Stuart Westhoff

Kothes Financial Planning director Stuart Westhoff says the key to successful wealth and retirement planning is a combination of strategy, risk management and experience.

“In my experience over the past couple of decades, creating wealth and achieving retirement goals works extremely well when someone gets credible advice and is kept on track by regular reviews. Keeping abreast of the ever-changing laws around superannuation and tax is paramount as tax is one of the biggest expenses we have.”

Stuart travels to the seven Kothes offices in Bega, Merimbula, Eden, Bombala, Bermagui, Cooma and Jindabyne to meet with Kothes Financial Planning clients.

Stuart has been a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^® professional for more than 20 years, a career he moved into after working in tax and business accounting, specialising in tax law.

He says financial planning starts with investigating the many options and strategies that are available.

“It is important for people to take the time to understand the many variables, including tax, when making decisions.”

He says it’s also never too early to have a financial plan.

“It’s never too early to start planning for your retirement, the power of compounding ties in nicely with starting early and having a long-term plan.”

Stuart’s value of always acting in their client’s best interest, has held him in good stead throughout his career.

“I’m also enjoying working with a large firm of professional accountants which is almost like an extended family as my father was an accountant and my wife Melissa is also an accountant.”

Stuart has family connections in Tura Beach and Pambula, and has also spent a lot of time in Jindabyne. With a passion for football, water sports and skiing, he enjoys being actively involved in the local community having played and coached rugby union as well as being the trainer, strapper and water boy for his son’s league team.