For my 40th birthday my wife and I travelled to Sydney to enjoy lunch at Peter Gilmore’s Quay restaurant.  This is the home of the snow egg as featured on MasterChef a couple of seasons ago.  We enjoyed some interesting food and also tried some of the elements separately but found they were much better when combined.  For example, the milk skin and soured cream tasted pretty bad on their own but, when combined with the other elements of the dish, together they tasted delicious.  This can also be seen in any other number of dishes where the right combination of ingredients – herbs, spices, sweet, savoury, bitter and sour, can make a brilliant meal, but alone they may be unpalatable.

This is similar to the advice process in that you can gather information about each of the elements, however, the value is in combining these and monitoring them over time.  In the connected world, it is easier than ever to look up the super contribution laws, tax laws and find cashflow tips.  The key value an adviser adds (much like a chef) comes with the combination of skill and deep knowledge of the elements, how they interact and what is the most appropriate mix for right now.  They will also consider any changes that may occur in the future.  This relates both to legislation or rules, and also personal changes.  A good adviser will be able to see the big picture and know how to combine the elements now and as things change, seeing the plan and alternative options.  They will continually balance the advantages and disadvantages of the different combinations, making changes as required.

Sure, you can cook your own meal, but you will often get better results by following a recipe.  In the advice world, this is the plan created specifically for you by an adviser who fully understands your personal goals and objectives.  It should always be about what you want to achieve, much like selecting your preferred dish from the menu, and then letting the chef create it.

When have you experienced the combination being much better than the elements alone?

The image is: Quay – Raw smoked Blackmore wagyu, fresh dory roe, horseradish juice, soured cream, milk skin, Photo: Adam Massey

About Food & Finance Guy

I started blogging as Food & Finance Guy to blend food with financial education.  The mix will hopefully create a delicious taste sensation, be a little bit of fun, and increase our knowledge.

I am a Brisbane-based Financial Adviser with more than 14 years experience working with professionals to achieve financial freedom.  I have clients across Brisbane, including from Ashgrove, The Gap, Kenmore and Chapel Hill and further afield across Australia.

Sometimes people don’t really understand their financial situation – whether that be their personal cash flow, wealth creation or retirement plan, and this puts their lifestyle at risk.  I partner with professionals so that they feel empowered to make the best financial choices for them, their family and their career.

A great first step to preparing for your retirement is to book a cost and obligation free Financial Gap Strategy Session by clicking the link below.  This is a free phone call at a time that suits you to discuss what you are working to achieve and discuss how I may be able to help.

If you would care to share your experience with me, please comment below!