When Should You Get Financial Advice? 6 Key Moments to Seek Help

By Manela Gunawardena, Financial Adviser at Discover Financial Partners

Timing matters when it comes to financial advice. Whether you're just getting started or facing a major change, the right advice at the right time can shift your future.

Manela Gunawardena, Financial Adviser at Discover Financial Partners, sees this every day. “We often meet clients when something big is happening—or about to,” she says.

“These moments come with a lot of emotion and uncertainty. It’s rewarding to help clients feel more confident and in control.”

So when should you speak to a financial adviser?

1. Starting a New Job or Business

A new role or your own venture is exciting—but it also comes with decisions about salary packaging, tax, super, and business structures.

After starting a tech consultancy, Tom wanted to set things up properly. He wasn’t sure how to structure his income, manage GST, or invest extra cash. We helped him separate business and personal finances, set up tax-effective structures, and create a plan to invest profits. A year on, he’s earning more and working less.

2. Major Life Events

Getting married. Divorcing. Having children. Losing a loved one. Life changes can have huge financial implications. When Leah and Sam welcomed twins, their priorities changed overnight. We reviewed their insurances, updated their wills, and restructured their budget to include childcare and future schooling costs. 

“They made something overwhelming feel manageable,” Leah said.

3. Buying a Property

Whether it’s your first home or your fifth investment, property is a big commitment. Advice can help with budgeting, tax, and long-term planning.

Claudia came to us before buying her first apartment. We showed her how to structure her mortgage and use her offset account properly. We also helped her plan for future investments. Now, she’s looking at her second property—with more confidence than ever.

4. Investing

Investing can be powerful—but confusing. Shares, funds, ETFs, property, crypto… where do you start?

We help you understand your options, manage risk, and build a portfolio that aligns with your goals. It’s not about trends—it’s about building wealth that works for you.

5. Retirement Planning

You don’t need to be close to retiring to plan for it. The earlier you start, the more options you’ll have.

Steve, 45, thought he was “too young” for retirement advice. But with the right super strategy, salary sacrifice, and long-term plan, he’s now tracking to retire at 60—on his terms.

We still meet many clients in their mid-50s who suddenly realise they’re not retirement-ready. With less than a decade to go, the pressure to catch up becomes real—and that urgency often sparks action. The irony is, if they had come to us just a few years earlier, they would have had more time, more certainty, and more options.

That’s why we encourage a proactive approach. Our most successful clients don’t wait for retirement to sneak up on them—they plan for it. And that planning starts with a conversation.

6. Receiving a Lump Sum

Whether it’s an inheritance, redundancy, or legal payout, a windfall can be a blessing—or a burden. Without a plan, it’s easy to spend quickly and lose opportunities.

We help you make the most of what you've received—while still living the life you want today.

Why It’s Worth It

Financial advice isn’t just for the wealthy. It’s for people who want to make smarter decisions and stop second-guessing themselves. Here’s what you get:

• Clear guidance from experts who understand laws, markets, and strategy 

• A plan for growth: so you’re not just saving, you’re building 

• Protection from risk, whether it’s through insurance, structuring, or diversification 

• Tax strategies that can help you keep more of what you earn 

• A roadmap for retirement: with clear steps, not just guesswork

We also know that many people don’t realise the hidden costs in their current financial setup—like not optimising their tax position or missing out on compounding opportunities. When you consider that compound interest is often called the 8th wonder of the world, the long-term benefits of better money management can be significant. That’s why our advice is focused on discovering value gains—and helping them grow.

Experience the Value Before You Commit

We understand that the value of advice is often misunderstood. That’s why we’ve built our process around discovery.

In our initial consultation and Discover Meeting, clients get to experience the value of advice firsthand—before any fees are charged. You’ll walk away with clarity, confidence, and a clear sense of whether advice will make a meaningful difference in your life.

Don’t Wait for the “Perfect Time”

You don’t need to be earning six figures, about to retire, or sitting on a big inheritance. You just need to be ready to take control of your money. At Discover Financial Partners, we offer a free, no-obligation consultation. It’s your chance to talk through your goals and find out if advice is right for you. As Manela puts it: 

“You don’t need to have it all figured out before seeing an adviser. That’s our job—to help bring clarity, structure and confidence to your finances.” “If in doubt, ask.”

Book Your Free No-obligation Consultation

This advice is general and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether the advice is suitable for you and your personal circumstances.