For Carola, financial independence and personal growth have been at the core of her story with Navigate Advisory.
Over more than 30 years, she has navigated career development, personal transitions, and built a future that aligns with her vision of a great life. Today Dr Carola, who was Head of Department at a major Sydney hospital (for almost 20 years), is looking at the next stage of her life working towards semi-retirement.
Carola has been a client of Managing Director Harry Moustakas (and now Navigate Advisory) since 1993, engaging with various financial services that have supported her through different life stages.
From consolidating superannuation accounts as a young doctor to managing more complex financial transitions during separation, Carola’s financial story has been deeply intertwined with Navigate’s guidance.
Thank you, Carola, for chatting with us today, we would love to hear how Navigate Advisory supports you.
“For the first many years, it was good to know that there was somebody that I could ask for advice and we had sort of regular meetings,” Carola explains.
“But it really became much more important and vital heading towards my separation and coming to a financial agreement so I could keep my home. Most recently, I have moved towards transition to semi-retirement. So I have been working with the team to create a plan.”
And what does it mean to live a great life for you?
“The first thing I would say is living a great life means being and feeling connected to my family, my friends, and the community on different levels,” says Carola.
“And personally, to continue to grow and learn. To be able to support myself – being independent – and being able to support the people that are close to me as well as the community in whatever form that takes. And to leave this world a better place essentially.”
Financial independence has been a cornerstone value for Carola throughout her life, influenced by her mother who ensured equal opportunities for all her children.
Before working with Harry and the team, what were the financial challenges you were facing?
Carola shares: “I’ve come from Germany and in the public health sector, you automatically get subscribed to different state supers, plus I had started a super account in Germany. It was just confusing. My issue was how do I consolidate some of this and what’s the best option for me?”
How has Navigate Advisory helped you since?
“Harry and the team have been terrific. I remember at one point in this separation process, Harry just said, ‘don’t worry, you’ll be fine.’ And that just really took some of the stress levels down in a very stressful time,” says Carola.
“Because I’ve known Harry for so long, there is a great deal of trust and knowing the quality of his work and his authenticity, that is transferred to other members of the team. That builds confidence and decreases stress levels in an area that is not my area of expertise. It’s been a very helpful working relationship.”
How do you feel about your financial future now?
“I’m well supported financially, I can support myself and the small mortgage I have, I can pay off over the next couple of years. And then I’ve basically got my super and my pension fund to live and to do what I want to do,” says Carola.
She emphasises the importance of financial independence, particularly for women: “Financial independence is probably the most important foundation for women to be able to speak up. I also support younger women in my life, particularly in my professional life, to focus on that.”
Are there any goals you’ve achieved that you didn’t think were possible before?
While Carola has always had confidence in her ability to support herself professionally, the guidance from Navigate Advisory has helped her navigate complex life transitions with confidence.
“Having solid financial advice has meant minimal stress. I’ve never had to get into the weeds of financial management. Because my finances are being managed by professionals who know far more than I do,” Carola reflects.
What are your next steps? How will you continue to live your great life?
For Carola, the next chapter is about exploring new passions while continuing to contribute to society.
“I’m at the moment on long service leave after stepping down from a leadership position. I do a lot of big choral singing – we’re singing at the Opera House in three weeks. I’ll also be spending more time with my son who’s getting married at the end of the year, visiting family in Germany, and I’ve got a new partner who lives in Tasmania,” says Carola.
“It’s exciting, but I’m also looking for other ways I can contribute to society with my expertise and my experience at this point in my life. So within New South Wales Health or within the government in areas like climate change sustainability, to do with health. That’s what excites me.”
Carola’s experience shows that financial confidence isn’t just about numbers – it’s about freedom, growth, and a life well-lived. Her long-standing relationship with Navigate Advisory has given her the clarity to embrace life on her terms, knowing she has the right team supporting her every step of the way.
If you’re looking for financial confidence, book in a call. We would love to see how we can help you get closer to your great life.