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"Thanks to Eluvia, we’re back on track."

After quarter of a century in the apparel industry, 51-year-old Simon Winter had to endure the angst of being made redundant. With jobs thin on the ground and a wife and three teenage sons to care for, Simon took a 180-degree career turn to begin his own business.

“I was working my way up the corporate ladder when I was made redundant in 2008. That was tough, experiencing all the stresses and strains that came with suddenly not having work. Fortunately we had investments in place with Eluvia – investments that provided a financial safety net to see our family through while I carved out a new career."

Simon began managing body corporates. Starting from zero in 2009 Simon now is the director of a considerably sized business run from his Melbourne home.

“Alliance Owners Corporation has been a tremendous success. Thanks to the new business and the investments made over the years with Eluvia's advice, we’re back on track.”

Rewind to 1988 when Simon was just 26 and had only been married a couple of years.

“We were looking for life insurance and were referred to Mark O'Leary. He discussed our aspirations and suggested we started saving for the future. Knowing we wanted kids, Mark forewarned we would face the most expensive period in our lives by 2015.”

Although that period seemed a long way off, Simon and Jane took Mark’s advice and commenced an investment strategy. They kept contributing and over time had an investment portfolio.

“We started off with life insurance. Next came income protection – for those times when Jane was home with the three children. Then there was the investment portfolio and superannuation.”

Mark’s business developed into what is now Eluvia, and kept addressing Simon’s long-term savings needs.

“There have been times when we’ve had to lean heavily on our investments. From buying a bigger house, to my wife taking time off to care for the kids, to when I was made redundant – we’ve been able to keep going back to the well to keep the whole thing afloat.”

Simon’s financial plan is now a more sophisticated model.

“We have a self managed superannuation fund, plus financial planning services such as wills and family trusts. Eluvia has set us up well.”

The last three years haven’t been without strain. There were times when Simon was looking to make tough financial decisions. Thanks to their investments, there were sufficient reserves to bridge the family through difficult times.

“Eluvia has always stayed up with our evolving needs – needs that have changed incredibly. The thing I’ve valued most is the advice we’ve received. Eluvia are much more than my financial advisers – they’re a trusted channel. The relationship will continue on – with the next generation at Eluvia and our next generation.”