FLOURISHING AFTER 50: Leading money educator Vanessa Stoykov joins Daily Mail Australia to answer questions about how to financially prepare for the best years of YOUR life

If you’re a Gen Xer or, like me, a baby boomer, you’ve probably noticed that life is more like The Breakfast Club, only a little different.

Once upon a time, we were rebels and dreamers, fighting our way through high school cliques and making our mark on the soundtrack of Don’t You (Forget About Me).

And now, today, we are still the same people, but now we are juggling adult or teenage children, aging parents, and financial pressures including mortgages or rent. The stakes are higher, but the spirit of our youth is still very much alive.

I’m Vanessa Stoykov, a financial advisor with over 30 years’ experience helping Australians make good financial and life decisions.

With my new column Flourishing After 50, appearing every Sunday, I’m here to help you figure out how to live a more fulfilling and exciting life—even with all the challenges we face. After all, we’re not slowing down! We’re not “pre-retirees” about to call it quits, and we don’t want to be labeled that way. There’s still so much life to live, so much to do, and yes, so much fun to be had.

We’re not done yet

Just like in our youth, when we didn’t want to be pigeonholed, many of us in our 50s feel the same way. Yes, we’re responsible for a lot, but that doesn’t mean we’re ready to stop enjoying life. From reconnecting with old friends to finding new hobbies, we want to stay active and live a vibrant life, without feeling weighed down by the pressures of daily responsibilities.

It’s definitely a juggling act. Whether you’re still working, supporting kids in your 20s, or helping elderly parents, it can be easy to let your own happiness take a back seat. But here’s the thing: we have to make time for ourselves. We have to put our health and happiness first. I can personally attest to that. When I turned 49, I decided to try Pilates. Now, at 51, I feel stronger and more confident than ever. It was one of the best investments I’ve ever made.

Your financial questions answered

Send your questions to Vanessa at floringafter50@dailymail.com.au.

One of the biggest stressors for people in their 50s is money. We’re still paying off debt, juggling family costs and wondering how we’re going to manage our superannuation. It’s a lot and sometimes it feels overwhelming.

That’s why I’m here. Flourishing After 50, in partnership with Daily Mail Australia, is more than just a column about managing your finances; it’s a place to ask the questions that keep you up at night.

Whether it’s the smartest ways to tackle multiple debts, managing a large mortgage, or preparing for retirement without giving up the pleasures of life, I encourage you to ask your questions.

It is possible to live a happy and balanced life, even with the pressures of large mortgages, juggling the costs of family life and financial worries about retirement, says Vanessa

Not only will I answer them, but my large circle of financial advisors are more than happy to share their expertise. Together, we have the answers to help you thrive financially—and to show you that it’s possible to live a happy, balanced life, even when things get complicated. And for the best question of the week, we’ll send you a free copy of my book, The Breakfast Club for 40-Somethings.

If you are looking for ways to improve your financial well-being, I have free resources on my website that can helpFrom blogs to videos, there’s plenty of guidance available to help you make smarter financial decisions. I also offer online learning courses designed for people in their 50s who want to ditch old money habits and embrace a healthier, wealthier future.