We are here to empower you to live your best possible life through comprehensive financial advice. We do this by getting to know you and what is most important to you and developing a strategy tailored to your unique situation.
Invest Blue has a number of offices conveniently located in rural, coastal and city locations across QLD, NSW, ACT, TAS and VIC. All of our offices are supported by an operations team of technical advice, research, client experience, compliance and IT specialists.
Explore a range of topics to broaden your financial knowledge and access useful tools and resources to help you get a better understanding of your financial position and where you have the opportunity to make improvements.
Peter Courtelis has always been one to ‘save for a rainy day.’ He says he’s simply wired that way. His father set a great example, encouraging Peter to plan for the future and set aside some of his earnings. That practical approach has served Peter well, and he’s keen for his two sons to make small steps now to ensure their longer-term financial security.
Here, Peter shares his Invest Blue experience and explains why they’re the right company to guide three generations of his family.
Peter crossed paths with Sydney-based financial planner Steve Fort (now Director and Head of Financial Planning) over 15 years ago when Steve worked closely with Peter’s mum, Toni. Steve proved tremendously helpful to Toni, especially after Peter’s father passed away. And all these years on, Steve continues to look after her financial affairs. Last year saw a significant shift for Toni when she moved out of her home and into an aged care facility.
Steve arranged for a colleague from the Brisbane office who specialises in supporting those transitioning into aged care to help with all the ins and outs. Peter describes such support as ‘extremely valuable.’
EXPLORE OUR AGED CARE RESOURCES
Gain a better understanding of your retirement strategy and plan for a comfortable future. Start now.
When asked why Invest Blue is the right fit for Toni, Peter, wife Julie and their two sons, Chris and Issac, the answer is simple. “For me, it comes down to a level of trust,”
Peter says before adding, “Steve’s a big part of why we’re with Invest Blue. We started with him, and we’ve built up a great rapport.”
From the outset, Peter was clear on the big picture. The goal was to build and secure a nest egg for him and Julie, enabling them to continue their existing lifestyle long into retirement.
Peter says Steve made some helpful recommendations on how to invest his superannuation best, and for some time now, the focus has been on maximising Peter and Julie’s savings and building on their managed fund portfolio.
With their sights firmly on the future, things simply tick along smoothly.
Thinking ahead is also something Peter encourages his boys to do. At 28 and 26, respectively, they’re making their own way in the world, but their father’s ‘save for a rainy day’ strategy is one they’re actively on board with – perhaps one more willingly than the other! Peter describes his sons’ perspective on money as ‘chalk and cheese.’ His eldest has cleared his HECS debt and is a great saver, whilst the other, a fine dining chef currently based in Canada, is an excellent spender. Needless to say, the son Peter took along to chat with Invest Blue first (back in 2016) was the chef!
Peter explains why it’s important for young people to have financial guidance.
“I’ve always been mindful of having money set aside for the future, and I don’t want our kids to look back in 10 years and think, ‘What have I done with all the money I earned?’
Peter’s proud to be able to give the boys a ‘bit of a leg up.’ “It’s money they don’t miss at the moment. It simply comes out of their pay before it hits their bank accounts.
Peter and Julie enjoy cocktails together
Julie and Peter are empty nesters with their sons based interstate and overseas. Peter sounds pretty content about it, too. Both love their home of many years in the Blue Mountains area. The pair enjoy pottering in the garden and getting away for weekends. Peter works full-time (often from home) as an engineering manager for a large multinational company but intends to reduce work in the years ahead. Julie is with the NSW Department of Education. The plan is to continue working for some time, yet…after all, there are fabulous travels to pay for!
Enjoying overseas travel, particularly in the next five years whilst they’re in such good health is a top priority for the couple. Covid interrupted certain plans, but the Courtelis’ have long been intent on having at least one overseas trip every year. Sailing in the Greek Islands and exploring the beautiful places that line the Mediterranean Sea remains one of their most loved adventures. And with Isaac currently based in the British Columbian town of Whistler, Canada tops the wish list for late 2023. Chris hopes to join everyone in Vancouver before they make their way to Whistler – it’s part of the family’s endeavour to meet up in cities of the world they’ve never been to before.
