ARTICLE

Meet the team: Amanda Jones, Senior Financial Planner

23 March 2023

3 mins read

AIA Financial Wellbeing has a fantastic team of financial planners ready to help our customers improve their financial wellbeing with tailored advice that considers personal and financial goals. We sat down with Senior Financial Planner Amanda Jones, to find out more about what fuels her, how she looks after her own wellbeing, and what she has learned from more than 20 years in the industry.

Hi Amanda, let’s start with the obvious question: What do you like about being a financial planner?

I have always been a really good saver and purchased my first house when I was 19 years old. I am passionate about assisting clients to make the most of what they have and to reach their goals. I enjoy interacting with clients and explaining concepts and strategies to them in a way they understand.

How long have you been in the industry and what changes have you seen during that time?

I started working in the finance industry in 1992 and held various roles throughout my career. I started advising in 1999 and found that this was my niche. Living in a regional location, I have found that I work with a very diverse client base which keeps the job interesting.

There have been so many changes throughout my time but one which we see on a regular basis is government legislative changes which affects a client’s existing or future financial situation. For example, reduction of superannuation contribution caps could affect how much a client is able to put into their super fund and timing could be an important consideration. I have seen situations where people have inadvertently breached superannuation contribution caps due to being unaware of these changes – professional advice from a financial planner can help clients navigate changing legislation and avoid pitfalls.

What’s the most common question you hear from your clients?

A very common question is ‘will I have enough money to live on?’ Clients have different assets, income, expenses and goals - and the amount of money somebody needs to live comfortably varies from person to person. We approach it together to work out what their goals and objectives are and how they can best use the resources and assets they have to ensure that they are able to achieve these goals.

What’s a common financial pitfall you’ve observed and how can we avoid it?

Spending more than you make and getting yourself into financial trouble. Set up a savings plan and split your pay into different bank accounts: Day to day account, Bills account and Savings account. Don’t touch the money unless it is for the purpose you put it there.

Buying a home is the Australian dream, but is it good advice?

Well, your home is usually one of your biggest assets and it doesn’t usually generate you any income. That being said, it is a good way for people to build assets as they are paying off their home and it increases in value over time. Owning your own home also gives you the certainty of somewhere to live and not to have to worry about landlords and rental changes.

What do you do for fun?

Holidays, playing with my granddaughter, watching my son play golf; I enjoy spending time with my family.

What’s important to you in life?

My family and friends are the most important things in my life.

How do you look after your personal wellbeing (physical, mental, financial)?

I keep active with regular daily exercise, I enjoy taking trips away on holidays to refresh myself and I ensure that I keep living within my means which helps maintain my financial wellbeing.

If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money?

I would take my whole family away together on a holiday and help them to pay off their homes. I would also love to do some volunteer work with less privileged people.

What does financial wellbeing mean to you?

Financial wellbeing to me means being able to live comfortably and not worry about money. Having enough funds to do the things you want in life.

Talking to a financial planner can help you understand your situation and make confident financial decisions (big or small) so you can get the most out of life.

Disclaimer:
Copyright © 2023 AIA Financial Services Pty Limited (ABN 68 008 540 252, AFSL 231109), trading as AIA Financial Wellbeing. All rights reserved. This information is current at the date of this publication and is subject to change. This provides general information only, without taking into account factors like the objectives, financial situations, needs or personal circumstances of any individual and is not intended to be financial, legal, tax, health, medical, nutritional or other advice. Before acting on the information in this publication, individuals should consider its appropriateness having regard to such factors.