This article covers the most common mistakes people make in their 30s. It covers managing debt, establishing saving patterns and appropriate insurance.

Climbing the career ladder, perhaps buying a home and starting a family – the 30s are an exciting stage of life. However, the decisions made now can make a big difference to future financial wellbeing, and with so much going on it is understandable, even inevitable, that the best decisions won’t always be made. So what are the common financial mistakes that 30-somethings should be alert to?

Many people think that financial advice is only for the rich and famous. This article explains why this is not the case and focuses on the importance of having a strategy regardless of age, gender or circumstances.

Financial planning. That’s for people with lots of money to invest, isn’t it?

Not necessarily.

Sure, investment planning is an important part of financial planning, but underpinning the whole process of creating wealth in the first place is having a good financial strategy.

For many people that strategy is taking each day as it comes and letting the future look after itself; but in a complex and ever-changing world, isn’t a more active approach a good idea?

Each of us has specific needs and desires, of course, but there are a number of common challenges that we need to think about when developing our financial strategies.

This article highlights five of the most common financial mistakes people make when they’re aged in their 40s. It covers super, insurance, estate planning plus others. It recommends professional advice to help avoid them.

The 40s are, for many people, a critical decade for building wealth. Income is usually on the rise, but so are expenses such as mortgages and school fees. Juggling priorities can be a real challenge, and mistakes made in this stage of life can have a large bearing on the size of your future fortune.

Forewarned is forearmed, so if you’re entering or already amidst this decade of life, here are a few classic mistakes you don’t want to make.

This article refers to the results of the FPA’s “Living the Dream” report to explain what it takes to achieve this lifestyle and why seeking financial advice is a good start.

We all, to a greater or lesser extent, have an idea of our dream lifestyle. So how, as a nation, are we faring? We all, to a greater or lesser extent, have an idea of our dream lifestyle.

So how, as a nation, are we faring? To find out, the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) commissioned a survey of more than 2,600 people from around the country. The resulting Live the Dream report provides an insight into the extent to which we are collectively living our dream life and, more importantly, reveals key habits and characteristics of those who are already doing so.

What’s the dream?

This article focuses the reader on the relationship between money and happiness, instead of talking about the usual role financial planning takes, then connects the two. Although the concept applies to all ages, this article is probably more applicable to younger generations who might think financial planning is focused just on retirement.

The short answer is ‘yes’, but only up to a point. People in richer countries are, collectively, happier than people in poor countries. Within countries, people with higher incomes are generally happier than people on low incomes. Surprisingly, once basic living needs are met, the amount of happiness gained from each additional dollar of income rapidly declines.

What is ‘happiness’?

What is it about money that contributes to happiness? And what does happiness even mean? Perhaps what people are really expressing is contentment or satisfaction with their lives.

Rather than putting us into a perpetual state of bliss, money is more likely to contribute to a sense of security, better health, less stress and, perhaps above all, choice.

Although memory-related illnesses are becoming more common and are a major factor in financial management, this article is also applicable for your readers who might just be too busy living life to remember to do everything they should. It has a handy checklist to make sure all the important things are addressed.

Imagine you were no longer able to look after your financial affairs, or, less dramatically, simply found it an increasing burden to manage your money. How easy would it be for a trusted family member to step in and help you?

There are many reasons why you might find it more difficult to manage your finances as you get older. On top of complex investment structures and a busy lifestyle you might find a normal, age-related decline in your memory creeping up on you. Or it may be a major illness or the onset of dementia that leaves you unable to take proper care of your financial affairs.

To make life easier, both for you and your family, it’s crucial that you plan ahead.

This article asks your readers of all ages what their dreams are and how seeking professional financial advice can help to achieve them. It is designed to explain the role of an adviser in a more inspirational way.

Here’s a recipe for a basic financial plan:

Take one or more income sources and pour into a big pot. Add appropriate amounts of life, income protection and permanent disability insurance. Simmer for a few decades while slowly adding superannuation contributions and a dollop of non-super savings. Stir in some constructive debt, but take care to keep a lid on it. Dip into the pot occasionally to taste. Simmer steadily, and consume regularly after retirement.

Hmmm. Pretty bland, isn’t it? More like medicine than minestrone.

What’s missing, of course, is the most important ingredient of all – a generous sprinkling of dreams.

This article focuses on the topic many people grapple with in life – what to do to achieve a balance in work and lifestyle without a major impact on finances. It covers various options and recommends financial advice before making a big move.

Work-life balance. It’s something everyone seeks, but achieving it can seem an impossible task. Not only does the ideal balance vary from person to person, it can change frequently throughout life. If your wheel of life has developed a wobble, it might be time to do some repairs to regain stability for the journey ahead.

What’s the problem?

A slightly longer article that explains the role of a good financial planner. It's a good reminder to your readers of exactly what you do/can do for them.

Some people may think that a financial adviser’s role is to forecast the direction of the share market from month to month and invest clients’ money accordingly. This is not the reality, of course. Investments are only one small part of what your financial adviser can provide for you. Some of the key areas that we may be able to assist you with are as follows.

This is a short article covering a list of services that financial advisers provide and the associated benefits of professional financial advice.

Financial planners are often the first port of call for people seeking advice on investing a lump sum of money. But that is just the tip of the iceberg. A professional financial adviser has the knowledge and skills to help you achieve your goals and objectives by tailoring strategies to address your specific needs.

This article encourages your clients to review their financial goals. The original focus is on New Year but it can easily be adjusted to suit end of financial year or end of calendar year.

Many people use the Christmas/New Year period to reflect on the year that has just passed, often in a blur, and begin thinking about the future and how to achieve their hopes and dreams. Similarly, the new financial year is a good opportunity to reconsider financial strategies and goals. Below is a simple guide to tidy up your finances for the year ahead.