current budget to optimise spending. 

The importance of independent budgeting advice

When seeking independent financial advice regarding your budget, choosing an independent financial professional who does not accept kickbacks, royalties or referral fees from financial institutions is of utmost importance. 

At Plutus Financial Guidance, we pride ourselves on the constant integrity and purpose throughout all of our financial services. We strongly believe that financial advice should be transparent and straightforward; as such, we do not charge commission on our independent financial advice or accept referral fees. 

We are back in the office! 

Following NSW Government Health Guidelines, the team at Plutus Financial Guidance are back open for business and are taking consultations at our office here in Macquarie Park. 

Vince Lam is a Professional Accountant and a Certified Independent Financial Advisor with almost two decades of experience. 

He holds the Certified Practising Accountants (CPA) designation and is an Accredited Aged Care Professional.

Feel free to get in contact with us today to book a financial health discovery consultation with us – our independent financial advisors are more than happy to help. 

superannuation management

Superannuation Management at Plutus Financial Guidance

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Many industry experts and financial advisors believe that solely relying on employer contributions may result in many people falling short of a basic retirement lifestyle, one which would be suitable for most Australians.

Superannuation Advice and Planning

At Plutus Financial Guidance we offer superannuation advice and planning, in order to help create tax-effective steps to boost your super balance, resulting in a far healthier super balance at retirement. 

Things we address include the consolidation of your superannuation accounts, if you have more than one. People generally opt for their employers chosen super fund, which results in the accumulation of multiple super accounts over the years. Consolidating your super accounts is a critical step in optimising the performance of your superannuation – as having multiple accounts can lead to lost super through paying multiple sets of fees. An independent financial advisor at Plutus Financial Guidance will guide you through this process. 

When self-managing a super fund, a well-planned investment and contribution strategy is critical. There are a few factors to consider when formulating a tailored superannuation investment strategy. These include your age, superannuation balance, retirement goals and risk appetite. We can analyse the risks and rewards of particular investment strategies to help choose an option that is right for you. 

Thinking of creating a self-managed super fund? This can be a rewarding decision for some, however they’re not beneficial for all clients. If a self-managed fund isn’t the best strategy, we can help in finding the best option for your situation. There are many different superannuation funds out there, offering many different advantages and strategies. At Plutus Financial Guidance, we will tailor and review a shortlist based on your personal needs and goals.

Additionally, we help you analyse and compare super fund performance, fees, investment options, insurance options and more. 

We’re here to ensure your super balance is healthy come retirement. Talk to Vince Lam, our senior superannuation advisor today to find out what is involved and whether this is the right option for you.

Debt Management At Plutus Financial Guidance

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Debt management comes in many forms. There are various reasons why anyone would borrow capital to invest, such as getting a mortgage (meaning you get to own your piece of real estate sooner rather than later) or reducing your tax bill whilst creating long-term wealth through investments.

While it’s true that utilising debt, gearing or leverage can aid in long-term wealth creation; it is essential to take an optimised and disciplined approach. Debt should be a tool to serve you and not the other way around. Too much can cause a lot of stress, but, on the other hand, too little or zero debt might make you feel like you are potentially missing out on opportunities and possibilities. 

When it comes to debt management and allocation, we all have different financial positions and circumstances. There are many contributing factors including age, aspirations, goals, investment horizon, appetite for risk and requirements. It is essential to ensure that a strategy is structured for the long term to help you achieve all of your financial goals. 

At Plutus Financial Guidance, our work with you constantly evolves with your changing circumstances. We offer independent financial advice that we tailor to your circumstances. We also regularly check up with you to help keep you motivated and on the right track.

A personalised financial plan will enable you to get closer to achieving what is important to you in life, not only today but more importantly, in the long run. We continuously work with our clients to manage changing circumstances, needs and moving goal posts. 

