Do I need financial planning?
If you have goals and aspirations, large or small, then the simple answer is yes!

Indeed it’s a modern reality that even the humblest of goals - such as a modest, secure retirement  - take careful planning. It’s never too late nor too early to invest in your future. Take the first step today and contact us for an obligation free discussion.

How do I know what financial planning services do I need?
Just as everyone’s goals and aspirations differ, so too do their personal circumstances.

Because DFS pride ourselves on tailored, personal service our initial obligation free consultation is designed to ascertain the best financial planning, investment or debt management strategy for you. Not only do we discuss your current circumstances, but we also work with you in identifying strategies to reach your medium and long-term goals.

How to select a Financial Planner.
If you are considering a financial planner for any reasons, whether it’s deciding to buy a new home, planning for retirement or your children’s education, or simply not having the time or expertise to get your finances in order. Whatever your needs, working with a financial planner can be a helpful step in securing your financial future.

You should interview and evaluate financial planners to find the one that’s right for you. You will want to select a competent, qualified professional with whom you feel comfortable, one whose business style suits your financial planning needs.
All of our planners are qualified professionals, with different types of experience. It is important that you get along well with the person you choose as a financial planner. Meet with the planner to discuss how s/he will work with you. Find out about the planner's background and credentials experience and education are very important.

Some Questions to ask your Financial Planner
What experience do you have?
What are your qualifications?
What services do you offer?
What is your approach to financial planning?
Will you be the only person working with me?
How will I pay for your services & How much do you typically charge?
Could anyone besides me benefit from your recommendations?
Can I have it in writing?

I’m not sure what information to provide?
Your financial health requires honesty and rest assured DFS will match this  with total confidentiality. 
Your age, assets and liabilities are all important aspects of an initial fact finding process along with your thoughts on:

• Your financial goals and aspirations?
• When would you like to retire?
• Whether you have any dependents?
• Whether owning an investment property is important to you?
• Your views on other types of investments?

Just as financial planning is long term, our goal is to ensure our relationship with you is an ongoing partnership. Following on from your initial consultation, your personal advisor will continually update and prompt you regarding your ‘facts of life’ and how they’re impacting your financial future.

What is the Financial Planning Process?
Your financial adviser will meet with you to discuss your current financial situation and what goals or targets you would like to achieve. This means that information about your age, family, employment status and hopes and aspirations for the future, will be discussed and considered. Your adviser will also want to know what combination of return and risk you might be comfortable with. Consideration will be given to your total financial situation, including opportunities to create wealth through investments, tax-effective strategies and superannuation, insurances to protect your wealth, and retirement and succession planning.

Following your meeting, your adviser will consider the best possible strategies for you to achieve your goals, and protect and enhance your future, these recommendations will be based on no other consideration than what is best for you. These strategies will be presented to you in a Statement of Advice, which your adviser will explain to you in detail and give you to take home to consider. Should you decide to accept our advice, your portfolio is put into place and regularly reviewed by your adviser.

As a minimum, we provide an in-person annual review, every year, for personal clients. At your review, you will meet with your adviser, who will discuss the progress of your portfolio, and make further recommendations, depending on your latest circumstances.

When developing a financial plan for you a planner sets out to understand each client’s different needs and financial objectives and to recommend an appropriate financial strategy. There is an established six step financial planning process to help you work out where you are now, what you may need in the future and what you must do to reach your goals. The process includes gathering relevant financial information, setting life goals, examining your current financial status and coming up with a strategy or plan to assist in achieving your objectives.
Step 1 – Gathering the Data A financial planner will need to gather as much information about your current financial situation as possible including details on your income, debt level and other commitments.
Step 2 – Identifying your goals A financial planner will put your needs first so make sure you clearly define your needs and goals at the first meeting.
Step 3 – Identifying your Financial Issues A financial planner will tell you if there are any deficiencies between where you are now financially and where you want to be.
Step 4 – Preparing your Financial Plan This step involves your financial planner identifying recommended investments and will address your attitude to risk.
Step 5 – Implementing Your Financial Plan You will agree to take the plan, possibly with some adjustments, and when you are ready to go ahead your planner will show you how to put your plan into action.
Step 6 - Reviewing Your Plan For most people their financial plan is the start of a long term relationship with their financial planner. To ensure your plan stays up-to-date and relevant to the economic climate and your changing lifestyle and goals, it should be reviewed regularly.