There are many areas of life where we rely on the services and skills of professionals for help. We may see an accountant for tax advice, or a doctor when we have health issues. Likewise, throughout our life we need to make informed financial decisions and often need advice to ensure we understand the impact of our decisions on our financial future. The financial planning process enables you to develop a strategy for achieving your financial goals in the short, medium and long term. 

A licensed financial adviser can help you to:

• identify your goals - these may include buying a home, saving for your children's education, managing your tax and debts more effectively

• interpret complex financial issues - make educated decisions about what to do with your money by identifying savings and investment strategies and products to match your needs and

• motivate and mentor - to put plans in place to achieve your financial goals.

Generally the process can be divided into six steps: 

STEP ONE - GATHER INFORMATION

The financial adviser gathers information about all aspects of your current situation. It is also at this stage that the financial adviser gets a clear sense of your risk profile - the level of risk you are prepared to accept. 

STEP TWO - SET GOALS AND DEFINE OBJECTIVES

This is where you, with the help of your financial adviser identify short, medium and long term goals and the costs associated with these individual goals. 

STEP THREE - IDENTIFY ANY FINANCIAL ISSUES OR DEFICIENCIES

The adviser compares your current situation with your goals and highlights any issues that may prevent you from achieving your goals. 

STEP FOUR - PREPARE YOUR FINANCIAL PLAN

The financial adviser identifies and recommends a financial plan tailored to your specific needs. The plan may include advice on:

• how to effectively structure your finances and manage your cash flow;
• strategies to structure your loans and investments in the most efficient manner;
• strategies to structure your loans and investments in the most efficient manner;
• appropriate tax structures and products to meet your needs; and
• how to adequately protect and insure yourself and your assets.

STEP FIVE - IMPLEMENT THE PLAN

This is where you implement your plan with the assistance of your 
adviser. This may involve:

• the purchasing and selling of investments;
• restructuring current loans;
• restructuring assets and addressing ownership, including superannuation; and
• purchasing insurance.

STEP SIX - REVIEW AND MONITOR THE PLAN

The financial adviser regularly reviews your plan to ensure that it stays up-to-date with respect to legislation, economic conditions and the changes to your circumstances. 


IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The information in this document is of a general informational nature.No account has been taken of your particular financial needs,investment objectives and personal needs and circumstances. Therefore this information is not intended to be, nor should it be, relied uponfor the purposes of making investment decisions. APEX Financial Management recommends that you seek financial advice before implementing any investment strategy.