Real Life Case Study: Futureproofing Your Finances - From Solo Success to Family Prosperity
- Future Accounting
- Sep 2
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 3
Written by: Melissa Cunliffe
From single entrepreneur to family provider - a real life example of financial futureproofing
From individual to family – a life transformed
As an accountant who truly believes in the philosophy of health, wealth, and prosperity for all, nothing is more rewarding than helping clients futureproof their finances as their lives evolve.
Several years ago, I began working with a driven and focused client who was running a growing business through a company in their own name. At that time, the structure was perfect - simple, effective, and ideal for a single person managing their own affairs.
But life doesn’t stand still, and neither should your financial structures. Over the years, I watched with pride as my client’s world changed - from being single and focused on business to now being engaged, planning a wedding, and expecting their first child. This exciting new chapter presented the perfect opportunity to reflect, review, and futureproof their financial and business structures to support their family’s future, not just their present.
Identifying the need for financial futureproofing
A thorough review revealed that while the company was still performing strongly, the shareholder remained the individual. Although this was suitable at the start, it no longer provided the flexibility or protection their evolving life required.
I recommended adding a family trust as the new shareholder - a strategic futureproofing step with multiple advantages:
Flexibility in dividend distribution - distributing income in the most tax-efficient manner among the beneficiaries.
Estate planning - ensuring assets can be passed on smoothly in line with their wishes.
Succession planning - making a way for children or relatives to be involved in the future.
Asset protection - especially important with a growing family and increasing responsibilities.
Timing is everything – strategic capital gains minimisation
Adding a trust as a shareholder involves a deemed sale of shares by the individual, which can trigger capital gains tax. With maternity leave approaching and taxable income set to drop significantly for the current financial year, the timing was perfect.
By acting now, we minimised the tax impact of the capital gain, aligning the transaction with a lower-income period and reducing the overall tax burden. This smart timing not only served their short-term needs but also futureproofed their long-term success.
More than just numbers – a partnership for life
To me, accounting goes way beyond just balancing the books, it’s about guiding clients through major life changes with steady confidence. That recent process? It wasn’t just a simple restructure. It really highlighted how personal growth needs to be matched with smart, forward-thinking financial planning.
By being proactive, actively hearing, and looking toward the bigger picture, we’ve positioned this client and their family throughout life for long-term health, wealth, and success with proper foundations which are better equipped to adapt and accommodate them as things progress.
Want to futureproof your finances and have a plan that evolves with you? Arrange your private consultation with us.
Your future self will thank you.
Disclaimer
This article does not constitute financial advice and is for general information only. It does not take into account any individual’s personal objectives, situation or needs, and is not intended as professional advice. Any similarity to an individual’s personal circumstances and the examples provided in this article is purely coincidental. Any person acting upon such information without receiving specific advice, does so entirely at their own risk.
Authorisation under an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL) is not required in the provision of this article and the author plus Future Accounting Group Pty Ltd is not acting in its capacity as an Australian Financial Services Licence holder
Liability limited by a scheme approved under professional standards legislation.
