That’s why your financial strategy shouldn’t be static. It shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all. Instead, it should evolve with you adapting as your life shifts from one milestone to the next.

As Ursula Boorman, Managing Director of Direct Advisers, explains:

“Life’s Transitions don’t just happen to others, they can happen to any of us. The financial choices you make today will shape your next chapter. Advice isn’t about predicting the future, it’s about preparing for it with confidence.”

Transitions Are Universal — But Often Under-Prepared For

Major life events bring emotional and financial complexities. Yet many Australians feel they’re navigating these transitions without the confidence they deserve.

According to AMP’s Retirement Confidence Pulse (2025):

• Only half of Australians feel confident about their retirement prospects.
• Confidence is significantly lower among women and those experiencing separation or life changes.
• People in their 40s, often balancing care for children and ageing parents, report the lowest confidence levels overall.

These data points reflect the reality that even well-intentioned plans can fall out of step with life’s circumstances, especially when expectations shift.

Advice Matters at Every Milestone

Financial advice isn’t just for the wealthy or retired. It plays a valuable role at every stage of life — from building a foundation early in your career to pivoting after separation, to protecting what you’ve worked so hard to build.

The Value of Advice Consumer Research (2025) by the Financial Advice Association of Australia (FAAA) highlights the benefits:

• Australians with financial advice consistently report higher financial confidence
• They experience lower stress about money
• Advice helps households stay focused on long-term goals, even through uncertainty
• And people say it gives them more clarity and control over their future.

This isn’t just numbers, it’s wellbeing.

Life’s Transitions, The Direct Advisers Approach

At Direct Advisers, we call this phase Life’s Transitions. The journey isn’t just about super balances, investments, or insurance, it’s about you and the realities of the life you’re living now.

Our dedicated Life’s Transitions page outlines how we support clients through:

• Separation and divorce
• Loss of a partner
• Caring responsibilities
• Career change or redundancy
• Retirement planning
• Estate and legacy decisions

Each transition brings practical questions and emotional weight and a well-timed conversation can make all the difference.

Final Thought: Plan for Life, Not Just the Numbers

Transitions are inevitable. Feeling uncertain doesn’t have to be.

The power of advice lies in its ability to evolve with you helping you make confident choices through change, safeguard what matters most, and embrace your next chapter with purpose.

If you’re facing a milestone, big or small, taking a proactive step now can bring clarity tomorrow. You don’t need to have all the answers; you just need someone on your side to help you navigate the questions.

Ready to begin your next chapter with confidence?
Reach out to the team at Direct Advisers for a Life’s Transitions conversation that respects your goals, your story, and the life you want to build.

The post Life’s Milestones and Transitions: Your Strategy Should Evolve With You appeared first on Direct Advisers.

If the ballpark numbers are at least remotely close, the amount of assets set to be transferred from one generation to the next in Australia over the coming decades will amount to trillions of dollars.

According to estimates within a 2021 Productivity Commission report, Australians aged 60 and over will transfer $3.5 trillion or an average of about $175 billion per year in wealth in the next two decades. A 2024 report by JBWere Australia had an even higher estimate of $5.4 trillion for likely wealth transfers in Australia over the next 20 years.

The largest part of this great wealth transfer will be between members of the “Baby Boomer” generation (people born just after the end of World War II through to 1964) and their children and other heirs.

It will include family homes, investment properties, superannuation money, direct shares and a wide range of other financial and non-financial assets.

The value of inheritances is not only likely to grow dramatically as wealth levels increase but it will be an increasingly important source of future income and assets for younger generations.

Show me the money

Vanguard’s 2025 How Australia Retires research found that 21% of working-age Australians and 8% of retirees expect to use an inheritance as a source of their retirement income.

Furthermore, 13% of working-age Australians and retirees said the family home would become an inheritance for their beneficiaries or children and they planned to keep it within the family when they died.

The conversation around inheritances interweaves with Australian government research that many Australians are not exhausting their superannuation savings before they die.