To learn more about how Plutus Financial Guidance can help you utilise debt as a wealth-building strategy, please feel free to head to the page on our website dedicated to this topic by clicking the link here. 

financial health discovery consultation retired couple

Financial Health Discovery Consultation

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What is a financial health discovery?

A financial health discovery takes an in depth look at your personal financial situation to ensure the present and future health of your position. 

The past year has been a good reminder to us all that certain life events do have the ability to disrupt even our most carefully thought-out strategies. 

Experience in providing financial advice is critical at these vulnerable and emotionally sensitive times. These uncertain periods are where planning is crucial to keep on track, along with guidance from a trained advisor. 

It’s also important to always to seek out independent financial planners, as they are the ones who can assess your financial health with genuine autonomy, operating without incentive and conflicts of interest. 

We pride ourselves on the integrity and purpose that is constant throughout all of our financial services. We strongly believe that financial advice should be transparent, as such, at Plutus Financial Guidance, we do not charge commission on our independent financial advice nor will we accept kickbacks, royalties or referral fees from financial institutions.  

Vince Lam is a professional Accountant and an Independent Financial Advisor with almost two decades of experience. He holds the Certified Practising Accountants (CPA) designation and is an Accredited Aged Care Professional.

Book in for a financial health discovery consultation with our independent financial advisors today. We can help you implement the various risk management tools that give you more certainty and peace of mind regarding your long term financial health.

retirement financial planning at the beach

Retirement Advice At Plutus Financial Guidance

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The closer one edges toward retirement, the more excited they generally feel. The freedom to do what you want, when you want. For many, it’s the first instance of a decrease in responsibility for the first time in decades.  

So, you’ve been planning the details of retirement for years, now it’s time to review the logistics. Recognising that retirement is not the conclusion of one’s journey through life but just a different stage. 

This next stage does come with a particular set of challenges that we must prepare for, to ensure that we can enjoy this period in our lives without financial worries. Whilst navigating these challenges can be daunting, getting support from an independent financial advisor with experience will give you the confidence you need to make these challenges less intimidating. 

Having a solid plan in place is key to enjoying a financially secure and happy retirement. 

At Plutus Financial Guidance, we provide easy-to-follow financial advice for retirement, customised to your specific retirement needs and goals. We can help you gain the freedom to choose how long you will work, get financial peace of mind, and free up time for your well-deserved retirement. We are here to help you understand all of the options and tactics available to you, allowing you to make informed choices when it comes to planning for your retirement. 

Vince Lam is a professional Accountant and an Independent Financial Advisor with almost two decades of experience. His academic qualifications include a Master of Applied Finance from the Macquarie University Applied Finance Centre and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Sydney. He holds the Certified Practising Accountants (CPA) designation and is an Accredited Aged Care Professional.

For more detailed information regarding Plutus’s retirement financial guidance services, or to arrange a consultation, please do not hesitate to contact us today by clicking the link here.

Financial Advisor in the central coast

Independent Financial Guidance On The Central Coast

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Plutus Financial Guidance is proud to offer our CIFAA-certified service to clients on the Central Coast. Located just one hour’s drive from Sydney, the Central Coast region offers its residents an outstanding balance of a relaxed coastal lifestyle and an impressive selection of work and business opportunities.  

Finding a certified financial advisor operating without incentive and conflicts of interest can be challenging. At Plutus Financial Guidance, we firmly believe that the best results come from a close relationship with a trusted advisor and that living a little further from the city should not result in folks having to compromise on authentically independent financial guidance. 

Vince Lam is a professional Accountant and an Independent Financial Advisor with almost two decades of experience. He holds the Certified Practising Accountants (CPA) designation and is an Accredited Aged Care Professional.

Having an independent advisor in your corner can help you protect your wealth and achieve your financial goals, giving you the free time and peace of mind to reap the benefits of a relaxed and happy lifestyle on the Coast. For more information, do not hesitate to get in contact with us today.

retirement planning and aged care financial advice for retired people, retired couple sitting on a bench

Aged Care Financial Advice – The Plutus Financial Guidance Difference

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At Plutus Financial Guidance, we work closely with individuals and families to assist in making educated decisions when looking at future aged care options for a loved one.

