Their Story
“We’ve worked hard to get to this point—now we want a plan that makes the most of it.”
A professional couple in their early 50s—let’s call them David and Sarah—had recently reached a significant financial milestone: their mortgage was fully paid off, and their children had completed secondary school. With fewer financial obligations and strong, stable incomes, they recognised the next decade as a critical window to secure their long-term financial future
However, like many high-income professionals, they were too time-poor to manage the complexity themselves. Between David’s executive role and Sarah’s part-time business, they had surplus cash but no clear strategy. They also weren’t sure if their insurance was still appropriate—or if their investments matched their risk tolerance.
They wanted expert support to help them make the most of their position—and protect it. And they didn’t want piecemeal advice, but rather a coordinated plan to provide confidence and clarity.
What They Needed
| Short-Term Priorities | Long-Term Goals |
| Invest an additional $500,000 using approved borrowings | Retire at 60 and fund $150,000 p.a. after-tax lifestyle |
| Consolidate super accounts and contribute lump sums | Support children with $200,000 home deposits in the future |
| Reduce David’s concentrated exposure to listed employee shares. | Grow a diversified portfolio to improve reliability of returns to support and income stream in retirement. |
| Right-size their personal insurance covers | Relocate their home in future (same value) |
| Ensure super and investments align with risk profiles | Structure wealth across super, shares, and property for tax effective retirement income streams |
| Review estate plan (Wills, POAs, death benefit nominations) | Build legacy through intentional gifting and strategic planning |
Lighthouse’s Strategy
Working with Lighthouse Financial Group, David and Sarah received a comprehensive financial strategy that addressed all aspects of their wealth—investments, superannuation, insurance, gearing, estate planning, and more.
Key Recommendations:
Gearing & Investment Strategy:
Leveraging approved borrowings, they invested an additional $500,000 into a managed portfolio aligned with their risk profile. This complemented an existing $320,000 geared portfolio and included a disciplined profit-taking approach to fund future goals, including a home upgrade and debt reduction. This geared strategy included regular profit-taking as markets allowed. Over time, these profits funded a home upgrade and helped reduce debt on both their investment property and share loan, setting them up for a debt-free retirement supported by income from property, super, and managed funds
Employee Share Scheme:
David’s large and concentrated exposure to the listed shares in his employer was gradually reduced in line with agreed asset allocation, lowering exposure to redirect funds to superannuation for Sarah and maintaining alignment with long-term objectives.
Superannuation Optimisation:
Sarah contributed $330,000 as an after-tax lump sum and consolidated two superannuation funds into a new fund, establishing a strong foundation for retirement planning.
Tailored Insurance Advice:
David retained existing cover for death, TPD, income protection, and trauma—while receiving a full insurance needs analysis. Sarah obtained new cover for $500,000 death and TPD, and $200,000 trauma, ensuring the family was properly protected without unnecessary premium drag.
Estate Planning Alignment:
We coordinated connections with a mortgage broker and estate planner to review and update Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney, and super death benefit nominations to match their current situation and future intentions.
Portfolio Rebalancing & Property:
After creating value in their original geared investment portfolio, we recommended they sell and use the proceeds to upgrade their family home—reducing debt while preserving lifestyle and freeing up future capital flexibility.
Regular profit taking and debt reduction:
Taking profits on the share portfolio allowed them to fund a home upgrade. Further increased equity in the new home enabled David and Sarah to borrow and invest in a new share portfolio for long term wealth creation. By rebalancing their existing portfolio and taking strategic profits in late 2024, we enabled David and Sarah to upgrade their home without compromising liquidity. This approach preserved lifestyle, reduced financial stress, and created flexibility to unlock capital when needed.
In Their Words
“We wanted confidence we were making the right financial decisions—and now we have it. We’re saving time, building wealth strategically, and protecting what matters most.”
What If They Hadn’t Taken Action?
Without professional advice, David and Sarah could have:
- Missed superannuation contribution opportunities under current caps
- Taken on debt that exceeded their risk tolerance
- Overpaid on insurance policies that no longer suited their needs
- Maintained a concentrated exposure to David’s employer shares
- Invested inappropriately for their risk profiles
- Lacked a clear estate plan, risking unintended outcomes
The long-term consequence? Delayed retirement, underperforming investments, tax inefficiencies, and reduced peace of mind.
Where They Stand Now
Thanks to their coordinated strategy, David and Sarah are well on track to:
- Retire at 60 with a lifestyle income of $150,000 after tax, funded by income streams from property, share dividends, and a superannuation pension each.
- Reduce risk while growing wealth across property, super, and managed investments
- Support their children’s future with an intentional gifting plan
- Protect each other and their legacy with appropriately structured insurance and estate planning
And perhaps most importantly—they now have the clarity and confidence to enjoy the present, knowing their future is under control.
Lighthouse Insight
High-income professionals often reach a point where income isn’t the issue—coordination is.
With tailored advice, even a busy couple like David and Sarah turned complexity into a clear, achievable retirement plan.
Ready to Design Your Future?
If you’re a high-income household or professional in your 40s or 50s—especially if you’re time-poor but ready to make your income work harder—Lighthouse Financial Group can help.
Take the first step. Book your complimentary strategy session today.
Lighthouse Financial Group Pty Ltd, Authorised Representative 000287794 ABN 221 13 759 952 is a corporate authorised representative of Fortnum Private Wealth Ltd ABN 54 139 889 535 AFSL 357 306. The information contained within this article does not consider your personal circumstances and is of a general nature only. You should not act on it without first obtaining professional financial advice specific to your circumstances.