The 2023 Intergenerational Report found that most retirees draw down at the legislated minimum drawdown rates.

“This results in many retirees leaving a significant proportion of their balance unspent, for example, a single retiree drawing down at the minimum rates would be expected to still have a quarter of their retirement assets at death,” the report noted.

Treasury estimates in the 2020 Retirement Income Review included projections from Treasury that outstanding superannuation death benefits could increase to just under $130 billion in 2059, assuming there’s no change in how retirees draw down their superannuation balances.

A touchy subject

Australians collectively had around $17.7 trillion in household wealth at 30 June 2025, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics data, including property and other investments, cash deposits, and superannuation.

Meanwhile, the 2025 UBS Global Wealth Report showed we ranked second in the world for median wealth per adult at US$268,424, and fifth for average wealth per adult at US$516,640.

There’s potentially a lot of household money to go around, and a lot to be inherited.

But inheritance planning, unlike succession planning within a business, is an area that’s rarely discussed at the family level.

Most families regard subjects such as death and the future division of wealth as unpleasant and potentially sensitive when multiple heirs are involved.

But there’s a lot to be said for having open discussions within your family about the intended treatment of assets and future inheritances.

Creating a valid will, and specifically documenting how you want your assets to be managed and divided after your death, should be a key step in the inheritance planning process.

Residential real estate and superannuation, which combined make up more than three-quarters of total household assets, are the largest components of most inheritances.

Ensuring that any superannuation you have left over at the time of your death is distributed according to your wishes requires you to complete a binding death benefit nomination form provided by your super fund.

Seek professional advice

It’s important to be aware of any potential tax implications. For example, while superannuation distributed to a surviving spouse or dependent children is generally tax-free, non-dependents (including adult children) may be required to pay tax on amounts they receive.

Those inheriting assets such as property and financial securities may also face tax issues.

Estate planning can be complex. Speak to us about helping you and your intended beneficiaries map out an inheritance framework that also identifies issues such as potential tax liabilities is a prudent step.

To ensure a smooth transfer of inheritance and put the right plan in place for you, contact our team here. 

Source: Vanguard November 2025

This article has been reprinted with the permission of Vanguard Investments Australia Ltd. Copyright Smart Investing™

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The post Preparing for an inheritance appeared first on Direct Advisers.

Super funds posted strong double-digit returns for the 2024-2025 financial year. Australia recorded modest economic growth, while inflation cooled a little throughout the year – albeit with a slight uptick at year’s end – and house prices surged before hitting the brakes in December. Share markets reported respectable gains locally and some surging profits globally. 

The big picture

Markets and economies around the world have danced to the tune of the Trump Administration’s second term in office and reacted to wars and unrest in the Middle East and Ukraine.

The US President’s often surprising policy twists and turns, particularly a punishing new tariff regime, saw markets falter and exporters of goods and services to the US plunged into uncertainty.

The Australian dollar reflected the choppy conditions, hitting lows just under 0.60 USD in April before recovering slightly by year-end at just under 0.67 USD, this was buoyed by our strong iron ore exports and the growing demand for lithium, copper and rare earths.ⁱ

The artificial intelligence revolution was another feature of the year, driving US share markets ever higher with some fearing the bubble is overdue to burst.

Economy

Inflation’s stubborn resistance to the Reserve Bank’s measures to bring it down could lead to further interest rate rises in 2026.

The Consumer Price Index in January recorded an annual rate of 3.4 per cent, down 0.4 per cent on the previous month. The RBA’s flexible inflation target aims to keep the cost of living increases between two and three per cent.

The cash rate began 2025 at 4.35 per cent but after three cuts during the year, it was down to 3.6 per cent in December. The RBA is due to meet in February to consider its next move.

In the US, the Federal Reserve also cut rates three times, putting the interest rate to a range of 3.5 – 3.75 per cent.

The Australian economy grew 2.1 per cent in the year to September in a massive improvement on the previous year’s growth of 0.8 per cent.

