รรอลสำฦต

Students Bonnie and Jarrod at AMP University Challenge
Students Bonnie and Jarrod at AMP University Challenge

Financial advice key to a wholesome life

Financial advice key to a wholesome life

รรอลสำฦต student wins prestigious industry competition: the AMP University Challenge

University should be the school of life. Thatโ€™s why courses at the รรอลสำฦต (รรอลสำฦต) present students with real-life problems to tackle as part of their assignments.

Recently, รรอลสำฦต financial planning students had an opportunity โ€“ alongside their peers from Central Queensland University, Deakin University, Griffith University, TAFE NSW, Charles Sturt University and Western Sydney University โ€“ to take part in an industry-oriented competition, , as a part of their FIN329 subject.

During the challenge, the students were tested on their technical knowledge, had to undertake a mock advice interview with two clients and delivered a presentation on how to best advise their clients. The stakes were high, as the final five challengers competed for generous prizes: $5000 for 1st place, $2500 for 2nd, $1000 for 3rd, $700 for 4th and $500 for the 5th.

This year, two รรอลสำฦต students, Bonnie Oโ€™Donnell and Jarrod Walter, were selected among the top five finalists. And after yesterdayโ€™s virtual finals, Bonnie won 1st place in the competition, with Jarrod taking third place.

Dr Sarah Wang, who teaches at UOW, congratulated the students on their success.

โ€œReaching the finals of this prestigious industry-hosted competition is already a great achievement. And taking the first and the third position is a massive success. Bonnie and Jarrod have a real passion for learning and were my most engaged students. I am very proud of them,โ€ Dr Wang said.

For this yearโ€™s competition, all the students were asked to prepare a financial plan for a couple in their 40s who are learning to navigate their finances. They had to factor in some life challenges like illness, a traumatic event, or a common issue of how to pay the mortgage faster and get the biggest balance at retirement.

The winner, Bonnie Oโ€™Donnell, managed to help the hypothetical couple save $250,000 in interest on their home loan while paying it off 13 years faster. She also managed to increase their super balance at retirement by $40,000 without any extra contributions and implement affordable insurance, so they were protected in case of an unforeseen event.

Bonnie is a student of at UOW and a full-time firefighter for Fire Rescue NSW. After she graduates, Bonnie plans to become an ethical-first financial adviser, focusing on contributing to the wellness of her community.

โ€œI live in the Sutherland Shire and am lucky to attend the Loftus Campus for my study. I love studying here! The University supported me through my change of major (from accounting to financial planning) and has provided a friendly environment to learn in, plenty of one-on-one time with tutors and constant campus engagement activities,โ€ Bonnie said.

The student stays very modest about her success, saying that it only demonstrates how important access to financial planning is for people.

โ€œSeeing a financial planner may seem daunting for a low-middle income earner. But this task challenged us to use available free resources online to see if we could improve the clientโ€™s financial situation.

โ€œI realised that good financial advice can make a massive difference in peopleโ€™s lives. And itโ€™s not just for the benefit of those with significant amounts to invest. Sound knowledge of finances is integral to any person having a wholesome and fulfilling life,โ€ Bonnie said.