When was the last time you sat down and not only set some goals, but mapped out the best way to ensure they are achieved? Goal modelling is more than just financial planning — it’s a roadmap to achieving what truly matters to you. It’s getting answers on what you could be achieving in life, and the best way to get there.
At Lifetime, we go beyond just the numbers to understand your life stages, your aspirations and your personal values.
The power of financial planning
We're firm believers in the power of clear goals as the cornerstone of financial success. Goal modelling helps translate life’s big questions, such as:
When can I retire?
How much will I be able to travel in my golden years?
How do I support my family, and what can I leave to my estate?
How should I be investing to provide the income I desire?
And then we help turn these into achievable plans.
Financial stress affects nearly half of New Zealanders daily or weekly, and this stress often hinders long-term planning. In fact, 59% of New Zealanders report that financial issues have impacted their well-being (FSC News RNZ). Goal modelling is designed to address these issues by breaking down complex financial decisions into manageable, priority-based steps, giving you clarity and peace of mind at every turn.
Steps of financial planning:
Engage with your financial adviser.
Be guided through setting your lifestyle and financial goals.
Map out your financial future.
Provide clear outcomes and step-by-step action points to ensure these goals are achieved.
Regularly review your plan and ensure you remain on track or change to incorporate any new goals.
We can guide our clients through setting their goals on all the variables below. We then map this out, incorporating any changes that might be required to achieve those that are most important to you, so you have a step-by-step action plan to start implementing straight away.
Real-life scenarios, real-world solutions
Goal modelling shines in its practicality. Take, for example, a couple in their 50s who want to know if they can retire by 70 while still supporting their children and grandchildren, living comfortably and planning for travel in their retirement. Through goal modelling, we create scenarios based on current savings, expected expenses and investments. If adjustments are needed — whether in savings rates, investment choices, or spending habits — we’ll provide options.
When it comes to preparing for what the retirement journey might look like, most pre-retirees haven’t set much in stone, with only half (51%) feeling on track to retire at their preferred age (The New Zealand Seniors series: The Retirement Living Report 2022).
For many, goal modelling can provide the structured approach needed to achieve their goals.
What are your future goals?
Have you mapped out how to achieve them?
If you need a hand, contact Melody or Michelle at Lifetime and they can book in a chat with a financial adviser to discuss your goals and how financial planning can help you achieve them.
Disclaimer: This article has been prepared for the purpose of providing general information, without taking into consideration any particular person's objectives, financial situation or needs. Any opinions contained in it are held by the author as at the report date and are subject to change without notice.