Unlike regular financial advisors operating around Sydney, Plutus Financial Guidance proudly provide CIFAA-certified independent financial advice. 

Independent financial advisors differ, as we do not charge or take asset-based fees, commissions, or kickbacks – nor do we receive referral fees.

It is essential to understand that aged care facilities provide accommodation, meals, cleaning, round-the-clock care, plus extras where available. Consequently, the costs associated with aged care facilities and residential care are significant. 

For some families, a lack of planning or limited funds can severely limit their options.

For this reason, it is crucial to seek sound aged care financial advice, to determine associated costs and plan for how these costs can be financed. 

Seeking sound aged care financial advice can be daunting. At Plutus Financial Guidance, we are here to help make the process less complicated and provide you with a clear plan tailored to your personal scenario. 

We understand the complex array of emotions and outside factors that surround these major life decisions. As such, we aim to deliver aged care financial advice with great integrity and sensitivity. 

Vince Lam is an Accredited Aged Care Professional™ and an experienced Independent Financial Advisor. 

For more information on how Vince and the rest of the Plutus Financial Guidance team can help you navigate financial decisions around aged care, visit the page on our website dedicated to this topic here. 

deaf society and deaf service merger in sydney

The Deaf Society & Deaf Services Merger Announcement

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Happy New Year from the team here at Plutus Financial Guidance.

We hope you had an enjoyable holiday period spending time with family and friends. 2020 was a transformative year not just for Plutus Financial Guidance, but also personally and professionally for Vince Lam.

As you may be aware, in addition to offering independent financial advice through Plutus Financial Guidance, Vince strives to dedicate himself to philanthropy and community service. 

One such commitment is Vince’s ongoing support for The Deaf Society, through his roles on their Board of Directors and Finance & Audit Committee Member since 2017. 

The Deaf Society

Founded in New South Wales in 1913, The Deaf Society was Australia’s chief not-for-profit expert service provider for the deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing people. Services provided include employment support, education and training support, family support, assistive technology support, everyday life skills and support relating to NDIS packages. 

A New Chapter For The Deaf Society & Deaf Services

In October 2020, The Deaf Society merged with Deaf Services (Queensland) to create a newly formed organisation, called Deaf Connect, which is now Australia’s largest whole-of-life service provider for the deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind community.

This new organisation will bring together 680 staff across New South Wales, Queensland and the ACT, and a forthcoming facility in the Northern Territory.

Deaf Connect will now be operating at a hugely increased capacity as a result of this merger, with annual revenue of about $45m (up from $8m) & an equity portfolio of about $35m (up from $17m). It is an exciting prospect and we look forward to seeing what these combined resources can achieve. 

Vince is proud to share that he is a newly appointed member of the Deaf Connect Board of Directors and Finance & Audit Committee.

For Vince, these exciting challenges represent a convergence of his work in finance and his passion for philanthropy and community service. He looks forward to continuing this meaningful work through 2021 and beyond. 

For further information regarding the work of Deaf Connect, please visit their website here. 

working with a financial advisor for splitting super contributions

Splitting Super Contributions

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Superannuation contribution splitting allows you to transfer some of your personal super contributions to your spouse’s account.

Splitting your superannuation contributions with your spouse is a great way to make sure you are both getting the most out of your retirement as a couple.

This can allow you to top up your partner’s superannuation if they have a lower balance, maximising your tax benefits and providing more flexibility.

How does super contribution splitting work?

A superannuation splitting strategy can allow married couples, de facto partners and same sex couples to split super contributions. They can be split with a spouse who is: 

  • under the preservation age; or 
  • over the preservation age, but under 65 and is still working. 

Couples can split up to 85% of their employer concessional contributions and any personal or salary sacrifice super contributions up to the contributions cap for that financial year.

