You may have missed Financial Planning Week in August, but the message is clear - Australians could be more proactive in ensuring their financial future is more secure. We couldnt agree more!

That's why John last year became a certified Financial Planner, so he could better help clients meet their financial goals. If you'd like to find out more, book a time to see John.

If you need any help with anything, please don't hesitate to give us a call.

WHY YOU NEED A FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Superannuation, insurance, investments, budgeting... is your mind already wandering and eyes glazing over?

We like this analogy from AMP: "Think of your money as vehicles travelling along various roads that can help you reach your lifestyle goals. Sometimes the road rules change and faster routes are built. And sometimes you can get a flat tyre or make the wrong turn - which delays your trip. Having a qualified professional - like a Financial Planner - guide you through the maze of roads and road rules could get you to your destination much sooner."

So, if you want to find out how you can be proactive and take control of your financial future, we can help you make the right decisions for you.

Just like any other professional service, a Financial Advisor is trained to advise you on a range of financial matters - helping to build, manage and protect your wealth.

We can help you to:

• improve your household budget
• reduce your debts and taxes
• save or invest for something special
• buy or renovate a home, paying it off sooner or investing in property
• protect your wealth and those that are important to you
• make lifestyle changes
• prepare for retirement, and
• make the most of your retirement income and any government payments.

The beauty of John doing this for you, is that he can also advise on your tax affairs, estate planning, preparing a will and much more. You can all the advice you need in one place from someone that knows and cares about you.

Whether it is helping you learn more about budgeting or implementing complex tax minimisation strategies, John will help you set clear goals and outline what you need to do to achieve them.

All you need to do is make an appointment to come in and see just what's possible.

Do you claim small business concessions?

New laws have passed that reduce or remove some small business concessions. The changes take effect from 1 January 2014, which means they could affect your 2013–14 business income tax return.

The new laws:

• reduce the instant asset write-off limit from $6,500 to $1,000
• remove the accelerated initial deduction for motor vehicles.