Thinking about finances in your thirties
Whatever the goal, reaching age 30 is a turning point for many of us. Whilst it may mean life is getting more serious, by the time we’re in our 30s we’re keen to retain our individuality and remain determined to have fun. With a little planning you can make this age even more enjoyable.
The following stories may inspire you to start now to build a stronger financial future.
And now there are three
Jake and Sara have just had their first baby and two salaries are now one. Expenses have shot up and together with the emotional challenges a young baby brings, they have to juggle their money to cope. Not wanting to return to full-time work yet, Sara applies for Family Tax Benefits to help make ends meet. Both now realise they should have thought of that earlier and adjusted their budget accordingly.
Getting treatment when you want it
Mike is an all-round sportsman and at age 35 his niggling injuries send him to the physio more often than he’d like. He enquires about private health insurance and learns that, on top of his premium, he will pay a Lifetime Health Cover loading of 2% for every year over 30 where he didn’t have private hospital cover. This means he will pay an extra 10%. Although he qualifies for a tax rebate which gives some reprieve, Mike wishes he had taken out health cover before he turned 30.
Play safe with loved ones
Lucy always wanted kids and now has three under the age of six. Being a stay-at-home mum is her passion. Husband Chris loves his young family and would do anything for them. One day he is knocked off his bike riding to work and spends a month in a coma after which he faces a long period recuperating. Chris had Total and Permanent Disablement cover in his super fund but it didn’t pay out because he is expected to recover. His leave entitlements were quickly used up and Lucy and the kids struggled. Income protection insurance would have made life more bearable for this family during this awful time.
Keeping what you’ve earned
34-year-old Jennifer has hit the jackpot. Her career took off two years ago and she’s earning more money than she ever imagined. But she’s horrified at how much tax she’s now paying. A friend refers Jen to a financial planner and she learns about strategies like salary packaging, salary sacrificing, and that investing in shares and property can save her tax as well as build her personal wealth. If only she’d asked earlier.
Every person will be at a different stage in meeting their lifestyle and financial goals by age 30. Regardless of whether you are well on the way, just getting started or haven’t even set your goals, there’s no time like the present to come and have a chat to us about how you can make the most of this exciting time in your life.
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