Property

After two uneven years, home values surged again in 2025 by 8.6 per cent, adding about $71,500 to the national median.ⁱⁱ

It’s the strongest calendar year performance since the remarkable 24.5 per cent increase in 2021.

However, values softened in December, recording the smallest monthly increase in five months.

Darwin delivered the best performance with an 18.9 per cent gain in values during the year while Melbourne took the wooden spoon with a 4.8 per cent increase.ⁱⁱⁱ

Share markets

Global equity markets proved that they could thrive, even in a higher-interest rate environment, and the AI revolution moved from the hype phase of the previous year to serious players in 2025.

While ‘The Magnificent Seven’ tech stocks have long ruled the S&P 500, in 2025 just two outperformed the index with a gain of 64.8 per cent for Alphabet and 38.9 per cent for Nvidia.^iv

It was a slower pace for Australian markets with the S&P/ASX 200 delivering a solid total return of 6.8 per cent. While the big banks faced some pressure on margins as interest rates peaked, the materials sector was supported by the global energy transition. Dividend yields remained attractive, continuing Australia’s tradition of providing reliable income for retirees and SMSFs.

Commodities

Precious metals drove commodity values in the past year with investors looking for security amid interest rate movements and geopolitical tensions.

Silver was up by an astonishing 182 per cent during the year, but a sell-off in December saw the price finish the year with a 147 per cent gain.^v

Meanwhile, gold’s safe haven status during times of uncertainty saw it jump by 65 per cent during the year.

Looking ahead

It seems likely the issues that dominated the financial markets in 2025 may continue to shape performance and returns this year.

Global politics and war are likely to move commodity prices and equity markets while the contrariness of US foreign policy will both spook and buoy investors.

In Australia, all eyes will be on the RBA, with high levels of speculation as to where interest rates will be heading in 2026.

Our team are ready to help you put your best foot forward in 2026, contact us here.

i Australian Dollar | Trading Economics

ii Home Value Index: Softer landing after strong 2025

iii Home Value Index: Softer landing after strong 2025

iv Which Magnificent 7 Stock Had the Best Year in 2025? | Investing.com

The post 2025 Year in review: It was a soft landing for Australia appeared first on Direct Advisers.

Thoughtfully planning out what it is you want to achieve and how you go about achieving it, can provide clarity and structure and ensure you stay on track.

As we look toward to the year ahead, now is the perfect time to set out a framework that supports lasting progress, not for the first few months, but throughout the whole year.

We explain how setting realistic goals can help you grow, stay motivated and create a year you can be proud of.

Reflecting on the past

Before we start to look forward, we must look back. Reflect on what you achieved in the past year – think about where you felt a sense of accomplishment as well as the areas that you may have fallen a little short and may need improvement for the year ahead.

Writing each of these down makes it easier, so you can avoid repeating the same patterns, especially for the things that didn’t go according to plan.

Next, you need to align your goals to what matters to you. What are your true values? Many goals are set based on what we think other people expect or what we think we should be doing. If you’re creating goals for these reasons, you are probably setting yourself up for failure.

Some considerations for values that are important to you could be health and well-being, career growth, family and relationships or financial stability.

Building the framework

Now, we’ve all heard about setting SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time- bound), but what about ‘systems’?

Author of Atomic Habits, James Clear, states that when we are not achieving our goals, or breaking certain habits, it may not be about the goals that are being set but the system we are using to achieve the goals.

Clear uses a framework called Four Laws of Behaviour Change, which set rules around achieving goals, or breaking bad habits. The four laws are as follows:

Law 1 – Make it obvious

Law 2 – Make it attractive

Law 3 – Make it easy

Law 4 – Make it satisfying

These laws are designed to create a simple, effective framework to keep you focused on your goals.

Implement and execute

Here are some examples of how you can use this system to create simple habits to achieve your goals.

