Let’s be honest – setting a financial plan is easy. Sticking to it? That’s where it gets tricky. Life gets busy. Expenses pop up. Priorities shift. And before you know it, that “get on top of my finances” resolution has been pushed aside, again.
At FMS Group, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all advice. Whether you’re saving for a home, growing a business, or planning for retirement, a personalised financial plan helps you move from vague intentions to real progress, without the overwhelm.
Why most plans fall short
It’s not that you don’t want to manage your money better. It’s just that real life is messy. School holidays, inconsistent income, rising costs – it all adds up.
And when your financial plan doesn’t take your actual lifestyle into account, it’s no surprise it doesn’t last.
That’s why it’s so important to create a plan that fits you, not just your bank balance. Financial planning isn’t about making life more complicated. It’s about giving you clarity and confidence to make better decisions and stay on course, even when life gets busy.
What makes a financial plan work?
We’ve seen time and time again that the best plans are the ones that are simple, realistic and tailored. They help you:
- Make better decisions in the moment (because you already know your priorities)
- Feel less stressed about money (because you’ve got a system in place)
- Stay focused on long-term goals, even when short-term distractions pop up
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being consistent.
But before you can stick to a financial plan, you need to set one that works. That starts with clarity about where you are now vs where you want to be. Here’s how to lay the right foundations:
1. Define your financial goals
Make them meaningful and specific to you. Break them into short-term (1 year), medium-term (1–5 years), and long-term (5+ years) goals. The clearer they are, the easier they are to stick to.
2. Understand your financial position
Get honest about your income and expenses, your savings and investments, your debts and liabilities. This snapshot helps highlight what’s working, and what needs adjusting.
3. Build a realistic, intentional budget
Your budget should account for needs, wants, savings, and debt repayments. It should also reflect your lifestyle, not just your spreadsheet. The goal is to make your money work for you, not the other way around.
Once your goals and budget are clear, your financial planner can help prioritise your objectives, set realistic timelines, choose the right saving or investment tools, review your superannuation and insurance, implement strategies to reduce tax or grow wealth, and update your estate plan.
How to stick to your financial plan
Here’s what works for many of our clients:
- Review regularly: Life doesn’t stand still, and neither should your financial plan. Revisit it every few months to make sure it still fits.
- Automate where you can: Setting up automatic savings or investment contributions helps take the emotion and temptation out of the equation.
- Keep it visual: Whether it’s a budgeting app, a spreadsheet, or a note on the fridge, seeing your progress helps keep you motivated.
- Build in flexibility: A rigid plan is more likely to break. We’ll help you structure it so there’s room to adjust as needed, without giving up.
- Don’t go it alone: Having an expert in your corner means you’ve always got someone to turn to for guidance, encouragement and strategy.
Create a successful financial plan with FMS Group
At FMS Group, we get to know you before we talk numbers. What matters to you? What are you working towards? What’s stressing you out?
Then we create a financial strategy that reflects your real life.
We combine decades of experience with up-to-date insights on tax, super, investments and retirement planning. And because we’re a full-service advisory group with accounting, lending and estate planning under one roof, we can look at the whole picture, not just one piece of the puzzle.
If you want to feel more confident, more in control and more supported with your money, let’s talk.
Call 1300 982 499 or visit our Long Jetty or Gordon offices to book a consultation.
Disclaimer: This blog is general in nature and does not constitute personal financial advice. Please consult a qualified financial planner before making decisions based on your individual circumstances.