The benefits of super contribution splitting

Current legislation prevents couples from sharing access to their super account, unless they operate a self-managed super fund. Super contribution splitting gives couples the ability to distribute super benefits between themselves. The advantages of super contribution splitting can include:

  • Increasing your spouse’s superannuation balance – This is helpful if your spouse has a lower than ideal balance through non-working periods or due to a lower income. This can be especially important for women who take time off to raise a family.
  • Providing earlier access to super benefits – Splitting your super with a spouse that is older than you and closer to retirement may allow you to access this money earlier. 
  • Accessing an age pension – When a spouse reaches pension age, which is currently 66, your superannuation balance will become a tax assessable asset. If in this case the older spouse’s assessable assets are below the pension asset test limits, they could potentially be eligible to access an aged pension payment. Assuming an older spouse meets all the rules, there could be a significant benefit in splitting their contributions to their younger spouse, allowing the older spouse to then qualify for a government pension.
  • Superannuation catch up rules – Splitting contributions to keep individual balances below $500,000 means each partner can take advantage of the carry forward rules on their before-tax contributions for up to five years. This can allow you to maximise the amount you can add to your super savings for a tax-effective retirement.
  • $1.6 million pension cap – Contribution splitting to a spouse could be used as a long-term strategy to even out the super balances between partners and keep individual balances below the $1.6 million super cap. This could help maximise the combined total of super savings that can be transferred to a tax-free environment when you retire. 

Summary

Plutus Financial Guidance are experts, offering independent advice across a range of financial services including superannuation advice. We are here to help you understand all of the options and tactics available to you, allowing you to make informed choices when it comes to planning for your retirement. 

Get in touch with the Plutus Financial team for peace on mind. Free up your time by outsourcing retirement planning to us.

independent financial advisors

Planning For Your Retirement

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The Plutus Financial Guide To Planning For Your Retirement  

When planning your pathway to retirement, getting sound retirement financial advice is key to making a smooth transition. Taking the time to plan now will help achieve financial security, giving you a sense of clarity and certainty. The Plutus Financial team have put together a list of the things to consider when planning for your retirement. 

When do you want to retire? 

Most successful people do not ever want to retire. They want to have the option to do so, on their terms, should they wish to exercise the option. The first thing to do when planning your retirement is to determine at what age you want to have the option to retire. Typically, the average Australian retirement age is 67. However, you can choose to retire whenever you want based on your lifestyle and financial position. Figuring out when to have the option to retire will depend on a range of factors, such as your savings, investments, superannuation balance and personal preferences.

Determine your retirement goals

Once you have decided when you want to have the option to retire, the next step is to determine your retirement goals and the income you will need to support this lifestyle. When you retire, you will have more time for the things you enjoy most. You should think about how much money you will need for your basic living expenses and hobbies, the lifestyle you want to maintain and the emergency fund needed for life’s unexpected events.

Understand your financial position

Assessing your financial resources is the next step when planning your retirement. Your superannuation nest egg will typically be a component of your  retirement income. You can start accessing your super once you reach your preservation age, which will be between 55 and 60, depending on when you were born. 

Aspire to be more, contribute more and the best version of yourself possible. Nonetheless, Australia has a safety net in place with a range of government support benefits. Payments such as the age pension, Carer’s Allowance and Disability Support Pension can supplement your savings and super in retirement.

Develop a retirement financial plan 

As soon as you understand your retirement goals and current financial position, you can begin to put a plan in place to achieve your desired retirement aspirations. Vince Lam is a an independent financial planner, here to help you achieve your life goals, including understand the options at your disposal, the implications of relocating or downsizing the family home, topping up your super or developing a low-risk investment portfolio.

Conclusion 

We are here to help you achieve your most important life goals. Independent retirement financial advice can help you make informed choices when it comes to planning your retirement roadmap. Get in touch with the Plutus Financial team to be empowered, help you achieve your goals , get peace of mind and free up your time by outsourcing your retirement planning to us.