Setting financial goals can feel like an overwhelming and sometimes impossible task. If you’ve ever been asked to define your financial goals, you’ll know that feeling of impending dread; a little voice in your head saying, “I have no idea!”
But you’re not alone! Many people feel unsure, or even a little guilty, about not having their goals perfectly mapped out.
Here’s the truth (and we’re sure this won’t come as a surprise): Having financial goals—no matter how small—can greatly improve your ability to make progress. They’re not just helpful, but essential, in giving our finances a sense of purpose and direction.
Not sure where to start? With a trusted financial advisor by your side, the entire process is not only far more manageable, but gives you greater control over your finances, and confidence in your decisions and the path ahead.
Goals Don’t Have to Be Perfect (They Just Have to Exist)
Let’s get one thing clear: goals are guesses, not guarantees.
None of us know exactly where we’ll be in 10, 20, or even 30 years from now. Which is why your goals don’t have to be precise; they just have to be a starting point. A great advisor helps you get comfortable with making an informed guess at what you want for your future.
No matter how much you try and plan ahead, life will always have its own plans. Change is inevitable, and the goals you set today might not reflect your priorities down the line. Your advisor will help you set realistic financial goals that are personal and adaptable—changing with you, not the other way around.
Whether you’re aiming to own a home, retire comfortably, or support your family’s education, a trusted advisor can help break down big dreams into smaller, achievable steps. Remember – a rough draft is never perfect, so release the idea of “getting it right” on the first try.
Expertise and Insight When It Matters Most
It’s no secret that financial advice as an industry has had its challenges. In recent years, scandals and unethical practices by a small minority of advisors have tarnished the industry’s reputation. Fortunately, a renewed focus on ethics, trust, and transparency has transformed how advisors work with clients today.
nearly 95% of clients trust their advisor to act in their best interests, according to a 2024 report by the Financial Advice Association of Australia (FAAA). Clients also report that their relationships with advisors are transparent, reliable, and genuinely beneficial. With such high trust, it’s clear that advisors today are more dedicated than ever to improving the lives of their clients.
When you work with an advisor, you gain a partner who understands your need for flexibility and will help you pivot your financial strategy without compromising your long-term vision. A trusted advisor can be a grounding force in your financial life, helping you not only set goals but actually feel empowered to reach them.
Goals Are Personal – It’s About Your Priorities
In today’s world, there’s no shortage of social pressure around money and success. We’re constantly exposed to other people’s milestones, investments, and achievements, especially through social media. This can make it hard to focus on what truly matters to you.
Your financial advisor helps cut through the noise, reminding you that your goals are uniquely yours and yours only. They ask the right questions to help you dig deeper into what you genuinely want, not what’s trending or expected of you.
At BIS Cosgrove, we take a life-first approach to financial advice. We work to understand your unique situation and help you shape a financial plan that aligns with your values and goals.
Big Goals Require Small Steps
Having a big goal can be inspiring, but achieving it takes patience and steady action. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when staring down the barrel of a massive goal, but your advisor ensures you’re taking the next step—however small—to keep moving forward. Whether that’s adjusting your budget, starting a small investment, or prioritising debt repayment, they’ll guide you through the incremental progress that will get you closer to your goal.
Without the right support, managing finances can begin to feel like a full time job. But with the help of a trusted advisor, you don’t have to do it alone. They help simplify your financial complexities, and give you a clear view of your own financial picture. So next time someone asks you about your financial goals, you’ll have a clear answer—and a plan to back it up!
Still not sure where to start? Get in touch with us today and find out how our team of expert financial advisors can make your money story one worth reading.
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The material and contents provided in this publication are general and informative in nature only. It is not intended to be advice and you should not act specifically on the basis of this information alone. If expert assistance is required, professional advice should be obtained.
