The former stock agent, business owner and policeman of over 20 years, is extremely grateful to be in the position he’s in and when the phrase ‘living your best possible life’ pops up in conversation he affirms, “Yes, that’s exactly where we find ourselves thanks to (financial adviser) Lachlan Zimmer.” Not only does Lachlan count Shane and wife Kaylene as clients but several other family members too…Here, we learn about the evolution from a single client relationship to a broad, multi-generational family partnership.
Shane and Kaylene have been clients of Lachlan Zimmer’s for six years although they first sought financial advice over three decades ago when reviewing various insurance cover for their young family. For many years the Dignans were guided by a very capable and trusted financial adviser and it was upon his retirement that the couple found themselves under the care of the young new fella, Lachlan.
The dynamic was great from the outset and Shane says it’s a ‘no brainer’ to heap praise on Lachlan. One of the foundational elements that helped build trust was Lachlan’s honesty. Shane explains. “In the beginning if there was something Lachlan didn’t know, he would freely admit that. He’d just say, ‘I’ll find that out for you’ and he would, always. There’s never been an ounce of BS from him and over the years, we’ve seen him gain more and more experience in the many different aspects he needs to be across."
“Lachlan’s very measured in how he speaks and we have total faith in him, his knowledge and his abilities in managing our money. Also, his integrity is beyond reproach. It’s these traits that led us to referring my mum, mother-in-law, daughter, son-in-law and most recently, my brother, Lachlan’s way.”
Another facet that really impresses Shane is Lachlan’s ability to provide advice to those at such varied ages and stages in their lives. “Lachlan is amazing with everybody. In our family alone, he’s dealing from those who range from their thirties to their nineties! I know from my wife who is privy to the conversations Lachlan has with her mother that he’s absolutely brilliant.”
Naturally, Lachlan takes a tailor-made approach with clients reflective of their different needs and circumstances. With Shane and Kaylene the focus is on the best ways to proportion their money as well as strong opportunities for growth. The couple are in a position to consider more medium and high-risk pathways than say Shane’s elderly mother and mother-in-law whereby a low-risk strategic approach makes more sense. Shane and Kaylene have complete peace of mind in regards to their ongoing income stream now that they’re in the retirement phase of their lives. From their superannuation nest egg to the best tax benefits and other matters, Lachlan guides them accordingly.
As we know, Lachlan provides support to several Dignan family members. At 62, Shane’s younger brother is new to any kind of financial guidance but it’s a win-win situation for everyone.
“Thanks to Lachlan, my brother now realises he’s in a better financial position than he thought and is likely to retire earlier than expected which is excellent,” Shane says.
And speaking of retirement, Shane describes it as the ‘because we can’ stage in their lives. Shane and Kaylene have worked hard to get this period in their lives and are very much enjoying it. Grandparenting brings all the love but not the stress and responsibility that parenting did all those years ago (the pair spent 12 years running their own business where Shane would work 10-12 hour days, seven days a week.) “It’s hard to explain to anyone not in that position yet, just how much becoming a grandparent means. It’s fantastic to have the time and energy to dedicate to those two little boys who live just around the corner from us.”
Another ‘because we can’ conversation is travel. “Absolutely we’re going to travel more!” In the past six months the Dignans experienced Thailand and Japan. Italy on the agenda for mid next year. In the meantime, there will be quality shed time where Shane enjoys helping his ‘very creative wife’ with different projects. Retirement also means regular catch ups at the park to watch their grandsons run around like crazy as boys aged four and two do so well. Boys that one day may follow in the footsteps of their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents and talk finance with Lachlan Zimmer! It is the family tradition after all….
