Reclaim Your Future: How True Financial Planning Puts You in Control of Your Life and Wealth

The financial services industry often acts like an army of financial capital manufacturers and distributors. Their aim is to secure your disposable income as early as possible and keep it flowing to them throughout your working life. For around 40 years, you’re expected to stay on the treadmill, handing over your hard-earned money for them to manage, while they take a cut in fees. The hope is that, in return, they’ll give it back to you in your later years to fund your retirement—drip by drip. But here’s the catch: many people lose that bet.

Now, imagine a different approach. One where you’re not locked into feeding the system. Enter the impartial financial planner—someone who doesn’t get paid by tapping into your assets for fees and, crucially, someone who tells you that financial capital is only part of your wealth. In fact, it’s not even half of your total wealth. The bulk of your wealth is human capital—the value of your future earnings. And guess what? The financial services industry doesn’t focus on this because it has nothing to do with their products. That’s why they don’t tell you about it.

A true financial planner helps you develop your human capital to increase your future earnings, while also creating a financial structure to support the life you truly want. This is about more than just saving for retirement; it’s about living a life without regrets. A life where you can afford to take time off to watch your children grow, take a sabbatical to learn new skills, or travel the world—whatever your dream, whenever you dreamed it. With your health and productivity intact, you can continue doing what you love, with age being just a number.

You have a choice: listen to the sales industry, which wants to sell you financial products from as early as possible, or talk to a financial planner who will help you design a life you love, based on your human potential. It’s up to you.

Here’s an example of how the financial industry gets us to buy into their way of thinking. A recent article asks, “How early is too early to start retirement education?” It argues that teaching children about retirement savings in school could set them up for a financially secure future. While this may seem like good advice on the surface, let’s take a step back. This isn’t just about educating; it’s about getting us hooked on their financial products before we’ve even started our careers.

Yes, financial literacy is important, but it needs to be impartial and empowering, not geared towards feeding the system. What we need is education on how to maximise our human capital—how to live fulfilling lives and create the income we need to support that. Financial products should be the support structure, not the end goal.

So, next time you’re encouraged to start early, ask yourself: Who really benefits? And remember, there’s a different way to approach your finances—one that puts your life and dreams at the centre.

Let’s build a future where you can work, save, and live in a way that truly works for you.

Questions & Answers

Q: What’s the difference between a financial planner and the financial services industry?

A: The financial services industry focuses on selling products like pensions, investments, and insurance, making a living by managing your financial capital for fees. A true financial planner, on the other hand, takes a holistic approach. They don’t sell products but instead focus on your entire wealth picture—both your financial capital and human capital (the value of your future earnings). Their goal is to help you create a life you love, not just a retirement fund.

Q: Why is human capital so important in financial planning?

A: Human capital is the present value of your future earnings—essentially, your ability to generate income over your lifetime. It’s a major part of your total wealth, but it’s often overlooked by the financial services industry because it doesn’t directly involve selling financial products. By developing your human capital, you’re not just saving for retirement—you’re empowering yourself to live a fulfilling life, making decisions that support both your financial security and personal happiness.

Q: How does a financial planner help me with my human capital?

A: A financial planner helps you unlock the potential of your human capital by working with you to maximise your future earning power. This might involve helping you find opportunities to develop new skills, take time off for personal growth, or pursue your passions in a way that aligns with your financial goals. They guide you in creating a sustainable plan that supports the life you want to live, without regrets.

Q: Do I still need to save for retirement if I focus on human capital?

A: Yes, saving for retirement is important, but it’s not the only thing to focus on. By developing both your human capital and financial capital, you create a balance that allows you to enjoy life now while preparing for the future. It’s about finding a healthy, flexible approach that supports you throughout your life—not just when you retire.

Q: How early should I start financial planning?

A: The right time to start planning is when you’re ready to think about your goals and how you want to live your life. Financial planning isn’t just about retirement—it’s about shaping your present and future. Whether you’re starting your career, raising a family, or thinking about a career change, a financial planner can help you at any stage to make sure your decisions align with your overall life goals.

Q: What’s wrong with starting retirement planning early, as the financial services industry suggests?

A: There’s nothing wrong with being mindful of retirement, but the financial services industry tends to focus on it too much, too soon, because it benefits them to lock you into their products early. A financial planner encourages you to take a more balanced view—focusing not just on your retirement savings, but also on building the kind of life you want to live now and in the future. It’s about giving you the freedom to make the best decisions for yourself at every stage of life.

Q: How do I know if I need a financial planner?

A: If you feel like your current financial strategy isn’t helping you achieve the life you want or if you’ve been sold products that don’t seem to fit your goals, a financial planner can help. They work with you to create a plan that prioritises your personal values and dreams, rather than just financial products. If you’re ready to take control of your financial future and live the life you love, a financial planner is a great place to start.