What Do Financial Planners Really Do? (Hint: It’s More Than Just Money)
Not long ago, I was chatting with someone at the beach when they asked me a simple question:
“So, what do financial planners actually do?”
I started to answer, but then I realised most people already have a picture in their head. They think financial planners are just about superannuation balances, retirement planning, or maybe helping you pick a few investments.
And while yes, those things are part of it, that is only the surface. The truth is, the work I do often has as much to do with someone’s life as it does with their bank account.
When Do You Actually Need a Financial Planner?
A lot of people assume financial planning is something you only worry about once you are older. But I can tell you from experience, that is not the case.
Our youngest client came to us in their late 20s. They had great incomes and moved every few years for work. By putting a clear strategy in place early, we have built a portfolio that now gives them the option to retire at 50.
The point is this: the earlier you start, the more choices you create for yourself. Even having one simple financial goal to aim for can shift your mindset and transform how you see your future.
Helping Families Through Aged Care
One of the biggest surprises for people is how often financial planners are involved in aged care.
I have sat across from clients with parents facing dementia, drowning in paperwork, and overwhelmed by the fees and logistics of moving Mum or Dad into care. Many think this is something you have to figure out alone, or that only a lawyer or aged care facility can help.
But this is exactly where planning steps in. We help families structure their finances, assess the options, and remove the burden so they can focus on what really matters, which is caring for their loved ones.
Guiding People Through Life Transitions
Money is never separate from life. It runs through every major transition you will ever face.
Divorce. Downsizing. Career changes. Inheritances. Redundancies. Medical issues.
When life shifts, your financial world usually gets messy too. That is when a planner is not just a “money person.” We are the steady hand that helps you untangle the numbers while you deal with everything else.
For example, we are currently helping a client with an insurance claim they could have made almost 10 years ago. They simply did not understand their policy, and it took a fresh set of eyes to uncover what was possible.
Creating Future Choices
There is a saying I do not particularly love, but it is true:
“We do not plan to fail, we fail to plan.”
Having a plan that everyone understands does not just make financial sense, it provides stability, confidence, and peace of mind. For couples, it can even bring more clarity and alignment than anything else.
It is not just about the money goals, either. I have had clients train for the City to Surf alongside their financial plans, using both as motivation to grow stronger and move forward. When you combine financial and personal goals, you build momentum that lifts every area of your life.
Sometimes financial planning means helping a 22-year-old understand superannuation early, so she is decades ahead by the time she is 40. Other times it is helping a family restructure their mortgage to ease stress and create room for travel, retirement, or more time with their kids.
It is never about spreadsheets for the sake of spreadsheets. It is about creating freedom and confidence for the next season of your life.
The Big Misconception
Most people think of financial planners as only dealing with money. But in reality, money is just the language we use to solve the bigger question:
“How do you want to live your life, and how can we make that possible?”
So yes, we will help you manage your super. Yes, we will talk about investments and retirement. But we will also help you decide where Mum or Dad should live, how to survive a divorce, or whether downsizing is a good idea.
Because in the end, financial wellness is never just about money. It is about life.
Ready to Start the Conversation?
If you have ever wondered whether financial planning could make your next chapter clearer, let’s talk.
At Financial Wellness Hub, we are offering complimentary 20-minute sessions to help you explore your goals and options. No pressure. Just a conversation about what is possible.