Not many of us are best known by our surnames, but that’s certainly the case for Brett Green, who, over a 35‑year teaching career, has proudly taught thousands of high schoolers Physical Education. “Mr Green” has also spent several years guiding talented athletes as a specialist throws coach. He’s been there on the sidelines as athletes under his tutelage have achieved countless titles and won medals at state, national, Commonwealth and Olympic levels. Here, Brett explains how life’s been treating him since retiring as a teacher and what it means to have all of his ducks in a row financially.
When we caught up with Brett, he was supporting one of his athletes competing at the Trisome Games in Antalya, Turkey. The Trisome Games have been described as “The Olympics for athletes with Down syndrome.” The competitor Brett was supporting is one he’s been working closely with for several years and is part of Brett’s regular squad of Gold Coast‑based athletes. As a coach, Brett focuses on the disciplines of javelin, discus, shot put, and hammer throwing.
Brett and wife Jane have called the Gold Coast home for over 35 years now. Brett met Jane, a fellow high school teacher, through work in 1989. They’re parents to two adult sons and are now both retired.
When we chat, Brett reflects positively on a long and fruitful career where he aspired to make a difference in his students’ lives. He prioritised forming connections and aimed to inspire teens to become decent and caring people in society. He valued being important in their lives and remains in touch with many former students.
Brett acknowledges that as long-term government employees, he and Jane were fortunate to receive superannuation long before it was a compulsory employer contribution. Naturally, they were keen to ensure that their superannuation nest egg would serve them well in retirement and, in 2011, decided to sit down with an industry expert.
The Greens were in a strong position financially. They were living in the family home they’d purchased many years earlier, had some investments (shares and rental properties) and whilst they’d enjoyed life and had taken family trips along the way, they’d never spent excessively and had saved well as a result. The couple were seeking sound advice on how to structure their money best.
Over the years, they met with four different advisers, but for various reasons, these professionals were not the right fit. The couple felt they were paying a lot but not getting the time, attention or service reflective of their outlay. Meetings were also few and far between and Brett, who was very up to speed on financial matters, felt he was driving meetings rather than them being expert‑led. Unsurprisingly, the Greens became disillusioned.
All of that changed when Brett and Jane were introduced to Currumbin‑based Financial Adviser Jonathon Bevan in October 2020. For Jane, the difference was immediate. Prior to Jonathon, Jane hadn’t felt welcome or comfortable in meetings and questions were directed only to Brett who admittedly, took more of an interest in their finances.
“From the outset, Jonathon made sure Jane was involved in meetings and was asked questions directly. It remains that way. During our regular meetings, Jane and I both provide input so that Jonathon can best determine what matters to us – individually and as a couple. We’re all in conversation together and take a collaborative approach,” says Brett. “And we know that Jonathon genuinely cares about our future,” he adds.
The trio discusses ideas and plans that are mapped out. Brett particularly appreciates that Jonathon may sometimes sit with something for a little while and then pivot – with an improved financial benefit to Brett and Jane in mind. “He puts all of the cards on the table and allows us to make the decisions whilst also giving us the guidance to make the correct decisions.”
Brett also felt supported by Jonathon when difficulties arose at work that led to an Income Protection Claim. “I felt comforted during that time knowing I had Jonathon’s support and could always run things by him. I also knew that if anything went badly, he’d assist us in accessing income. It was a stressful period, but I had to work my way through it and fortunately, I had a successful outcome.”
As a reflection of their confidence in Jonathon’s expertise the Greens have directed friends and family his way. “We know he’ll steer them in the right direction, help set them up and ensure they needn’t worry about their financial position,” says Brett.
The Gold Coast couple feel at ease in their own financial position, and retirement is going smoothly, although, between his role as a throws coach and his position as Head Coach of PNG Athletics, Brett wonders how he ever used to fit his job in! He loves the Head Coach role, having held the appointment for several years.
“They’re fabulous people to work with and I can help the athletes achieve great results. I’m in PNG for training camps and attend national and international competitions which keeps me busy and means I’m away from home fairly regularly.”
Life is humming along for Jane and Brett, and he sees himself coaching for several years yet. There are also renovations to complete on the family home, with plans to eventually purchase something smaller by the beach. The couple will also look at winding back some of their investments.
For Brett, ‘living your best possible life’ is pretty straight‑forward. “It’s less about great wealth or material things than having invested well so that you have the money to do what you want without worrying about where those funds are coming from. Simply put, if you save more than you spend throughout your life then you’re going to have a decent amount of money at the end. Most importantly, it’s not about comparing yourself to others but making sure you’re better every day yourself than you were yesterday. And doing what you enjoy every day.”