Achieving financial security for their family’s future – Peter and Merle

With the restructuring of our portfolio leading up to our retirement, it meant the lifestyle we had dreamed of in retirement is achievable.

Standing at the base of a mighty oak tree, it’s easily forgotten it started as a mere sapling. Over time, it gathers strength and grows. Peter and Merle retirement fund started just like that – from a small seed to something really great. We’ve had the privilege of nurturing his retirement for 30 years plus.

Peter has worked with Toyota for 32 years in different roles and is currently their Strategic National Fire Coordinator in the Asset Protection – Corporate Affairs Division. Just as the roots of a mighty oak tree grow in depth and strength, so has the relationship between Peter, Merle and Modoras. Meeting our very own Peter Sarai in 1984, they have developed a lasting business relationship.

Peter and his wife Merle approached Modoras with a simple goal in mind – Financial security for their family’s future. The initial experience had quite an impact on Peter and Merle’s outlook. “It had a major impact,” Peter said. “We had to totally rethink the way we believed we could achieve financial security.”

In 1989, they purchased a property in Burrum Heads, a coastal oasis nestled within the high growth Hervey Bay area in Queensland. “The idea was, we bought it as an investment. If we liked the area, we’d build a home and retire there one day.”

Now Peter’s retirement is around the corner. They’ve begun construction of the house in the past 18 months as Peter pins down the date for his official retirement from Toyota. We ask what Peter’s plans are for retirement, and he lets out a big “Yeehaw!”

“It means I’ll be able to spend more time with Merle and our family. We won’t have to plan activities or holidays around a work schedule. We get the freedom to go and do whatever we want, when we want.”

Pinning down one particular way Modoras helped them achieve their retirement lifestyle goals is difficult for Peter. Peter likens Modoras’ sturdy stewardship of his financial planning to that of the Japanese business philosophy of kaizen, literally translated as “good change.” (Rather, change is good.) Kaizen in practical terms means “continuous improvement,” always building one better than you did before. “Kaizen is the way I see Modoras conduct their business, which in turn adds value to their clients’ portfolios.”

Achieving their goal of financial independence in retirement took some careful tinkering, but Modoras Executive Planners helped them understand their forward thinking was paying off.

Over the last 18 months Modoras Executive Planner, Katerina Sousalis made us understand that one of our retirement goals was now actually within our grasp,” Peter said. “With the restructuring of our portfolio leading up to our retirement, it meant the lifestyle we had dreamed of in retirement is achievable.”

With little more than 12 months to go until Peter will retire, he’s working toward finishing the Burrum Heads home, taking some long service leave (over 31 years is saved up!) and taking a trip to the Kimberley region in Western Australia. Beyond saying goodbye to Toyota, he and Merle want to take in more of Australia and possibly New Zealand.

Despite gaining everything he and Merle hoped for, there’s only one thing Peter would’ve done differently: “Started the financial journey with Modoras even earlier!”

At Modoras, we look at your whole situation and give you the tools to navigate through life and its uncertainties. Keeping you moving towards you and your family’s retirement goals. Let us help you build and protect your family’s wealth.

See how Modoras’ holistic planning and advice can uncover your retirement needs.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This blog has been prepared by Modoras Pty. Ltd. ABN 86 068 034 908 an Australian Financial Services and Credit Licences (Number 233209). The information and opinions contained in this article is general information only and is not intended to represent specific personal advice (Accounting, taxation, financial, insurance or credit). No individuals’ personal circumstances have been taken into consideration for the preparation of this material. Any individual making any investment or borrowing decisions should make their own assessment taking into account their own particular circumstances. The information and opinions herein do not constitute any recommendation to borrow funds or purchase, sell or hold any particular investment. Modoras Pty Ltd recommends that no financial product or financial service be acquired or disposed of, credit contract entered into or financial strategy adopted without you first obtaining professional personal financial advice suitable and appropriate to your own personal needs, objectives, goals and circumstances. Information, forecasts and opinions contained in this blog may change without notice. Modoras Pty. Ltd. does not guarantee the accuracy of the information at any particular time. Although care has been exercised in compiling the information contained within, Modoras Pty. Ltd. does not warrant that the articles within are free from errors, inaccuracies or omissions. To the extent permissible by law, neither Modoras Pty. Ltd. nor its employees, representatives or agents (including associated and affiliated companies) accept liability for loss or damages incurred as a result of a person acting in reliance of this publication.