When Mark and Helen first reached out to us, they were both in their early 60s and starting to feel the pressure of planning for retirement. After decades of working hard and raising their family, they had hoped to retire by age 65—but a lingering mortgage and rising interest costs were making that dream feel out of reach.

Their biggest concern was the debt. The cost of repayments was eating into their surplus cash flow, and without a strategy, they were on track to carry their home loan well into retirement. That meant either delaying retirement or living on much less than they had hoped.

Mark and Helen felt lost. They were unsure how long their money would last, confused about their superannuation, and overwhelmed by the complexity of financial markets. They knew they needed guidance and clarity, so they met with us to explore their options.

In our early conversations, it became clear that their idea of a “successful retirement” wasn’t about chasing big investment returns—it was about having freedom. For them, retirement meant being debt-free, having the confidence that their finances were in order, and being able to enjoy life on their terms without constantly worrying about money.

Together, we redefined what retirement looked like for them. We focused on their personal goals—spending more time with family, enjoying small getaways, and having peace of mind knowing their finances were looked after. From there, we developed a practical plan to bring that vision to life.

We created a debt repayment strategy that allowed them to fully pay off their mortgage by age 65, aligning with their desired retirement date. At the same time, we reviewed and restructured their superannuation investments to better suit their risk profile and income needs, making sure their money was working efficiently for them.

But it didn’t stop there.

In our ongoing reviews, we continue to focus on their evolving goals in retirement—whether it’s a holiday they want to take, supporting their grandchildren, or simply enjoying a more relaxed lifestyle. The investment portfolio we built is designed to generate income for these experiences, and we regularly allocate funds toward the things that matter most to them.

We also continually remodel their financial position using our market-leading financial planning software. This allows us to forecast their retirement balances and spending scenarios in real time, and ensure that their money is lasting as long as they need it to—even as circumstances change.

The most important part? Mark and Helen don’t need to worry. They know the plan is not set and forgotten. It grows and adapts with them. As their goals and priorities shift, we shift with them—reviewing, rebalancing, and reprioritising. That peace of mind is the foundation of their retirement.

Today, Mark and Helen are not only on track to retire debt-free—they’re living with clarity, control, and confidence in their future.