Clear Path Financial Planning

Is now the right time to be investing?

This is a really common question I'm hearing with the political scene at the moment, and fear of market crashes.

People are asking:
- should I move my investments to cash; and
- should I hold off investing.

The reality is that investments are long term, and trying to time markets rarely works.

We know that there will be volatility from time to time which is part and parcel of investing in growth assets, and the risk of being out of the market is that you'll miss the growth on the way back up.

History tells us that if you missed the market's best days over the last 10 years, your returns would have been cut in half. And missing the best 30 days would have reduced your return by 84%.

Timing the Market Is Impossible In times of volatility, timing the market may seem tempting, but doing so could cost you.

In my experience, most people don't need an SMSF - it adds an extra layer of cost, personal liability and compliance.

Often these targeted ads also come with a built in "property solution" - remember to always follow the money trail, and find out who's earning what, to make sure it actually is in your best interest!

The SMSF Property Trap Putting Your Retirement At Risk | Jayton Joseph Accountant Gold Coast There’s been a sharp rise in seminars, online ads, and “wealth workshops” encouraging Australians to use their super to buy investment property.

I'm back on board full time today, and thought I would start a series on what a financial planner actually does, and whether that might be someone you, or someone you know needs.

today will be an overview, and I will take more of a deep-dive over the coming days.

So, what does a financial planner actually do?

A financial planner helps you plan forward — not just record what’s already happened.

We look at things like:
• how your money is flowing day-to-day

• your super and retirement plan - how much are you paying in super fund fees, how is your money invested, and should you be making contributions?

• whether your personal insurance actually protects you, how much cover you actually need, and how much you should be paying for it

• how to use what you have to support the life you want

Importantly, financial planners are licensed to give advice on superannuation, investments and personal insurance — and most importantly to create a strategy that ties it all together.

If you’re thinking “I know I should be doing something… I’m just not sure who to speak to” — this is often where a financial planner fits.

You don’t need the perfect body to walk into a gym.
And you don’t need “perfect finances” to see a financial planner.

In fact — the messier your finances feel, the more value good advice can add.

You don’t need everything organised.
You don’t need to know all the answers.
You don’t need to be doing it “right” already.

All you really need is:
✔ Some capacity to save
✔ A desire to make change

That’s where the real work begins.

If you’re ready to stop avoiding your finances and start moving forward — even imperfectly — that’s more than enough to get started.

The hardest step is the first one.
And you don’t have to take it alone.

clearpathfp.com.au

Make 2026 your year

If your finances live in the “I’ll deal with it later” basket — you’re not alone.
But carrying that mental load into another year only adds stress.

Imagine starting the year knowing:
✔ What you have
✔ What it’s doing
✔ What your next steps are

That’s the power of clarity.
And it’s exactly what I help my clients create.

To schedule an obligation free appointment to review your finances and create a clear plan to get ahead, visit my website: clearpathfp.com.au

Is your money ready for the next chapter?

Retirement planning can feel confusing — super, tax, Centrelink, investments — it’s a lot to think about!

At Clear Path Financial Planning I make it simple.
I help women understand where they’re at, what’s possible, and how to create a plan that turns financial uncertainty into clarity.

Whether retirement is five years away or just around the corner, it’s never too late to start planning with confidence.
Let’s make your financial future feel calm, organised, and achievable.

Book a free chat today at clearpathfp.com.au