Law 1: Make it obvious

• Design your environment so the cue for your habit is right in front of you

Example: Put your gym clothes on the bed the night before

Law 2: Make it attractive

• Pair habits with something you enjoy

Example: Only listen to your favourite podcast while walking

Law 3: Make it easy

• Reduce friction-make habits as convenient as possible
• Start small:
  • Do 2 push-ups
  • Meditate for 1 minute

LAW 4: Make it satisfying

• Reward yourself immediately after the habit
• Track habits so you feel progress
• Create a “don’t break the chain” streak

Cultivating small daily habits will keep you motivated. Fostering sustainable habits and seeing the gradual change each day will give you the dopamine hit you need to continue on your journey. When you start to feel overwhelmed, the process feels like a hard slog, and you are less likely to stick to it.

Remember, you don’t need to overhaul your life; it’s about creating small habits that are going to be more manageable to help you achieve big goals, whatever they may be.

Set yourself up for kicking goals

Setting goals for 2026 is an opportunity to shape your life intentionally rather than drifting through the year on autopilot, which we tend to do if we don’t carefully and thoughtfully plan ahead.

With reflection, clarity, systems, and flexibility, your goals can become powerful tools for transformation. Start early, stay curious, and give yourself permission to evolve along the way.

Here’s to a purposeful, aligned, and fulfilling 2026.

We can help you to align your plan with your values while keeping your long-term goals on track. Contact our team here.

The post Designing the future, you want appeared first on Direct Advisers.

You can often receive the help you need while continuing to live safely and comfortably at home.

This article explains how to get started.

Getting aged care support through My Aged Care

My Aged Care is the Australian Government’s entry point to aged care services. It’s designed to help older people find trustworthy support – whether that’s a bit of assistance around the house or more complex care – while staying in their own home for as long as possible.

Through My Aged Care, you can:

• learn about different aged care programs
• check your eligibility
• access government funding
• be connected with services that match your needs

Even if you’re able to pay for services privately or have strong family support, My Aged Care is still the best place to start. It outlines what support is available and helps you navigate the system.

How to get started

You can register yourself or a loved one on the My Aged Care website, or call 1800 200 422 if you prefer to speak with someone. The team can also assist in person through Aged Care Specialist Officers.

During registration, you’ll provide basic personal and health information. This builds your profile and helps My Aged Care suggest suitable services. Although information listed on the site is reliable, the Department of Health and Aged Care still recommends verifying any provider you’re considering.

If you need financial assistance, you can also apply for funding. After you apply, your details will be sent to a local assessment team.

What happens during an assessment?

An assessor will visit your home (or your loved one’s home) to understand your day-to-day needs and determine what support would improve your safety, independence and wellbeing.

Based on this visit, the assessor may:

• confirm your eligibility for government-funded services
• recommend specific types of support
• create a support plan outlining the type and level of help you require

This plan becomes the foundation for choosing your care options.

Choosing the right services

Aged care in Australia is diverse. Some services are delivered in residential aged care homes, while many others can be provided in your own home. In home care can include personal care, domestic assistance, nursing, respite, transport, home maintenance and more.

Understanding what you need – and what’s available – is important, especially if you want to continue living at home.

Support at Home

The new Support at Home program is designed to bring together existing in-home care programs into one streamlined system. It aims to make it easier for older Australians to access the right help at the right time, with services tailored to individual needs and goals. Support at Home offers a wide range of care types, from basic assistance to more complex support, delivered directly to your home based on your assessed needs.

Your assessor will help outline what level and type of support is suitable for your situation.

In-home care vs residential aged care

Most older Australians prefer to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. My Aged Care helps make this achievable by connecting you with the services you need to live safely and independently.

However, if your care needs become too great to manage at home, residential aged care may eventually be recommended. Whatever path you choose, the decision remains yours – or, if necessary, made with your appointed decision-maker under the Aged Care Act 2024, which strengthens the rights of older people.

Understanding your options is the first step in planning for safe, comfortable ageing. My Aged Care offers a clear pathway to find, compare and access support services, whether for yourself or a loved one.

If you’re ready to explore your options, visit the My Aged Care website to begin the process and take control of your care at home, or you can reach out to us if you have any questions.

