Can you afford to retire?

You’ve worked hard to get some assets behind you and now you’re ready to work less and play more, to travel, down-size, give back or just enjoy life. But can you afford to retire or slow down? It’s the question many professionals between 55-65 just don’t know the answer to.

How much money do you need and how long will it last?

These are the big questions and our qualified advisers can answer them. A lot of numbers are thrown around about how much super you need to retire but we know from experience the answer is different for every single person. Many clients are delighted to discover they can retire earlier than first thought with careful planning.

We'll model your retirement outlook for FREE

If you book a meeting with one of our advisers, we’ll sit down with you and talk about your financial situation and goals for the future. Then we’ll use our super modeller to shed light on your situation and discuss strategies for achieving your goals. There is no charge for the initial meeting and no obligation to seek ongoing advice, but you’ll leave with many of your questions answered.

Why is the first meeting free?

The first meeting is free because we want to make sure we're right for you and you're right for us. We we will always be open and transprent about the fees we charge for our ongoing advice services, which you'll be under no obligation to take up. We extend this free review offer at the end of the year becasue we can give people the information they need to have meaninful discussions with thier families over the summer break about the next steps to retirement. Don't wait, the sooner you know where you stand the happier you'll be. Read some of our client comments below to see what we mean.

Geoff and Fiona Freeman

★★★★★

I turned to Richard Dahl for advice about managing a small portfolio of shares when I was just 21 and working at Mitsubishi. When I got my first well-paid job at 23, I used his advice again to get serious about building my superannuation. My goal then was to retire at 50. I’m now 55 and semi-retired, set to retire fully next year. Richard’s advice has seen us through everything from paying off the house, to the kids’ education and making the most of a redundancy package. Our relationship with Richard has also helped cement our financial goals as a couple. The annual review meeting has kept us on track and it’s been great to see our savings and investment projections turn into reality over the years. After all the hard work and raising two independent daughters, we’ve gone full-circle and now it's time for us again.
Jul 2019

Richard Dahl Principal Financial Adviser & Investment Committee Chairman
Howard Kirsch

★★★★★

FMD’s advice and support was invaluable when retiring from corporate life overseas and returning to Australia. I needed advice on consolidating assets in multiple countries so I interviewed three advisory firms and was most impressed with FMD. After meeting to understand my needs, they committed to putting a detailed plan together in a few short days, and that’s exactly what they did. Many years later, Jason Calleja now works closely with me to manage my money in retirement. I’m very happy with their investment performance over the long haul, but it’s their commitment to their clients that’s truly outstanding.
Jun 2019

Jason Calleja Senior Financial Adviser
Bruce and Jill MacKenzie

★★★★★

We were referred to David Batchelor by a friend when we needed advice on investing the proceeds of a property sale. David and his associate adviser, Sandra, were able to give us strong investment advice and implement it quickly and efficiently. Since then, the communication has been excellent and we always know where things stand. My wife and I now enjoy the security of knowing our money has been invested wisely and ethically. We appreciate the regular portfolio reviews undertaken by the FMD Investment Committee and are confident our money is being well managed. We’d certainly recommend FMD to others looking for sound financial advice.
Nov 2018

David Batchelor Principal Financial Adviser
Andrew Thorogood

★★★★★

I interviewed three different Financial advisers and found the most comfort with FMD. Michael, my adviser, opened my eyes to the potential of my retirement wealth giving me excellent direction as to what I need to consider in the future. Now I have a legal will, adequate insurance protection, a shares portfolio along with a far more lucrative superannuation fund building my future.
Jul 2018

Michael Russell Senior Financial Adviser
David Copeland

★★★★★

FMD Financial were recommended to me 13 years ago when I became concerned my previous company was not looking after my needs; and tended to chase quick profits which often became exactly the reverse. David Batchelor has been my Funds Adviser since and has delivered great service and communication while operating with integrity. He is backed up by a company structure that includes an active internal Investment Committee (IC) that constantly reviews their overall investment structure including detailed research of individual investment targets. I am totally satisfied with their service and their motto ‘Health, Wealth and Happiness’ has made a very positive impact on my life in retirement.
Nov 2018

David Batchelor Principal Financial Adviser

Not ready to meet an adviser?

You may find the answers to these questions useful when deciding to meet with an adviser.

Why shouldn't I keep managing my own money, I've done all right so far?

Successful people are used to handling their own finances, but you may reach a point where financial management becomes too complex or time consuming and the consequences of financial mistakes far-reaching. At this stage it's wise to turn to a professional adviser who can help you build and protect wealth over the long-term.
Why do I need to meet with an adviser instead of talking on the phone?

If you value receiving expert advice (perhaps you're an expert in your field!) you know the importance of sitting down face-to-face to solve problems or improve your position. Our advisers don't give advice over the phone to new clients because we have a duty of care to consider your overall situation. That's best done in an initial consultation at our offices in Melbourne, Brisbane or Adelaide. We'll pick up the tab for the first meeting!
How do I know if I should seek professional financial advice?

Much like a personal trainer or career coach, your FMD adviser will help you set financial goals and hold you accountable. So you need to be ready to improve your financial position. If you are time-poor, have unresolved financial or investment decisions, need to plan for retirement or are facing lifestyle or career change, seeking advice can be a great relief. Many of our clients are successful executives or business owners who value expert financial advice so they can focus on what they do best.
How do I choose a financial adviser and why should I?

The title 'financial adviser' is often misunderstood, partly because it is used to describe advisers that work for or are affiliated with banks or superannuation funds. FMD Financial is not owned by or affiliated with another financial institution, and we charge a fee for service based our clients' individual needs. When choosing an adviser look for someone qualified and experienced, who is happy to offer client references. Choose someone you like and feel comfortable talking to. Over time they will become an important person during life's biggest challenges, like redundancy, divorce or the death of a loved one.
How does advice work and what does it cost?

Our clients know quality advice is an investment in the future and they partner with us for the long-haul because their investment pays off. We're committed to being open and transparent about our fees and what you can expect from our advice process so more people can experience the confidence and that comes from getting good advice.
Some useful website links relating to COVID-19

Australian Government Department of Health – facts and resources regarding COVID-19

Treasury – key economic response to COVID-19

Australian Taxation Office – COVID-19 support available

Centrelink – for those who expect to receive assistance if affected by COVID-19

Business.gov.au - Information and support for businesses affected by COVID-19