Financial Plan for a Specialist Surgeon & Business Owner
Background: Meet Daisy & Sam
Daisy and Sam are a high-net-worth couple in their 50s, a surgeon and business owner, who have made a number of savvy financial and business decisions over time, building strong investments across property and shares. Their financial position was structured across multiple entities, including an SMSF.
Although they had an existing financial planner, they felt the advice was too passive and largely focused on investments, without taking a broader, more strategic view of their overall position.
As they approached retirement, they were seeking a more comprehensive plan, one that would help them transition smoothly, reduce risk, and make confident decisions across their investments, structures, and long-term financial goals.
Key Results at a Glance
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Retirement:Est. Improved position at age 90 by ~$781k
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Tax:Bucket company strategy Est. Improved position by up to $200k
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Insurance:Reduced ongoing Insurance costs by up to $60k p.a.
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Admin Cost :Reduced ongoing Accounting and Audit cost by $4,098
Why Did They Seek Advice?
- To create a clear and structured plan for transitioning into retirement.
- To evaluate whether to retain their current home as an investment after moving.
- To assess the viability of purchasing a second farm to expand their business.
- To reduce risk and avoid carrying unnecessary debt into retirement.
- To optimise their superannuation, tax structures, and overall financial position.
- To review and reduce the cost of their insurance cover.
Strategies Implemented
Retirement Advice:
- Conducted a detailed analysis of their financial position, modelling 12 different scenarios to determine the most effective strategy.
- Defined their key priorities and aligned all recommendations to achieving a secure, debt-free retirement.
- Estimated improvement of approximately $781,000 in their financial position by age 90.
- Demonstrated that they could achieve their desired lifestyle without taking on additional risk.
Property & Debt Strategy:
- Given their strong income, we concluded that while they could probably afford to purchase the second farm and hold onto their current home, we recommended against it.
- The reasoning being that our modelling showed they could achieve their retirement goals without taking on additional risk, and keeping both properties would increase concentration risk due to their exposure to the same local area.
- It also resulted in non-deductible debt on the new home.
- The following graph shows the net financial position excluding family home and other lifestyle assets, based on a situation where the client continued down their current path against a scenario where they implement our recommendations.
- Next graph shows where they sell their property we identified they’d be able to enter retirement without debt, whereas should they hold it (IE: graph above) they’d be required to take debt into retirement.
- These projections are based on a range of assumptions, including investment returns, interest rates, inflation, and current tax and superannuation legislation. We always take a cautious approach when forecasting on figures to ensure that they are realistic and achievable.
- If actual performance exceeds these assumptions, their financial position could improve further. Conversely, if performance falls short, it may require extending their working years, although in this case, they intend to work longer than required, reducing this risk.
Superannuation & Investment Strategy:
- Advised on growing their SMSF and provided a tailored investment solution aligned with their risk profile.
- Reduced SMSF accounting and audit costs by over $4,000 per year.
- Delivered a more diversified and actively managed investment approach, improving long-term outcomes.
Tax & Structure Optimisation:
- Reviewed existing structures and identified opportunities to improve tax efficiency.
- Recommended strategies including the use of a bucket company, projected to improve their financial position by $200,000.
- Collaborated closely with their accountant to ensure ongoing alignment and effectiveness of these strategies.
Business Strategy:
- Analysed the financial impact of acquiring a second farm as part of their business expansion.
- Worked collaboratively with their accountant to ensure the structure was tax-effective and aligned with their broader financial plan.
Insurance Strategy:
- Conducted a comprehensive insurance review and identified over-insurance.
- Recommended alternative cover options, resulting in a reduction of over $60,000 per year in premiums while maintaining appropriate protection.
Outcomes and Benefits
- Improved their long-term financial position by approximately $781,000 by age 90 through the recommended strategy.
- Achieved a debt-free retirement through a structured plan that eliminated liabilities before retirement.
- Reduced insurance premiums by over $60,000 annually, significantly lowering ongoing costs.
- Improved tax efficiency with strategies projected to enhance their position by $200,000.
- Lowered SMSF administration expenses by over $4,000 per year.
- Reduced overall risk by avoiding concentration exposure and unnecessary leverage.
Key Takeaway
It’s easy to think that having more options means being in a better position but without a clear plan, it can actually create more uncertainty. This story shows how taking the time to plan ahead and get the right advice can simplify complex decisions, reduce unnecessary risk, and put you in control of your future. With the right strategy in place, retirement becomes less about guesswork and more about confidence in knowing you’re on the right path.
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Important Note
Produced with our client’s permission. Names within this case study have been changed to protect the client’s right to privacy. The content of this case study has been based on a real-life client. Any information provided here is general advice only and does not consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. This information should not be taken as comprehensive and does not constitute legal or financial advice. You should seek legal, financial or other professional advice before relying on any content. Yield Financial Planning is not responsible to you or anyone else for any loss suffered in connection with the use of this information. Information is only current at the date initially published.
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