If you would like to discuss your aged care options, contact our team here.

Source:
This article was originally published on https://www.agedcareguide.com.au/talking-aged-care/how-to-access-aged-care-assistance-at-home. Reproduced with permission of DPS Publishing.
Important:
This provides general information and hasn’t taken your circumstances into account.  It’s important to consider your particular circumstances before deciding what’s right for you. Although the information is from sources considered reliable, we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete. You should not rely upon it and should seek qualified advice before making any investment decision. Except where liability under any statute cannot be excluded, we do not accept any liability (whether under contract, tort or otherwise) for any resulting loss or damage of the reader or any other person. 

Any information provided by the author detailed above is separate and external to our business. Our business does not take any responsibility for any action or any service provided by the author. Any links have been provided with permission for information purposes only and will take you to external websites, which are not connected to our company in any way. Note: Our company does not endorse and is not responsible for the accuracy of the contents/information contained within the linked site(s) accessible from this page.

The post How to access aged care assistance at home appeared first on Direct Advisers.

For some, it is about unpacking boxes of decorations, preparing familiar family recipes and racing around the shops. For others, it is time to plan a beach day, host a casual BBQ, or simply enjoy a well-earned break from routine.

The festive season in Australia looks different for everyone. That’s part of what makes it so special. We live in a society full of rich cultural traditions. Some festive traditions have been passed down for generations, such as midnight Mass, lighting candles for Hanukkah, or gathering for a family meal on Christmas Day. Others have come to us through popular culture, often shaped by images of snowy winters and roaring fireplaces that don’t quite fit our sunny, southern hemisphere reality.

Think hot roast dinners in 35-degree heat, matching Christmas jumpers despite the sweat, and singing about snowmen and sleighbells.

And that’s okay. That’s part of the rich tapestry that is celebrating the festive season.

However, while tradition can be beautiful, it’s also worth asking yourself: do these traditions still bring joy to my life? Or am I doing them out of habit or obligation?

Reducing stress, reclaiming joy

The lead-up to the holidays can easily become overwhelming. This time of year often brings with it a long list of expectations about what to cook, how to decorate, where to be, and what to buy.

Trying to meet every expectation, real or imagined, can drain the joy right out of what is meant to be a time of celebration.

By letting go of pressure and embracing flexibility, we can shift the focus back to what really counts. Laughter. Connection. Rest. Reflection.

It is okay to opt out of what no longer fits. In fact, doing so often creates more space for what actually feels meaningful.

Rethinking what celebration looks like

While traditions can be a wonderful way to connect with our roots, they are not set in stone. Over time, life changes. Families grow and shift. Priorities evolve. The way we mark special moments can grow with us.

So, it is worth pausing to ask: are these traditions still adding joy to my life? Or am I continuing them out of pressure, or a sense of obligation?

Giving yourself permission to do things differently can be both freeing and fulfilling.

Making meaning in your own way

Reimagining tradition does not mean abandoning everything you love. It means choosing what feels right for you and creating space for joy, connection and rest – however that looks.

You might decide to swap the roast for prawns and salad and the pudding for a pavlova. Or ditch the mess of wrapping paper and presents in favour of shared experiences. You could even celebrate on a different day to reduce stress. Some people find joy in having a picnic in a beautiful location, taking a family beach walk at sunset, or simply spending the day unplugged from screens.

For others, creating new traditions might involve volunteering in the community or cooking dishes from their cultural heritage.

Whether your festive season is full of people or quiet moments, it only needs to reflect what matters most to you.

The season is yours to shape

There is no one way to celebrate. What is right for one person may not suit another and that is the beauty of it. The festive season does not have to look a certain way to be valid or joyful.

You might still love baking the same cake your grandmother made or singing carols in your street. Or you might find joy in starting completely new customs that reflect your values and lifestyle today. Either way, the important thing is that your celebrations feel true to you.

Small moments can become meaningful rituals too. A quiet morning coffee, a favourite song playlist, or calling someone you have not spoken to in a while are all things that can bring warmth and joy without adding stress.

