What if we’ve been taught life backwards?

Most people spend 40+ hours a week, 48 weeks a year… working.

Add that up over a lifetime and it’s close to 80,000 hours, basically one-third of your entire life spent earning money.

Some work for passion.

Some for purpose.

Most… because that’s simply what we were shown growing up.

You work hard.

Buy the house.

Raise the family.

Pay off the mortgage.

Then, finally enjoy life in your 60s.

But here’s the uncomfortable truth I see every day:

It’s backwards.

Life shouldn’t start at 60.

Life should happen the whole way through.

And I learned this firsthand.

Three years ago, my wife and I decided to travel Australia with our three kids.

For three years leading up to departure, we sacrificed.

Less eating out, fewer holidays, no random spending — just focused, intentional choices. COVID locked downs made it easier...

Most people didn’t understand it at the time.

They thought we were crazy.

We said “no” to a lot of things.

But our goal: creating an adventure and memories with our kids, was so strong that nothing else mattered.

Was it worth it?

Ask my kids, who can still rattle off stories, camp spots, funny moments and adventures from that trip like it was yesterday.

Those memories will outlive every material thing we skipped.

And that’s what true financial planning is about.

Not restriction, direction.

So how do you build a life you don’t need a holiday from?

Here’s the simple 3P framework we use:

The 3P Framework for Real Freedom

Priorities

What truly matters to you?

Maybe you love your work — doctor, tradie, corporate, whatever. Great.

The key is making sure you still protect you.

Lock in your holidays.

Lock in your family/friend time.

Lock in your hobbies.

Put these in the calendar first, not when you “get time.”

Speaking of calendars, if you want our 2026 Master Plan Calendar to map your year out properly, reply with Calendar and I’ll send it to you.

Plan

Freedom isn’t random, it’s built.

If you want to take 6 months off, travel Australia, change careers or retire early, you need a map.

A freedom fund, clear milestones and money structured so it works harder than you do.

Whether it’s taking a year off or retiring early, planning is the bridge.

Patience

This is the part no one likes.

Some goals take years.

Progress feels slow… until suddenly you arrive and realise every step mattered.

Just ask anyone nearing retirement, the last decade feels long, but the payoff is enormous.

There’s a line I use often with clients:

“Time is the real currency, money is just the tool.”

The goal isn’t to choose between living well now or living well later.

It’s to build a rhythm that lets you do both.

If you’re feeling stuck, living too much for today or worrying too much about tomorrow then SMS with Freedom to 0483 937 777 and we’ll help you reset the balance or update your plan.

7Wealth Pty Ltd ABN 44609210246 is a Corporate Authorised Representatives and is authorised throughCobalt AdvisersPty Ltd ABN 64 628 654 099 who is an Australian Financial Services Licensee 512550. 7Wealth Pty Ltd is a Credit Representative ofAustralian Finance GroupLtd ABN 11 066 385 822 (AFG) Australian Credit Licence 389087.
This blog contains information that is general in nature. It does not constitute financial or taxation advice. The information does not take into account your objectives, needs and circumstances. We recommend that you obtain investment and taxation advice specific to your investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs before making any investment decision or acting on any of the information contained in this document. Subject to law, Cobalt Advisers Pty Ltd nor their directors, employees or authorised representatives, do not give any representation or warranty as to the reliability, accuracy or completeness of the information; or accepts any responsibility for any person acting, or refraining from acting, on the basis of the information contained in this document.