Have you ever walked into your financial adviser’s office and found yourself saying, “I just want to be better off financially”?

It’s a common feeling – but it’s also a trap.

When you don’t know what you truly want, you risk getting advice that’s generic, misaligned, or simply uninspiring. The statistics show this approach isn’t working for many Australians, with 10% having no emergency fund whatsoever. Without clear direction, your financial future is left to chance.

Money is a tool, not a destination. The real question isn’t “How much money do I need?” – it’s “What kind of life do I want to live?”

Financial goals aren’t just about numbers. They’re about creating the life you actually want:

• Freedom to work on your own terms (perhaps aiming for the financial independence that some achieve by saving 60% of their income)

• Security to protect your loved ones (like having that critical emergency fund of three months’ expenses, currently averaging $20,086 for Australians)

• Opportunities to grow, give back, and explore

If you lead with a clear vision, your adviser can build a path that’s customised to you – not just a cookie-cutter investment portfolio. The difference between generic and personalised advice could mean reaching your goals years earlier.

This week’s small challenge:

1. Take 10 minutes.

2. Without thinking about money, write down your ultimate life vision.

3. Ask yourself: If money wasn’t an obstacle, what would I do, who would I spend my time with, and what would make me feel fulfilled?

Consider writing down both material goals (like owning a home) and experience goals (like travelling for three months). Research shows people who write down their goals are 42% more likely to achieve them.

Next week, we’ll start translating this big vision into actionable goals with specific numbers and timeframes. In the meantime, please feel free to have a chat with us to help you identify your big picture goals.