Whatever this season means to you…

We hope it brings you joy.

If you’re looking for some guidance to plan your moments, our team are here to help. Contact us here today.

The post Celebrating with heart – not habit appeared first on Direct Advisers.

Retirement isn’t about stepping back. It’s about stepping into a new chapter where you decide what comes next.

Even if you are not yet there, and retirement is still a way off, it’s never too soon to think about who you want to be, what gives you joy, and start to gravitate towards living your dreams.

Let go of conformity, embrace freedom

Of course, you can live your dreams at any stage of your life but the exciting part about retirement is that you are no longer bound by the expectations that shaped your earlier years. You don’t have to earn a living anymore, so what you do with your time can be driven purely by passion, curiosity, or purpose.

For much of our lives, we learn to conform. We wear the suits, follow the rules, meet the deadlines, and often suppress our wilder ideas or untapped creativity to fit the roles expected of us, whether as professionals, parents, providers, or partners.

But something shifts later in life. With age often comes clarity, and a new kind of confidence. Retirement can be the moment when we stop asking what others think we should do and instead, begin to ask what our hearts are calling us to do.

This is your opportunity to push boundaries, shed old labels, and express your true self without apology. It is a time to honour your inner voice, whether that means embracing bold adventure, creating, starting over, or simply doing what feels meaningful to you.

Unconventional can be unforgettable

Retirement can be the perfect time to try something unexpected or bold. Consider these inspiring examples:

Isabella Rossellini

After being let go by Lancôme at age 45 for being “too old,” Rossellini redefined what aging looks like. She went back to school in her 50s to study animal behaviour, wrote books, bought a working farm, and later, in a full-circle moment, was rehired by the same brand that once let her go. Now in her 70s, she continues to model, act, write, and farm, all on her own terms.

Diana Nyad

At 64, Nyad swam from Cuba to Florida, a journey of 110 miles through open ocean, after four earlier attempts. It was a dream she had carried her whole life, and she proved that persistence and passion don’t expire with age.

Harriette Thompson

Harriette ran her first marathon in her 70s and, at 92, became the oldest woman ever to complete one. Her story is a celebration of physical endurance and mental strength at any age.

Anthony Hopkins

Well into his 80s, the Oscar-winning actor continues to create. He acts in major films, paints, composes music, and shares his work with younger generations online. He shows that creativity and passion do not have a use-by date.

Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa received the Nobel Peace Prize at age 69 for her work with “Missionaries of Charity,” a world-wide organization that helped the sick, the poor, the dying and left an incredible legacy of benevolence that continues today.

Finding your joy

This chapter of life gives you the rare opportunity to redefine yourself, or finally be yourself, in ways that may not have been possible earlier in life.

Whether your dream is to travel the world, volunteer overseas, write a novel, take up painting, or pursue a long-held interest that never fit into your working life, now is your chance.

And it doesn’t have to follow tradition. Retirement can be adventurous, creative, active, or entrepreneurial. It can be spent on a cruise ship, in a mountain village, running marathons, or making movies. And you don’t have to set the world on fire – if what makes you happy is watching your roses bloom, then go for it! The point is, this part of your life is yours to shape.

Retirement is a time to live fully and follow your own path to what brings you joy.

What will your next chapter be?

Our team are online and ready to help you plan your next steps. Contact us here.

The post Your retirement. Your way. Your adventure. appeared first on Direct Advisers.

“Life’s Transitions don’t just happen to others, they can happen to any of us. When a relationship ends, the financial choices you make now will shape your next chapter.” — Ursula Boorman, Managing Director

More than 47,000 divorces were granted in Australia in 2024, down 3 per cent on the previous year. At divorce, marriages had lasted around 13.2 years. The median age of those divorcing was 47.1 years for men and 44.1 years for women.ⁱ

Divorce reshapes your financial landscape, dividing assets, splitting incomes and doubling expenses as two households replace one. The cost of divorce can be as much as $870,000 per couple, according to one estimate, which also finds that women – particularly older women – often experience a 30-45 per cent drop in living standards.ⁱⁱ

This financial strain is compounded by legal fees, potential spousal maintenance, child support obligations and the need to reassess retirement plans.

