Source: FPA Dare to Dream national research report conducted by McCrindle Research, August 2016

So do you or a family member or friend talk about your future dreams of an early retirement or what you plan to do in retirement but then give a big sigh and say it is “Just a dream” or “a pipe dream” or maybe put it in the “to hard basket” to try and achieve those goals. Realistic goals are achievable with good planning and some of the whackier ones just take a little more effort or courage!

Did you know that this week is Financial Planning Week? Every year, the Financial Planning Association (FPA) holds Financial Planning Week, to remind Australians about the importance of financial planning.

The theme for this year is “Dare to Dream” and I think it’s a great reminder of why we need a plan in place to realise our biggest dreams. After all, financial planning is not just about numbers – it’s about deciding what we want out of life, then putting in steps to achieve it. It’s also a nice reminder about the importance of financial independence – whatever life stage we find ourselves at.

This short video featuring Jane Caro sets the scene to the dare to dream challenge:

So are you ready to read a bit more? Something you might find particularly interesting, is the Dare to Dream research report which has some eye opening insights about how Australians feel about their financial future. The report highlights that whilst one in two Australians dream more about the future now than five years ago, a massive 63% have made “no plans” or “very loose plans” to practically achieve those dreams. Just click the link Dare to Dream research report

The report also shows that property is still a big part of the ‘Great Australian Dream’ (surprisingly even for Gen Y), and that the biggest financial regret in life for Australians is a lack of saving (a huge 47% stated this!). The report is well worth a read.

The FPA has also developed a fun online quiz, to help you discover what kind of financial personality you are. I encourage you to take the quiz and share it on Facebook with your family and friends. You can access this quiz here at Dreamer Profiles 

Oh in case you want to know I got “Mover and Shaker” as my financial personality ….my dreams have already been put in to an Action Plan…what about yours?

I hope this guidance has been helpful and please take the time to comment or at least let me know what your personality result was! Feedback always appreciated. Please reblog, retweet, like on Facebook etc to make sure we get the news out there. As always please contact me if you want to look at your own options and achieving those dreams. We have offices in Castle Hill and Windsor but can meet clients anywhere in Sydney or via Skype. Just click the Schedule Now button up on the left to find the appointment options.

Liam Shorte B.Bus SSA™ AFP

Financial Planner & SMSF Specialist Advisor™

Tel: 02　98941844, Mobile: 0413 936 299

PO Box 6002 BHBC, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153

5/15 Terminus St. Castle Hill NSW 2154

Corporate Authorised Representative of Viridian Select Pty Ltd ABN 41 621 447 345, AFSL 51572

This information has been prepared without taking account of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of this you should, before acting on this information, consider its appropriateness, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. This website provides an overview or summary only and it should not be considered a comprehensive statement on any matter or relied upon as such.