At Client Care, we’re always glad to meet new people. We love what we do, and there’s a particular kind of satisfaction that comes from helping someone retire comfortably, with dignity, and then go on to live their best life, by choice, rather than by chance.
After more than thirty years in this business, we’re fortunate that most of our new clients find us through referrals – from existing clients, and even from people who’ve never worked with us but know, through others, that we can be trusted.
We recently met a new couple, referred by a mutual friend. They’ve been together since their early twenties, and over the last twenty-five years, they’ve built a successful business from scratch and raised a family. They’re now at the stage where they can save more meaningfully and start thinking properly about the next chapter of their lives.
Many people, looking at what this couple has achieved, might assume that planning out their last working decade should come naturally to them. After all, how hard can it be?
The truth is, they could certainly try to go it alone. But their years in business have taught them something valuable: asking for help is usually cheaper, in the end, than wandering into territory you don’t fully understand.
We see this pattern often. People come to us out of a quiet fear that they’ve left things too late. In our experience, it very seldom is.
Our process starts by helping clients understand exactly where they stand today, and then mapping out how to get to where they want to be. Every person walks their own road, so every financial plan should speak to their life and their particular story.
Yes, the numbers have to add up. But over a retirement that might stretch across thirty-five years, there are many levers that can be pulled to shape the outcome someone wants. And that outcome needs to reflect personal values – the things that matter most to them. Some people live for travel. Others live for their sport. Almost everyone will do anything for their family.
These softer questions are, in truth, the most important part of the plan. It’s easy to miss this if you’re working with an adviser who only does the numbers. The numbers, honestly, are the easy part. Good retirement planning gets that right, but it also pays close attention to the human side.
If your numbers look fine but something still feels like it’s missing, chances are we can help. Pop in for a chat.
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Dirk Groeneveld, Certified Financial Planner
t. 083 261 9287
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Disclaimer:
This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice in any way or form. It is important to consult a financial planner to receive financial advice before acting on any information contained herein. Client Care and PWM and its directors, officers, and employees shall not be responsible and disclaim all liability for any loss, damage (whether direct, indirect, special or consequential) and/or expense of any nature whatsoever, which may be suffered as a result of, or which may be attributable, directly or indirectly, to the use of, or reliance upon any information contained in this article.
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