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Ronnie’s Story

How Ronnie achieved retirement at 60 and gained the freedom to live life her way. She explains how clear, expert advice helped her plan ahead, feel confident and enjoy her financial future.

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With a demanding career, three children and clear ambitions for early retirement, Ronnie needed a structured plan to bring everything together and make retirement at 60 a reality.

Read her story below.

“When I first met John, I was a divorced mother of three young children, with a very demanding job. I was a physician, but I also worked in the pharmaceutical industry as a consultant, so there were a lot of moving parts in my life.

I was earning good money at the time, but I also had significant outgoings and big financial ambitions. One of those was to retire at 60. Another was to make sure my children’s education was never compromised.

I could see the different pieces that needed to come together, but I didn’t know how to make them all fit. It felt like a Jenga tower. I didn’t know how to build something stable that would last.

That is when I realised I needed a financial adviser. Managing finances in that way was not a skill set I had. I understood what was coming in and going out, but I didn’t understand the risks. I didn’t know if something might come and catch me out later, or where I should be putting money to make sure it was protected.

I wanted someone who understood how everything fits together, and who could make sure nothing was leaking or being missed. I also knew I needed the right kind of advice. I didn’t want someone to tell me what I wanted to hear. I wanted someone who would tell me what I needed to hear.

It was also important that things were explained clearly. I needed to understand it properly. That is how my brain works. I was looking for someone patient, who could explain things without being condescending.

And I wanted a relationship that would last. I wasn’t just thinking about my immediate situation. I was thinking long term, through retirement and beyond.

Over time, that trust built. It takes a while to feel comfortable relying on investments rather than just what you see in your bank account. But gradually, that confidence grows.

As things evolved, having everything in one place made a big difference. My financial planning, tax, legal work, Wills and Trusts are all connected. It means I have one place to go and one team who understands everything.

It has also given me peace of mind for my family. I have been able to tell my children that if anything ever happened, they would only need to make one call. Everything is organised and taken care of, which is incredibly reassuring.

I was able to retire at 60, which had always been my goal. In fact, I retired just before my 60th birthday. That milestone meant a lot to me.

Now, when we have our annual reviews, we talk about what I want to do next. Whether that is travelling the world, touring Australia in a camper van or going on an Arctic expedition, the answer is always the same. Go and enjoy it.

That is what this has given me. The freedom to do what I want, without worrying.

I always say how grateful I am, because it really does make such a difference. There is a whole team supporting you, not just in financial planning but across tax and legal as well.

It is a kind of freedom that is hard to put into words. Knowing that something as important as your financial future is taken care of allows you to focus on living your life.”