The average age of a New Zealand farmer is 58-years-old. Most of these hard working men and women of the land are approaching retirement without a well-planned exit strategy in place. This book tackles each and every difficult issue facing farmers today u from selling the farm and getting the right price, preparing the family and safeguarding the farm's future, to life after the farm and investing their hardearned money. Farming is a complete and absorbing lifestyle, as well as a way of life. How does one get ready to drive their last fencepost, and most likely leave their home, their work, and maybe their community? * Will the farm be sold? * Who will inherit the farm? * What about the other siblings in terms of fairness? * Where will Mum and Dad go? * What will they do after leading active lives and farming is all they know? * What will they do for income? Will there be a conflict with capital used for the farm? * What if the young inheritor's relationship fails u will the farm be split or lost from the family? * How will Mum and Dad invest for the coming decades? All these questions and more are answered in this essential and helpful financial guide for farmers. Joan Baker helps to lead farmers in the direction of a fulfilling and happy retirement.

About the Author

Joan Baker's background in business consulting, in senior management, marketing, and human resources has been invaluable in giving her a deep appreciation of the opportunities and challenges facing today's farming community. Living as she does in the heart of Central Otago, Joan has been involved in advising many in the rural sector as they prepare for retirement. She is adept at managing change at both an individual level and in the wider context.

Table of Contents

What's stopping you? -- Communicate! -- Treating siblings fairly -- Family meetings -- Identifying and preparing your successor -- Getting ready for change -- The numbers game -- Investing off-farm -- Reallocating your wealth -- Income after your last fencepost -- Wills, trusts and succession -- Prescription or discretion? -- Family trust basics -- Being prescriptive -- Getting good advice