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FAQ

What does a financial planner do?

Making money, saving money, making money work for you.

They are common things that we can be concerned or unsure as to whether we're doing the right thing or the best way. We have put together some of the more commons FAQs we're asked about independent financial planning in the Newcastle, Maitland, Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens areas.

When, can I begin my journey?

Well, it’s simple really. The sooner you start planning, the better.

Research shows that people who have an active relationship with a professional financial planner are demonstrably better off. They retire with more, they can spend more, and they’re more likely to actually do the things that they most want to do in their retirement years. 

But there are benefits beyond the money. People who access financial advice have more confidence. Confidence to retire when they want to. Confidence to spend today, knowing that they’re being responsible for the future. And the confidence to take action and make the most of opportunities.

We suggest setting up an initial meeting with When Financial Solutions now.

The first meeting is free with no obligation and allows us to get to understand what is important to you. We can explore your options and you can tell us how you wish to engage with us.

Who are When Financial Solutions?

Our purpose at When Financial Solutions, is helping people make informed decisions, to have the confidence to spend money, and ensuring that their retirement plans are sustainable.

When you make informed decisions, you make better financial decisions. That positively impacts not just your life, but your family’s life, as well as your entire community.

We give you confidence to make the bold life decisions and achieve what’s most important to you. When you partner with When Financial Solutions, it’s not a matter of ‘if’ you will achieve your goals, but when you will achieve your goals.

What to ask a Financial Planner?

Choosing a financial planner is one of the most important financial decisions you can make. 

It’s taken you a lifetime to save up your nest egg, so it’s important you choose a planner who respects the decisions you’ve made in the past and understands what’s important for you now and in the future. The reality is not all financial planners are the same

Not all of them are degree-qualified and most of them work in complex institutions where they’re required to think more about serving their employer than serving their clients.

That’s why when you choose a financial planner, it's important to ask the right questions.

Here are five questions we think you should start with:

  • What’s your education and experience?
  • How are you paid?
  • Are there any products you are aligned with that will bias the advice you provide to me?
  • Do you specialise in any particular types of clients or areas of advice?
  • Are there any limitations to the advice you can provide?

How are you paid?

At When Financial Solutions we are professionals who are paid only by our clients and only for the advice we give. There are no hidden agendas. We are a transparent fee-for-service financial planning business with no commissions, asset-based fees, or any other payments related to product sales.

Our first appointment is cost and obligation-free. We will determine an appropriate fee once we understand your advice needs and service preferences. This will be before you make any commitment. There are no surprises. Our service offer will be clear and the associated fees fixed.  We are an advocate for greater fee transparency and integrity across the broader profession.

If you decide to engage with us we will provide recommendations in a Statement of Advice

Do you specialise in any particular types of clients or areas of advice?

We specialise in retirement advice; people who are actively planning for retirement; people deciding whether or not to retire; and those already living in retirement. It’s a specialist area of advice because planning for retirement is different.

The needs of people approaching retirement or living in retirement are different from younger people accumulating wealth. And the risks are different, so the investment challenge is different. Our retirement advice covers superannuation, income streams, Centrelink age pension entitlements, taxation, redundancy planning, and estate planning. Typically we see clients leading up to retirement as well as those who are already retired.

People like you. People whose greatest financial concern is outliving their savings; running out of money. People who want to grow old with dignity. People who want to have confidence. Confidence to retire, confidence to spend, confidence to be generous with family and friends.

Are there any products you are aligned with that will bias the advice you provide me?

We are self-employed financial planners who work for our clients and no-one else. We are not aligned with any major financial institutions or super funds who want us to push their in-house products. Our financial services license is provided by Catalpa Pty Ltd (AFSL 530665).

With When Financial Solutions what you see is what you get. There are no other vested interests or hidden agendas. We focus on you and your entire financial circumstances. We can explore particular opportunities for you, answer specific questions, or provide an overall financial plan for you and your family. If we make a financial product recommendation we can choose from a broad range of products to suit your needs.

If we don’t have the necessary expertise to answer any specific questions or formulate the advice you’re seeking we will tell you.  If this happens we will connect you with other professionals.

 

Can you still advise on Industry Super Funds?

Yes. 

We are not tied to any particular institutions or super funds. This means we can service your financial planning needs regardless of where your money is currently invested.  

You don’t need to change your investments just to deal with us. We are independent, so we can advise on any quality investment product in the market, including your existing investments. 

Of course, since we work for our clients and no-one else, we are also free to recommend you switch super funds if there is a better alternative.

Are there any limitations to the advice you can provide?

Some advisers are limited in what they can advise you on. Many are only allowed to advise on your super benefits and only on certain topics.

At When Financial Solutions we can advise you on your entire financial circumstances, no matter where your super is.

If we make a financial product recommendation we can choose from a broad range of products to suit your needs. We’re experts in retirement planning. Our retirement advice covers superannuation, income streams, Centrelink age pension entitlements, taxation, redundancy planning, and estate planning.

If we don’t have the necessary expertise to answer any specific questions or formulate the advice you’re seeking we will tell you immediately.  If this happens we will connect you with other professionals.

When is a good time to chat?