Step 1: Get a clear picture of your finances

Start by taking stock of your financial position to provide clarity when negotiating settlements and planning your future.

• List all of your assets, including property, superannuation, vehicles, bank accounts and investments.
• Identify liabilities, such as mortgages, credit cards and personal loans.
• Detail your income source,s including employment, Centrelink, child support and spousal maintenance.

Step 2: Budget for your new life

Post-divorce budgeting is more than balancing numbers. It’s about redefining your financial identity. You may need to adjust your lifestyle, reconsider housing options and build an emergency fund to cushion unexpected costs.

Don’t overlook your credit health. Joint accounts and shared liabilities can affect your credit score, even after separation. Close or convert joint accounts, monitor statements and make sure that bills are paid on time. Maintaining good credit and cash flow is important for securing housing loans and for your future financial stability.

Step 3: Understand asset division and superannuation

Property settlements can be complex and have serious tax implications. Assets acquired before or during a marriage, including super, are usually part of the asset pool. Super accounts can be split as part of a settlement, transferring a portion from one partner to the other, a move that can significantly affect retirement planning.

Don’t forget that timing matters in financial decisions during divorce. Rushing into asset division or investment choices while emotions are running high can lead to costly mistakes. Take time to understand your options, get independent advice and avoid making decisions based on short-term comfort, such as keeping the family home if it will unreasonably strain your budget. A measured approach helps protect your long-term security.

On the other hand, don’t forget there may be legal time limits to settlements, both for married people and de facto couples.

Step 4: Plan for tax and legal issues

Divorce can trigger other tax consequences, especially when transferring or selling assets. But make sure you’re aware of the possible capital gains tax rollover relief and stamp duty exemptions that may apply in your circumstances.

It’s also important to update your will, powers of attorney and insurance policies as quickly as possible.

Because these decisions have long-term effects, it’s wise to seek guidance from not only your lawyer but also a tax specialist and we are here to assist you and assess your financial situation.

Step 5: Rebuild with purpose

Once the dust settles, it’s time to rebuild.

Take the time to:

• Set new financial goals
• Develop an investment strategy suited to your risk tolerance
• Maximise your super contributions where possible
• Plan for retirement with revised expectations.

Final Thought: A New Chapter Worth Planning For

When a relationship ends, it isn’t just the past closing; it’s the beginning of a new life chapter. At Direct Advisers, we believe that managing your finances with clarity empowers you to shape a future filled with purpose and peace of mind. Planning your finances is one critical step—but so too is recognising the value of this season of change and embracing the opportunities ahead.

If you’re in the midst of separation or simply want to prepare for whatever comes next, reach out to our team. We’re ready to guide you through this transition, helping you make smart decisions today so you can live the life you want tomorrow.

Book your Life’s Transitions review and start building your next chapter with confidence. Reach out with confidence here.

i Marriages and Divorces, Australia, 2024 | Australian Bureau of Statistics

ii 6 Steps to Financially Plan for Divorce | My Wealth Solutions

The post 5 strategies for financially surviving divorce appeared first on Direct Advisers.

Let’s face it, during the cooler months, it’s easy to slip into hibernation mode. The couch is comfy, the heater’s on, and motivation to move or get outdoors can drop. But as the seasons change, so too can our mindset. Reconnecting with nature, moving our bodies, and creating space to breathe deeply again can have a powerful impact on both our health and our outlook on life.

Why Nature Still Matters—Especially Now

Even small bursts of time outside have been shown to boost mood, improve sleep, and support the immune system. In fact, just two hours a week in nature has been linked to better physical health and wellbeing. That might look like a walk around your neighbourhood, time in the garden, or even just enjoying a cuppa in the sunshine.

