I’m a financial adviser, so hearing me say “It’s not about money” may come as a surprise.

Seriously, it’s not about money, it’s about choices.

When it comes to money, people often fall into one of two camps. They are either being controlled by their money or they are in control of their money. It probably won’t come as any great surprise that the latter are the ones who have less stress in the present and a lot more choices in the future.

Money isn’t the objective when it comes to financial planning. Having a financial plan is all about putting strategies in place so that you don’t have to be worrying about money all the time. It’s about being confident that you are heading in the right direction so that you are putting yourself in the best position possible to lead the life you want to lead.

It’s not about money. It’s about laying the groundwork for a successful future. It’s about putting things on autopilot wherever possible to avoid lying awake at night wondering what to do next. It’s about feeling secure in the knowledge that your decisions are helping you achieve your goals and not simply lining someone else’s pockets.

It’s not about money. It’s about life. We’ve been conditioned to think money is about allowing us to buy more and more stuff. But money doesn’t buy stuff, it buys choices.

Once you realise this, it can clear the way for you to see the benefits of taking a longer-term approach to what you are doing with your money.

I can’t make you care right now, but I know you are going to care down the track. That’s why now is so important, because the decisions you are making now are going to determine what life looks like 5, 10, 20, 30 years from now!

I know you’re going to care down the track because of the hundreds of people I’ve met with over the years who’ve said to me, “I wish I’d come to see you 10 years ago”.

Most people don’t wake up in the morning and think to themselves, “I should meet a financial adviser today”. Often people only look do so after an event in their lives triggers them to think they should get some expert help.

It’s never too early or too late to get advice, but the earlier you put a plan in the place the better your results will be.

Real financial planning is not about money. Money is simply the tool. Real financial planning is about making smarter decisions with your money, so that you can use it as a tool to live a great life.

Money is the number one cause of stress. Money is the number one cause of relationship breakdowns. And yet, 8 out of 10 Australians don’t get financial advice.

Let’s change that!

Cheers,

Daniel