Living their best life

September 19th 2019

After a lifetime of ‘poking along’ depositing their savings directly into the bank, Bruce and Di O’Hara knew that when it came to retirement, their finances would need to work harder for them if they were to enjoy the lifestyle of their dreams.

Racehorses, travel and a Gold Coast unit were all on their wish list. As such, expert advice was imperative.

Four years ago, anticipating their pending retirement, Bruce and Di engaged Invest Blue to ensure their finances could support their ideal retirement, and thanks to Invest Blue Armidale adviser, Rob Pollard, those dreams are now a reality.

“We didn’t want the stress of managing our finances ourselves through our retirement, we wanted to make sure our finances could support our goals,” Di explained.

Having fully retired two years ago the couple has enjoyed numerous holidays, including a family holiday to Thailand with their adult children and grandchildren, and a number of tours within Australia.

A unit at the Gold Coast provides the perfect bolt-hold for rest and relaxation, while their home in their beloved hometown of Glenn Innes affords them the opportunity to enjoy a country lifestyle.

“It’s wonderful, we have the best of both the country and the city – we spend time between both Glenn Innes and the Gold Coast as we choose.”

With Bruce having trained racehorses in the past, his penchant for racing has remained strong, and the chance to buy shares in a syndicate was too good to pass up. The hobby has proven plenty of fun as the couple travel to watch their horses race.

“It’s always great fun travelling around watching our horses races. Horses have always been in Bruce’s’ blood so this has been a great hobby to have and an excellent excuse to go to the races!”

Having worked hard over long careers, Di running a family daycare business, and Bruce working with Shell for 33 years, the couple had long looked forward to sitting back and enjoying their retirement.

The sale of a 50-hectare Glenn Innes property was the catalyst for their retirement and their Invest Blue journey. As this windfall facilitated extra security over their future finances, they were adamant it was to be managed meticulously.

“This sale was always intended to support our retirement, but we knew we couldn’t manage them ourselves.”

Neither Bruce, nor Di, wanted the stress of managing their portfolio themselves, prompting their first meeting with Rob, and a consequent relationship for which they have enormous gratitude.

“It gives us enormous peace of mind having Rob oversee our finances, we have full confidence in him and trust him completely.”

Knowing their finances are in safe hands, managed in superannuation portfolios and property, Bruce and Di have since turned their attention to more pressing matters.

Recently it was what itinerary to take during their extended trip through Western districts where they visited Broken Hill, Longreach, Cooper Peedy, Alice Springs, Uluru, Mt Isa, Winton and the annual Camel Races at Boulia.

A surprise 70th for Di at the Gold Coast was also a highlight, and a trip to Tasmania is currently being planned for February.

Di laughs that they are never idle for long, and is thrilled their retirement is everything they dreamed of, and more.

“To be honest, our retirement is even better than I imagined, it’s exceeded all our expectations and that’s largely thanks to the security of knowing that Rob has our finances expertly managed.”

Financial Planning can help you to live your best possible life now and in retirement. Contact us or book an appointment with an adviser.

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