Movement matters, too. You don’t need to run marathons; just gentle, regular activity can help ease the aches and lift your energy. Think: beach walks, golf with friends, or weekend strolls in the bush. These habits are not just feel-good extras; they’re part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle that supports longevity and independence.

Retirement Is More Than Financial

While planning your retirement finances is critical, true quality of life in retirement comes from more than just your bank balance. As Ursula Boorman, Managing Director at Direct Advisers, explains:

“A well-funded retirement is important, but it means very little if your health and well-being aren’t part of the picture. As we support clients approaching retirement, we encourage them to think holistically, planning not only for financial freedom, but for a lifestyle they truly enjoy.”

Whether you’re nearing retirement or already there, it’s worth asking: What does wellbeing look like for me right now? Do I have the energy and clarity I want? Am I spending time doing the things that matter?

Final Thought: Build the Life You Want to Live

Retirement isn’t just a destination; it’s a season of life that deserves to be lived well. Getting your finances in order is a powerful step, but don’t forget to take care of your body and mind along the way.

If you’d like to talk to someone about your retirement plan and how it aligns with the lifestyle you want, reach out to the team at Direct Advisers. We’re here to help you feel confident about the road ahead. Contact us here.

References

• Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing: Nature.com study
• How nature impacts your immune system and sleep cycles: Ask the Scientists – Outdoors
• The psychological benefits of time in nature: American Psychological Association (APA)

The post Recharging for the Season Ahead: Your Health, Your Wealth, Your Wellbeing appeared first on Direct Advisers.

For many women over 55, this question becomes real after a major life transition. The death of a parent. The end of a long marriage. A late-career redundancy. An unexpected inheritance. These moments often arrive quietly but leave a profound mark.

As a female independent financial adviser, I work with women who find themselves at this crossroads. The path ahead might feel uncertain. But with the right guidance and support, it can also be purposeful, hopeful, and empowering—a new pathway toward clarity and confidence.

The Emotional Weight of Financial Change

Money is never just numbers. When it’s connected to loss, separation, or upheaval, it carries emotion—grief, guilt, fear, even resentment. For example, an inheritance that seems like it should bring relief might instead feel like a burden.

“What would Mum have wanted me to do with this?” is a common question.

Similarly, after divorce or redundancy, there is often uncertainty:

“Will I be okay on my own? Can I afford the future I want?”

These are deeply human questions, and they deserve a space where you’re heard—not rushed or overwhelmed.

What Real Financial Advice Looks Like in These Moments

Financial advice during major life transitions is not just about spreadsheets or super funds. It’s about:

• Slowing down the decision-making process
• Clarifying your new financial reality
• Understanding what options are available (without pressure)
• Exploring what matters most to you now, not who you were five or ten years ago

As an independent adviser, I don’t work for a bank or product provider. That means I can sit beside you, not across from you. My role is to offer perspective, structure, and calm—to help you make good decisions in your own time.

Rediscovering Purpose: The Role of Ikigai

In Japanese culture, there’s a beautiful concept called Ikigai—your reason for being. It sits at the intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.

Even after a profound change, your Ikigai doesn’t disappear. It might evolve. It might get quieter. But with space and support, it can be rediscovered and reimagined.

When we make financial decisions aligned with your Ikigai, they tend to feel clearer, more confident, and more enduring. Money becomes a tool for living well—not something to fear or figure out alone.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

One of the most powerful things a woman said to me after receiving financial advice was this:

“I thought I had to know everything before I came to see you. But you helped me see that it’s okay to begin exactly where I am.”

You don’t have to know everything. You just have to take the first step.

Whether you’re navigating grief, freedom, fear, or all three at once—I’m here to help.

Let’s find your way forward—toward a pathway to good advice and a life that feels like your own again.

If you’re ready for thoughtful, independent financial advice that meets you where you are, reach out for a confidential chat.

By Ursula Boorman

Reference:
García, H., & Miralles, F. (2016). Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life. Penguin Books.

The post Finding Your Way Forward: Financial Advice for Women Navigating Major Life Changes After 55 appeared first on Direct Advisers.