Peter’s family grabs lunch together
For Peter and Julie, ‘living their best possible life’ means having the financial means to preserve the lifestyle they enjoy, travel included, for many years to come.
“Our investment portfolio means there’s a nest egg to support us for a long while,” says Peter.
If that’s the case, these two are just getting started….
We’d love to make your financial dreams a reality. Book a chat below if you would like to speak with one of our Financial Planners about your situation or retirement plan.
Want a Complimentary Consultation?
Fill in the form for a complimentary consultation with a Financial Adviser and start living your best possible life.
What you need to know:
This information is provided by Invest Blue Pty Ltd (ABN 91 100 874 744). The information contained in this article is of general nature only and does not take into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person. Therefore, before making any decision, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice with regards to those matters and seek personal financial, tax and/or legal advice prior to acting on this information. Read our Financial Services Guide for information about our services, including the fees and other benefits that AMP companies and their representatives may receive in relation to products and services provided to you.
These clients have agreed to share their stories. Everyone’s situation is different, so their choices and outcomes will be different to yours. Consider your circumstances before deciding what’s right for you.
The way I am treated by Luke (and Steve in the background) is fantastic. He listens to what I'm saying and is able to talk about what we had planned as in trips/visions/purchases between visits...thank you for the effective and considerate team you have
Tania & Wayne
65 countries and counting testimonial
After working for many years as a teacher and special educator, Jenny was able to fulfill her dream of an early retirement and travelling the world.
“Having a financial planner, getting structures in place and having my money looked at and looked after, has given me the opportunity to retire in a way that I’m comfortable. I know that I’m going to be ok and that moving forward, my money will be looked after.”
Jenny Abraham
A new chapter in the Sunshine State
“I realise that I’m in a much better position now because of Shaun’s guidance. In hindsight, I should have had gone to him sooner than I did but it all worked out. I’m secure in my financial position and have great peace of mind. I now have more financial control, better quality of living and I have choices, too. No longer having a mortgage or any need to panic about bills is hugely important to me.”
Carol Willis
Caring Hands testimonial
Sonia has spent over thirty years looking after others. Now with her financial independence thanks to help from Invest Blue, she is able to enjoy the things she loves most.
“Invest Blue know my profile and Julian respects it if I’m not ready to do something. He is easy to talk to and explains things in a way I understand. And I like his laugh too.”
Sonia Guernieri
Deeds please testimonial
With help from Coffs Harbour Financial Planner Ben Warren, the Lynch family have significantly reduced their debt, purchased a new car, had a holiday to Fiji and are working towards gaining the Deeds to their Home.
“Ben has an outstanding knowledge of financial matters, backed up by the many letters after his name. His advice and guidance has been fantastic. He is a genuine person who really takes ownership in seeing his clients succeed.”
Matt & Lynda Lynch
From early setback to marking milestones in Fiji
“Michael really knows his stuff. As well as being very knowledgeable, he’s a lovely person. He explains everything in layman’s terms and never talks down to me."
Lyn Morrison
Striding ahead testimonial
Peter Madirazza is making strides, setting and achieving goals with his running and at times covering 40km a week. Peter and his wife Karen are also making some great strides financially by setting their family up for the longer-term with thanks to their fifteen year relationship with Invest Blue’s Steve Sewell.
Peter & Karen Madirazza
Losing life's great love testimonial
“I cannot begin to imagine how much harder everything would have been in losing Lindsay if the family faced financial uncertainty as well. Without insurance policies in place, I would have had to sell our home, return to full-time work and remove the girls from their existing school. My heart breaks for people out there in this situation. I know that the grief of losing your loved one is a heavy enough burden to bear without the added weight of financial worries.”
Tracey Diefenbach
“I would never go anywhere else”
“Adam has made everything so much easier and whilst I know he relates well to everyone and is super professional, he’s always had a special bond with Jeremy and me. He even put up with my husband’s potty mouth!”
