Client Story 3: Cassie

Living Well in Retirement with Confidence and Care

Background

Cassie was introduced to EWK Private Wealth around 2003 through a trusted family connection. At the time, Cassie was looking for more than just financial advice, she was seeking someone she could trust to help bring clarity and structure to her financial life.

An only child who had been caring for her elderly mother, Cassie wanted to ensure she was financially organised, in control, and free to enjoy life without worry.

Summary of Client Issues

Cassie had investments and super spread across various accounts, managed by an adviser she didn’t connect with. She felt disconnected from her financial strategy and wanted someone who could help her understand and simplify it.

An inherited property had become a burden, and she had limited records for the estate, creating uncertainty about future tax implications. Most importantly, Cassie wanted a trusted relationship and a plan she could feel good about.

Risks and Concerns

Cassie’s key concerns centred on:

• Feeling out of control and unsupported in her financial decisions.
• Managing the capital gains tax implications on her inherited property.
• Planning for her future, including estate and superannuation considerations.
• Making financial decisions that reflected her values—supporting family, living simply, and enjoying meaningful experiences.

The Reason to Take Action

Cassie was ready for change. She wanted her affairs to be in order, her finances to be tax-efficient, and her life to be stress-free.

When her mother passed away, she also needed support navigating the estate transition and taking control of the family home.

EWK Role

With EWK’s guidance, Cassie:

• Sold the inherited property and maximised tax efficiency through strategic use of superannuation.
• Transitioned her mother’s estate seamlessly and updated her own estate plans with a trusted female lawyer.
• Established an efficient financial structure that requires minimal oversight, with strong cashflow and no tax payable for over two decades.
• Now receives substantial annual tax and GST refunds and has structured flexibility to invest further if needed.

Outcomes

Today, Cassie lives comfortably and independently in her home. She qualifies for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card and is not reliant on Centrelink.

Her life is on “autopilot”—financially secure, tax-efficient, and tailored to support the things she loves: travel, helping family, and enjoying time with friends.

She has peace-of-mind knowing everything is in place, and the freedom to truly “smell the roses” along the way.