Financial planning: Gen Y beats older generations when it comes to setting money goals

WHILE a third of Generation Ys say they set financial goals, only 15 per cent of Generation X do the same, a study has found.

SET goals, make a plan, map out what you want for your future.

These are usually the directions for anyone who wants to make changes in their life but doesn’t know where to begin.

But it is easier said than done — especially if you’re aged between 35 and 49, a study shows.

While a third of Generation Ys said they set financial goals, only 15 per cent of Generation X do the same, a survey of 1000 Australians has found.

This is despite many of them being at a crucial time of their lives juggling the costs of children and mortgages.

The Eqeus Galaxy Personal Finance Study shows the younger generation are much better at setting money goals than the rest of the population (23 per cent). But 80 per cent of us are worried that our finances are already out of control or are concerned about financial security.

Simon and Hannah Lobelson, both 37, were not particularly interested in planning their finances and had managed to live comfortably until they were forced to confront the issue.

Simon and Hannah Lobelson never really thought about their money before having kids and buying a home.

With a child on the way they inherited some money from Simon’s mother and wanted to make sure they invested it wisely and did something to respect her memory.

Despite coming from a family of accountants, Simon had never given his finances much thought and realised they needed help.

Hannah’s father recommended a financial planner and, despite some reservations, they found the experience positive and useful.

“His approach was very gentle and understanding,” says Hannah. “There was no judgment, he wasn’t a stuffy old man judging us which is partly what we’d expected!”

They bought a house and set up investments to help them in the future and provide security for their family.

“Day to day (they way we manage our money) is probably not that different but it’s good to know there’s some back up if we need it, which is very reassuring,” says Hannah.

ASIC’s moneysmart website has a financial adviser’s register which you can access to make sure you choose someone with all the right qualifications and experience.

“You can also check the register to make sure that the adviser is licensed and hasn’t been banned or disqualified from giving advice,” www.moneysmart.gov.au says.

You can also go to one of the industry association such as The Financial Planning Association or the Association of Financial Advisers.